Week 17 - 2026
MALAYSIA’S TRADE REMAINS ROBUST, RISES TO RM273 BILLION IN MARCH
NST, 18/04/2026 & The Sun, 21/04/2026
Malaysia’s trade performance remained strong in March 2026, supported by continued expansion in both exports and imports. Total trade rose by 9.3% year-on-year from RM249.8 billion to RM273 billion, driven by stronger growth of exports (+8.3%) valued at RM148.8 billion and imports (+10.4%) amounting to RM124.2 billion. The trade surplus decreased by 0.9% to RM24.6 billion in March 2026.
Exports increased in March 2026, supported by growth in both re-exports and domestic exports. Re-exports, which accounted for 25.5% of total exports, rose by 38.3% year-on-year to RM37.9 billion. Meanwhile, domestic exports, contributing 74.5% of total exports, expanded by 0.9% to RM110.9 billion. Correspondingly, imports increased to RM124.2 billion, registering a rise of 10.4%. The trade surplus decreased by 0.9% to RM24.6 billion, marking the 71st consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.
The rise in exports was primarily underpinned by increased shipments to the United States (+RM4.2 billion), followed by Taiwan (+RM3.1 billion), Hong Kong (+RM1.8 billion), Vietnam (+RM1.6 billion), Mexico (+RM1.5 billion), South Korea (+RM1.4 billion) and China (+RM1.1 billion). The import rise largely reflected higher inflows originating from China (+RM6.9 billion), followed by Singapore (+RM3.6 billion), South Korea (+RM1.5 billion), Vietnam (+RM1.4 billion), Taiwan (+RM1.4 billion), United States (+RM1 billion) and Switzerland (+RM777 million).
Export growth was anchored by heightened shipments of E&E products (+RM9.4 billion), other manufactures (+RM2.4 billion), petroleum products (+RM1.8 billion), optical & scientific equipment (+RM1.5 billion), manufacture of metal (+RM1.2 billion) and metalliferous ores & metal scrap (+RM1.1 billion). Concurrently, imports corresponded with stronger inflows of E&E products (+RM12.2 billion), machinery, equipment & parts (+RM2 billion), metalliferous ores & metal scrap (+RM1.1 billion), manufacture of metal (+RM1 billion), optical & scientific equipment (+RM745.4 million) and petroleum products (+RM494.3 million).
Total trade noted a double-digit increase by 10.4%, from RM715.7 billion to RM789.8 billion, in line with the rise in exports (+12.7%) as well as imports (+7.7%). Moreover, the trade surplus expanded by 54.0% to post a value of RM63.2 billion.
DOSM: MALAYSIA’S INFLATION UP MODESTLY TO 1.7% IN MARCH
The Sun, 18/04/2026
Malaysia’s inflation increased modestly to 1.7% in March 2026, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbing to 136.4 from 134.1 a year earlier. Inflation in March 2026 was mainly driven by an increase in the transport group to 1.6% from -0.7% in February 2026. Inflation was also driven by increases in the personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services group, which rose by 7% (February 2026: 6.9%).
The insurance and financial services group recorded 4.9% (February 2026: 4.7%); alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 2.7% (February 2026: 2.6%); restaurant and accommodation services, 2.6% (February 2026: 2.5%); health, 1.4% (February 2026: 1.2%); information and communication, 1.4% (February 2026: 0.5%); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 1.2% (February 2026: 1.1%); and recreation, sport and culture, 1%, (February 2026: 0.8%).
The food and beverages group, which contributes 29.8% to the total CPI weight, registered inflation of 1.1% in March 2026 (February 2026: 1.3%). Inflation for the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels group increased to 1.2% in March 2026 compared with 1.1% in February 2026.
Meanwhile, the average price for diesel in Peninsular Malaysia increased to RM4.12 per litre compared with RM2.98 per litre in February 2026. However, the average price of diesel for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remained at RM2.15 per litre. The average market price of unleaded petrol RON95 increased to RM3.16 per litre (February 2026: RM2.55 per litre), compared with the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre.
Eight states recorded inflation above the national rate of 1.7% – Pahang (2.5%), Labuan (2.4%), Negeri Sembilan (2.2%), Kuala Lumpur (2.2%), Sabah (2.1%), Johor (2%), Kedah (1.9%) and Penang (1.8%). Month-on-month, headline inflation in March 2026 increased to 0.3% compared with 0.2% in February 2026.
KELANTAN'S SULTAN ISMAIL PETRA AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION READY BY 2027 FOR LONG-HAUL TRAVEL
The Edge, 18/04/2026
The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) runway extension project, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The existing 2,400-metre runway is already sufficient for flights to Asean countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, which typically take between two and three hours. The extended runway will enable longer-haul flights of about five to six hours, to China or South Korea in the future. The improved connectivity would attract more visitors to Kelantan and further boost the state’s tourism sector. Currently, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Batik Air Malaysia operate flights to Kota Bharu, with a total of 125 weekly flights covering six key destinations, namely Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Penang and Subang.
PKNS AWARDS WAWASAN DENGKIL WITH RM22.7 MILLION JOB TO BUILD RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN SEPANG
The Edge, 23/04/2026
Wawasan Dengkil Holdings Bhd announced that it has secured a RM22.7 million contract to build residential units in Sepang, Selangor. The letter of acceptance (LOA) was given to its wholly owned subsidiary Wawasan Dengkil Sdn Bhd (WDSB) from the Selangor State Development Corp (PKNS). As per the contract, the construction firm’s unit will be responsible for the construction and completion of 56 single-storey residential units. Works are scheduled to commence on June 8, and completion is expected on Oct 24, 2027.
A1 AK KOH TO BUY LAND IN PUCHONG FOR RM16.7 MILLION TO SET UP NEW CENTRAL OFFICE
The Edge, 20/04/2026 & The Star, 21/04/2026
A1 AK Koh Group Bhd plans to acquire a one-acre land in Puchong Jaya for RM16.73 million cash to develop its new regional sales and marketing office for central Peninsular Malaysia. The group via its wholly-owned unit AK Koh Enterprise Sdn Bhd is purchasing the leasehold land from Qualitypack Properties Sdn Bhd. The land comes with development approvals for a commercial complex and is earmarked for the construction of a five-storey building with an estimated gross floor area of about 29,000 sq. ft. The acquisition aligns with its needs for larger and more suitable premises as its operations and workforce in the central region have expanded in recent years.
WTEC TO BUY FACTORY BUILDING IN SEMENYIH FOR RM10.8 MILLION
The Edge, 18/04/2026
WTEC Group Bhd a foam and fabric products maker, plans to buy a detached factory with office property in Semenyih, Selangor, as part of its manufacturing operation consolidation plan. The group inked a letter of offer on Friday to purchase the asset from Athens Park Machineries Sdn Bhd for RM10.8 million. The move is in line with its plan to consolidate some of its existing manufacturing operations from its existing four facilities into one new factory. To support this plan, the company proposes to acquire a fully constructed, ready-built factory located in Kajang, Selangor, or Semenyih, Selangor.
ECOWORLD SELLS FINAL QUANTUM EDGE PARCELS FOR RM280.8M TO DATA CENTRE OPERATOR
The Edge, 24/04/2026
Eco World Development Group Bhd is disposing of 49.588 acres of industrial land at its QUANTUM Edge industrial park in Kulai, Johor, to a hyperscale data centre operator for RM280.8 million. The property developer via its wholly-owned subsidiary Eco Business Park 6 Sdn Bhd had entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with KNBDC Malaysia Five Sdn Bhd for the sale of the two parcels of land. KNBDC was acquiring the final two industrial land parcels at QUANTUM Edge, joining existing occupants Microsoft and Princeton Digital Group.
EcoWorld launched the QUANTUM industrial park series in 2024 as a dedicated platform for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, high-tech manufacturing and research and development tenants, distinct from its conventional industrial parks. Its first project under the concept was the 403-acre Eco Business Park VI in Kulai, which was rebranded as QUANTUM Edge. At the time of the launch, Microsoft Payments (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd had purchased 123 acres of land within the park for RM402.3 million, positioning QUANTUM Edge as one of the largest digital and high-tech hubs by a private developer in Malaysia.
GAMUDA BAGS RM1.72 BIL HYPERSCALE DATA CENTRE JOB IN PORT DICKSON
The Edge, 17/04/2026 & NST, 18/04/2026
Gamuda Bhd has secured a RM1.72 billion contract to build a hyperscale data centre in Port Dickson. The group via its wholly owned unit, Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd, was awarded the build-only contract by a US-based multinational technology company. The project entails the construction of a single-storey hyperscale data centre, including site infrastructure works, core and shell building, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) fit-out. Construction is slated to begin in 2Q26, with completion targeted for 1Q28.
SUNWAY CONSTRUCTION WINS RM1.75 BILLION DATA CENTRE JOB IN SERENDAH
The Edge, 17/04/2026 & NST, 18/04/2026
Sunway Construction Group Bhd has secured a RM1.75 billion data centre job. The company, via its wholly owned unit Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd, inked a construction agreement with “an international hyperscaler” on Friday for the development of a hyperscale data centre in Serendah, Selangor. The scope of works includes core and shell structures, campus infrastructure, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) fit-out works. The contract spans two years from 3Q26 to 3Q28.
MELAKA DEVELOPING HALAL HUB 2.0 TO ATTRACT RM100 MILLION IN INVESTMENTS
The Edge, 17/04/2026
The Melaka government is positioning the state as a competitive international halal hub by establishing the Melaka Halal Hub 2.0 in Serkam. The initiative is driven by demand from international investors, including those from Japan and China, who view Melaka as a prime location for a regional halal hub. The RM35 million project, developed on an area of nearly 19.42 hectares, is also expected to attract investments of up to RM100 million. The project is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will feature 64 double-story terrace factories, 17 industrial lots, and modern facilities that meet current halal industry standards. For the current phase, the state government aims to attract at least 10 strategic investors and 45 local entrepreneurs to support a more sustainable and competitive halal ecosystem. The development could create over 2,000 job opportunities for the people in the state.
Halal Hub 2.0 will also serve as a strategic platform for human capital development through the implementation of training and certification programmes, including compliance with the 'Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri' (MeSTI) certification scheme, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards.
ES SUNLOGY BAGS RM108 MILLION SUBCONTRACT FOR JOHOR BAHRU INDUSTRIAL PROJECT
The Edge, 20/04/2026
ES Sunlogy Bhd has secured a RM107.5 million subcontract for mechanical, electrical and ventilation works for an industrial development project in Tebrau, Johor Bahru. The contract was awarded to its wholly owned unit Savelite Engineering Sdn Bhd by China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd. The scope of work includes the supply, installation and maintenance of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, smoke control systems, electrical systems, as well as extra low-voltage cable support systems for the proposed industrial building and its external works.
NORTHERN TECHVALLEY @ BKE ATTRACTS INTEREST FROM FOREIGN COMPANIES
The Sun, 21/04/2026
The first phase of Northern TechValley @ BKE comprises 1½-storey detached standard factories across over 20 acres. The RM1.3 billion gross development value industrial park in Penang, Northern TechValley @ BKE, developed by Suling Hill Development Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between AME Elite Consortium Bhd and Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd – has thus far attracted customers from various industries, including warehousing, distribution hub, showroom, printing, service centre, autoparts, construction machinery, CNC (computer numerical control) machine and logistics sectors. Subsequent phases on about 150 acres, which run concurrently, consist of larger built-to-suit facilities in accordance with customer requirements, workers’ accommodation, and general access infrastructure. At present, Suling Hill is undertaking infrastructure works, such as power and water supply, and high-speed fibre-optic internet. At the same time, it is constructing a RM30 million flyover bridge to enhance direct access to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE). The 413-metre bridge aims to reduce travel time and improve logistics flow for businesses operating within and around Northern TechValley @ BKE. The flyover is slated for physical completion in end-2026, with targeted commencement in early 2027.
Northern TechValley @ BKE has obtained GreenRE certification for both development and buildings, and integrates sustainability features such as eco-conscious materials. Among other initiatives, Suling Hill adopts thermally efficient materials, utilises durable construction, and flexible functional design to reduce long-term operating costs, extend lifecycle performance, and enable efficient operations.
SWS CAPITAL EXPECTS RM1.46M LOSS FROM RM13 MILLLION BATU KAWAN PROPERTY DISPOSAL
The Edge, 24/04/2026
SWS Capital Bhd is disposing of an industrial property in Batu Kawan, Penang for RM13 million, as part of a group-wide rationalisation exercise aimed at unlocking the value of its investments and redeploying proceeds into other business ventures. The group via its wholly-owned subsidiary EE-Lian Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd had entered into a sale and purchase agreement with UWC Industrial Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of UWC Bhd for the disposal. The property comprises 1.65 acres of leasehold industrial land with a double-storey office and a single-storey warehouse in Taman Perindustrian Batu Kawan, with the lease expiring on Aug 11, 2076. The disposal is expected to be completed by 4Q26.
IOI PROPERTIES TO ACQUIRE ASIA SQUARE TOWER 2 IN SINGAPORE FOR S$2.48 BILLION (RM7.70 BILLION)
The Edge, 20/04/2026, NST, The Star & The Sun, 21/04/2026
IOI Properties Group Bhd's is acquiring Asia Square Tower 2 in Singapore from CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) for S$2.48 billion (RM7.70 billion). The acquisition follows a put-and-call option agreement signed with CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) for the 46-storey integrated development in the prestigious Marina Bay precinct. With this latest acquisition, which is scheduled for completion for the second half of the year, IOI Properties expanded its 100% owned and controlled property investment assets under management in Singapore to S$10 billion.
