Week 36 - 2026
SELANGOR, JOHOR LEAD INVESTMENT AS REAL ESTATE RECORDS RM33.5 BILLION
The Edge, 29/08/2026
Selangor and Johor emerged as Malaysia’s leading investment destinations in 1H26, as Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman highlighted services and manufacturing as the country’s two main investment engines. The two states accounted for RM129.4 billion, or about 59.2%, of Malaysia’s RM218.5 billion in approved investments, while the real estate subsector recorded RM33.5 billion in approved investments during the period. Selangor led all states with RM70 billion in approved investments across 835 projects, followed by Johor with RM59.4 billion. Selangor’s services sector attracted digital investments in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cybersecurity, financial technology, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Johor’s performance, meanwhile, was supported by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. The real estate subsector recorded RM33.5 billion in approved investments in 1H26, forming part of the RM149.6 billion attracted by the services sector. Services accounted for 68.5% of Malaysia’s total approved investments and recorded 21% year-on-year growth. The sector comprised 1,750 projects expected to create 34,475 jobs. Foreign approved investments in services rose 66.7% to RM86.9 billion, while domestic approved investments totalled RM62.7 billion.
W.P. Kuala Lumpur ranked third with RM26.6 billion in approved investments, including residential and serviced apartment developments linked to urban growth, transit-oriented development (TOD) and demand for more accessible housing. Penang followed with RM20.2 billion, led by advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, while Sarawak recorded RM10.8 billion, mainly from offshore oil and gas exploration projects. Overall, Malaysia recorded RM218.5 billion in approved investments across 2,746 projects in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors in 1H26, 11.7% increase from RM195.5 billion a year earlier. The projects are expected to create 99,030 jobs. Foreign approved investments contributed RM126.9 billion, or 58.1% of the total, while domestic approved investments amounted to RM91.6 billion, or 41.9%. Digital infrastructure remained a major contributor, with the information and communications subsector recording RM103.3 billion in approved investments, 68.2% increase year on year. Looking ahead, MIDA was reviewing 227 investment proposals worth RM72.1 billion as of 10th Aug 2026, comprising 128 services proposals worth RM36.5 billion and 99 manufacturing proposals worth RM35.6 billion.
BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA KEEPS OVERNIGHT POLICY RATE UNCHANGED
NST, The Star & The Edge, 04/09/2026
Malaysia’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged as expected amid stable prices and strong growth. The overnight policy rate is maintained at 2.75% following the fifth of six scheduled reviews for the year, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). The central bank has maintained their stance at every scheduled review since cutting the policy rate by 25 basis points in July 2025 as the economy emerged relatively unscathed from US tariffs and thrived in recent quarters even as the Iran War raged on. Malaysia’s growth accelerated to 6.0% year-on-year in 2Q26 from the 5.4% pace in 1Q26 supported by the resilient household spending and strong exports.
HGD DELIVERS FULLY SOLD AERA GARDENS OF AERA TOWNSHIP IN KEDAH
The Edge, 04/09/2026
Heng Guan Development (HGD) has commenced the handover of Aera Gardens, the first phase of Aera Township development in northern Sungai Petani, Kedah. Aera Township is a 150-acre master plan that consists of landed residential and commercial shoplots. Officially launched in August 2023, the development has a gross development value of RM828 million. Aera Gardens is the first phase of the master plan, comprising 129 single-storey terraced houses with typical unit built-up of 1,540 sq. ft. and launch price of RM238,000. The fully sold phase was completed and handed over to buyers on 1st September 2026. The upcoming Phases 2 and 3 will feature another 1,000 landed residential, while the entire master plan is slated for completion by 2032.
CHIN HIN GROUP PROPERTY TOPS OUT 95% SOLD AYANNA RESORT RESIDENCES
The Edge, 02/09/2026
Chin Hin Group Property Bhd has marked the structural topping out of Ayanna Resort Residences in Bukit Jalil, which is on track for unit handover in 2Q27 after achieving a 95% sales rate. The residential development comprises two high-rise towers across 4.9 acres of freehold land, featuring 333 units in the 42-storey Block A and 491 units in the 44-storey Block B for a total of 824 units. The project carries a gross development value of RM732.1 million and has earned the GreenRE Certification in recognition of its environmentally sustainable design.
JKG LAND BRINGS RESORT-STYLE LIVING TO MONT’KIARA WITH AOSIS
The Edge, 03/09/2026
JKG Land Bhd is set to launch Aosis Mont Kiara, its first project in the sought-after address of Mont’Kiara, as the developer looks to strengthen its presence in the Klang Valley with a low-density residential development focused on larger living spaces, privacy and resort-style amenities. Located along Jalan Kiara 5, Aosis comprises 244 freehold residential units (including eight penthouses) in a 40-storey tower on a 2.44-acre site. The project has a gross development value of RM523.8 million. The developer held a preview of the project for its business associates on 8th August 2026, with the official launch scheduled in 4Q26. The typical units range from 1,648 to 2,279 sq. ft., while the penthouses on the top two floors range from 3,550 to 3,856 sq. ft. Indicative pricing averages RM900 psf. Each unit comes with at least two parking spaces, while the estimated monthly maintenance fee is 45 sen psf, inclusive of sinking fund. The development is designed with high ceilings and spacious living areas, reinforcing its focus on larger homes.
41-STOREY MENARA ETHOS TO BE 10TH DEVELOPMENT IN TRX
The Edge, 02/09/2026
Menara Ethos is slated to become the 10th development in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and deepen the district’s business ecosystem as an international financial centre. More than 85% of TRX's office space has been committed, according to the master developer, TRX City Sdn Bhd (TRXC). Construction of the new commercial development is expected to commence in December 2026, adding approximately 808,000 sq. ft. of net lettable area of Grade-A office space in the district. WCT Holdings Bhd’s construction arm was recently awarded a RM600.9 million contract to develop the 41-storey Menara Ethos, which will house PwC Malaysia’s headquarters.
ORGABIO SEEKS RM11.26 MILLION LAND ACQUISITION
The Star, 04/09/2026
Orgabio Holdings Bhd is proposing to acquire a piece of freehold land measuring 56,651 sq. ft. in Semenyih, Selangor, from Chung Lian Fatt for RM11.26 million. The property has been identified as a suitable site due to its strategic location adjacent to the company’s new factory at Sungai Purun, Semenyih. This proximity will facilitate the seamless transfer of goods between the company’s manufacturing and warehousing facilities and enhance the integration of its manufacturing and logistics operations. In addition, the availability of an existing warehouse building on the property will enable the company to commence operations sooner with minimal renovation and fit-out works. Orgabio is primarily involved in the provision of manufacturing services of instant beverage premixes for third party brand owners, as well as the manufacturing, sales and marketing of its house-brand instant beverage premixes.
TOURIST ARRIVALS UP 2.5% DESPITE MIDDLE EAST UNREST
The Edge, NST & The Star, 02/09/2026
International tourist arrivals in 1H26 rose a modest 2.5% compared with 1H25 despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said figures from Tourism Malaysia and the Immigration Department showed Malaysia received 21,118,039 international travellers between January and June 2026. This was an increase of 514,958 arrivals compared with 20,603,081 recorded in 1H25. The unrest in the Middle East also led to the cancellation of 3,428 or about 3.7% out of the 91,486 scheduled international flights to Malaysia. The impact of the Middle East conflict is clearly reflected in flight operations. Just nine flights were cancelled in February 2026, but the figure rose to more than 300 in March 2026, then nearly 1,000 in April 2026 and 1,419 international flights to Malaysia in June 2026. The sharpest decline was seen in flights from the Middle East where seat capacity fell from more than one million seats in 1H25 to 806,532 in 1H26. This included Europe-bound flights transiting through the Middle East where seat capacity decreased by more than 20% compared with the same period last year. The conflict in the Middle East also drove up international fuel prices, raising the cost of outbound travel and affecting travel from other regions, including India in South Asia, as well as Taipei and South Korea. Fortunately, arrivals from Malaysia's key source markets in South-East Asia including Singapore and the Philippines as well as from China, Central Asia, Oceania and North America continued to grow.
HILTON EXPANDS LUXURY FOOTPRINT WITH WALDORF ASTORIA AND CONRAD IN KUALA LUMPUR
The Edge, 03/09/2026
Kuala Lumpur is set to gain two of Hilton’s luxury brands by the end of 2026, both housed in repurposed landmark buildings in the Golden Triangle. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will occupy the former Hotel Istana site, which is being redeveloped with Tradewinds Corp Bhd. Conrad Kuala Lumpur is being developed on the former Malaysia Airlines Bhd headquarters site, known as the Bangunan MAS plot, which is owned by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB).
The 2.92-acre Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur occupies the site of the landmark Hotel Istana on Jalan Raja Chulan, which ceased operations in September 2021. The hotel is being reconfigured into a 23-storey, all-suite property across seven categories, measuring from 861 sq. ft. The largest, the 8,019 sq. ft. Waldorf Astoria Suite, will feature its own gym, treatment room and private garden. The hotel will feature Peacock Alley, the brand’s signature lounge and bar and another six dining venues. The 40,311 sq. ft. event facilities at the hotel are anchored by the 16,630 sq. ft. pillarless Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom.
Conrad Kuala Lumpur forms part of a dual-tower development which includes Menara 1194 built on the former Malaysia Airlines Bhd headquarters site on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Conrad Kuala Lumpur occupies a newly constructed 50-storey tower on a 1.72-acre site, while the adjacent, retrofitted 35-storey Bangunan MAS structure now serves as the Menara 1194 office tower. The two buildings are linked by a six-storey podium built around a central light court and rooftop garden. The hotel offers 481 guestrooms and suites with skyline views, ranging from 431 sq. ft. to 2,368 sq. ft. for the Conrad Suites. Facilities include the Conrad Spa, which Hilton describes as the city’s first gemstone-inspired spa, featuring stones found locally such as tourmaline and quartz, a saltwater infinity pool, a 24-hour Technogym fitness centre, jogging route, Reformer Pilates studio and yoga room. Event space totals 44,466 sq. ft., anchored by the 8,051 sq. ft. Conrad Grand Ballroom.
PENANG HILL CABLE CAR TAKES SHAPE
The Star, 03/09/2026
The Penang Hill cable car is beginning to take shape above ground, with its towers now visible after months of foundation work. The project has reached 32% completion as construction moves into its vertical phase. Physical construction is targeted for completion by August 2027, with commercial operations expected to begin in 4Q27. The cable car will run 2.73km from the Penang Botanic Gardens area to the summit of Penang Hill, climbing about 800m during a journey of about 10 minutes. The completed system will have 46 gondolas travelling along an alignment supported by 15 towers. Its infrastructure comprises four main nodes – the Commercial Plaza, Garden Station, Turn Station and Hill Station. The system is designed to carry up to 1,400 passengers per hour in each direction. The cable car is being developed under a concession by Hartasuma Ropeways Sdn Bhd, the project’s master developer and concessionaire. The project has secured a RM367.2mil financing facility for its development.
EPPENDORF LEASES 11.82-ACRE BANDAR CASSIA SITE FOR FIRST SOUTHEAST ASIAN PLANT
The Edge, 03/09/2026
German life sciences company Eppendorf SE has leased an approximately 11.82-acre site at Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP) in Batu Kawan, Penang, from Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for 60 years to develop its first manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia. The site identified as Plot 340A along Jalan Teknologi 3, is being leased directly to Eppendorf. Eppendorf plans to invest about €40 million (approximately RM186 million) in the greenfield facility. Construction is expected to begin in 4Q26, with production slated to start gradually in 2028. Eppendorf has said the plant is projected to employ around 130 people by the end of 2029. The planned facility will have an estimated built-up area of about 172,200 sq. ft. and will comprise manufacturing operations, warehousing, offices and supporting functional areas.
RM30 MILLION SET ASIDE FOR TWO RURAL AIRPORTS IN SARAWAK
The Star, 29/08/2026
The Federal Government has approved RM30 million to upgrade the Ba’kelalan and Long Banga STOLports (short take-off and landing airports) in rural Sarawak, with work targeted to begin in 4Q26. Deputy Transport Minister denoted RM15 million was allocated for each STOLport under the Airport Development Fund for terminal upgrades and runway extensions where possible. Work on the upgrading was targeted to start with the design process in 4Q26. The new Lawas Airport in Sundar will replace the existing Lawas airport, which is prone to flooding, while enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth in northern Sarawak.
