Week 5 - 2026
DOSM: NATIONAL MEDIAN MONTHLY WAGE OF FORMAL EMPLOYEES RISES TO RM2,864 IN SEPTEMBER 2025
The Edge, 27/01/2026 & The Sun, 28/01/2026
The median monthly wage of Malaysia's 7.06 million formal employees increased to RM2,864 in September 2025, up 4.3% from RM2,745 a year earlier, according to the Third Quarter 2025 Employee Wages Statistics (Formal Sector) Report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
The rise in wages was accompanied by steady employment growth, with the number of formal employees expanding 3.5% year-on-year in July, August and September 2025, reflecting continued resilience in the formal labour market through 3Q25.
According to DOSM, all economic sectors posted higher median wages during the quarter. The mining and quarrying sector continued to record the highest median monthly wage at RM6,600, up by 11.9% year-on-year, while the agriculture sector, comprising 1.8% of citizen formal employees, recorded the lowest median wage at RM2,245.
By state, Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest median monthly wage at RM4,064, followed by Selangor at RM3,127 and Penang at RM2,927, while the lowest medians were recorded in Kelantan and Perlis at RM1,800, and in Sabah and Kedah at RM2,000.
MALAYSIA’S EXPORT, IMPORT VOLUME INDICES RISE IN DECEMBER 2025 — DOSM
The Edge, 28/01/2026
Both Malaysia’s export and import volume indices increased 13.8% and 4.0% in December 2025, respectively. The increase in export volume index was in line with the increment in the indices of machinery and transport equipment (+23.6%), manufactured goods (+22.2%) and animal and vegetable oils and fats (+14.5%), while the seasonally adjusted export volume index also gained by 7.0% to 177.4 points from 165.8 points.
The import volume index rose by 4.0% in December 2025 against the previous month, contributed by the increment in the index of miscellaneous manufactured articles (+32.3%), chemicals (+27.9%) and food (+25.2%), while the seasonally adjusted import volume index increased by 3.4% to 242.3 points from 234.3 points.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s terms of trade expanded 4.9% year-on-year from 117.8 points in December the year before.
ECRL ON TRACK FOR JANUARY 2027 LAUNCH
The Edge, 28/01/2026
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is maintaining its target to commence operations of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in January 2027. The ECRL project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, had achieved 89% overall completion as of October 2025.
A NEW CHAPTER WITH EDEN TAMAN DUTA
The Edge, 25/01/2025
BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd will unveil its latest development, Eden Taman Duta in 1Q26. This development has a gross development value (GDV) of RM1.52 billion with 146 units ranging in sizes from 5,296 to 19,041 sq. ft., of which 22 are double-storey penthouses.
BERJAYA HARTANAH MARKS STRUCTURAL COMPLETION OF OAKA RESIDENCES IN BUKIT JALIL
NST, 24/01/2026 & The Edge, 26/01/2026
Berjaya Hartanah Bhd reached a construction milestone with the topping-out ceremony for OAKA Residences, its luxury residential development in Bukit Jalil. The project with a GDV of RM373 million, has reached structural completion and is moving towards the handover phase. Located on 2.20 acres of freehold land, the development consists of two 30-storey towers featuring 350 residential units. Unit sizes range from 882 sq. ft. to 1,509 sq. ft., with each residence provided with a balcony or lanai and two to three car parks. The project includes communal facilities such as an infinity pool, rooftop sky garden, children’s playground, and a half-court basketball court.
MAH SING COMPLETES M ASTRA 15 MONTHS EARLY
The Edge, 26/01/2026
Mah Sing Group Bhd has completed its M Astra mixed development in Setapak 15 months ahead of its original schedule. M Astra is a mixed development consisting of two blocks of serviced suites with a GDV of approximately RM618 million. The residential suites offer three- and four-bedroom units with built-up areas ranging from 850 to 1,044 sq. ft. The development features 38 lifestyle facilities, including a pickleball court and a karaoke room. It also includes 24 units of retail lots that are fully occupied by tenants including Jollibee and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
IOIPG ELEVATES 16 SIERRA WITH NEW FACILITIES AND BURWOOD LAUNCH
Starproperty.my, 28/01/2026
IOI Properties Group (IOIPG) is advancing its 535-acre 16 Sierra township in Puchong South with new initiatives, including Tribe Glamping at the Amigo Clubhouse and Malaysia’s first Tiny House experience in collaboration with Big Tiny Pte Ltd. These eco-friendly units feature solar panels, rainwater harvesting and composting toilets, alongside a new hilltop Lookout Point offering panoramic views.
Additionally, IOIPG has launched Burwood, a precinct of 102 units of two-storey Garden Villas. The 11.6-acre development includes homes with 5+1 bedrooms, 12-foot ceilings and private gardens. The villas come with smart home systems, solar-powered hot water, digital locksets and EV isolator points. This new launch carries a GDV of RM208 million.
BWYS TO SELL BUKIT CHANGGANG LAND FOR RM67 MILLION, ACQUIRE TANJONG DUABELAS SITE FOR RM94.5 MILLION
The Edge, 23/01/2026
BWYS Group Bhd will sell its leasehold industrial land with buildings in Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat, Selangor, for RM67 million and acquire freehold industrial land in Tanjong Duabelas, Kuala Langat, for RM94.5 million. The proposed land acquisition aligns with the group’s long-term operational and expansion plans, providing additional capacity for future development to support the construction of new manufacturing facilities and warehouses, thereby expanding the group’s core operations.
SUNTRACK LAUNCHES RM318 MILLION INDUSTRIAL HUB IN SALAK TINGGI
The Edge, 28/01/2026
Suntrack Development Sdn Bhd has announced the launch of Suntrack Hub 2, a new industrial development in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi with a GDV of RM318 million. The development, situated on 26.34 acres, comprises 62 units of two-storey semi-detached factories. Factory units are priced from RM4.1 million, with lot sizes starting from 11,044 sq. ft. and built-up areas from 7,567 sq. ft. The project will be managed as a guarded industrial park, overseen by a Factory Owners’ Association to ensure long-term upkeep. Zoned for light and medium industry, the hub is designed to accommodate various activities including warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing. Earthworks for the project are currently in progress, with building construction targeted to commence in April 2026.
MALAYSIA RECORDS 42.2 MILLION VISITORS LAST YEAR, STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION FOR VM2026
The Edge, 26/01/2026
Malaysia had 42.2 million visitors in 2025, an 11.2% increase compared to the 38 million in 2024 and 20.4% higher compared to the 35 million in 2019.
POWERWELL UNIT BAGS DATA CENTRE PROJECT WORTH RM68 MILLION
The Edge, 28/01/2026
Powerwell Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Powerwell International Sdn Bhd has accepted a RM68.47 million purchase order from a multinational technology corporation specialising in data centres in Selangor. The job scope involves the design, procurement, delivery, testing and commissioning of low voltage switchgears. The purchase order is expected to be fulfilled by 2Q26.
ADVANCECON GETS RM82 MILLION EARTHWORKS JOB IN JOHOR-SINGAPORE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
The Edge, 27/01/2026 & The Star, 28/01/2026
Advancecon Holdings Bhd has secured an RM82.09 million contract to undertake earthworks and main drainage works for a development in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) awarded by Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned unit of Minister of Finance Inc. The 15-month contract for Phase 1 (Package 1) of the Southern Catalyst Innovation District in Sedenak is slated to commence on Feb 4. The Southern Catalyst Innovation District, a 2,940-acre site within the JS-SEZ, is envisioned to catalyse the development of an industrial ecosystem built around key industrial, logistics, agritech, commercial, and residential offerings.
GEOHAN SECURES RM32 MILLION PILING JOBS IN JOHOR FROM SUNWAY UNITS
The Edge, 28/01/2026
Foundation and geotechnical services provider Geohan Corp Bhd have secured two piling contracts worth a combined RM32.2 million from subsidiaries of Sunway Bhd. The first job awarded by Sunway Majestic Sdn Bhd involves piling and contiguous bored piling retaining wall works for a 46-storey Soho (small office / home office) development in Johor Bahru. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and is expected to be completed within nine months.
The second contract is from Sunway City (JB) Sdn Bhd for bored piling works for three blocks of 47-storey serviced apartments in Plentong. The works are also slated to commence in January 2026, with an estimated construction period of eight months. Both contracts were awarded to Geohan’s wholly owned unit Geohan Sdn Bhd.
MTAG TO BUY 18.6 ACRE LAND IN JOHOR BAHRU FOR RM53.6 MILLION TO EXPAND INDUSTRIAL FOOTPRINT
The Edge, 30/01/2026
MTAG Group Bhd has proposed to acquire a parcel of 18.6-acre vacant land in Johor Bahru for RM53.58 million in cash, to boost its manufacturing capabilities and production capacity. About one-third of the freehold land will be used for its own manufacturing and operational needs, and the remainder may be retained for future development or rental. The land is currently zoned for residential use, and MTAG intends to apply for conversion to industrial use upon completion of the acquisition.
SDS GROUP TO BUY JOHOR BAHRU LAND FOR RM102 MILLION TO BUILD NEW FACTORY
The Edge, 30/01/2026
Bakery product maker and retailer SDS Group Bhd is buying a 35.4-acre land in Johor Bahru for RM101.7 million to build a new manufacturing facility. The property is directly opposite its existing operational facilities. SDS's unit, London Bakery Sdn Bhd, is acquiring the land from Kempas Green Development Sdn Bhd, a firm majority-owned by Toh Thim Leong. The group anticipates completing the purchase in 2H26.
FRASERS HOSPITALITY TO MANAGE HOTEL SUITES AT RICHMOND MAYOR
The Edge, 26/01/2026
Richmond Asia Group has appointed Frasers Hospitality as the hotel management company for the hotel suites at Richmond Mayor, its upcoming mixed-use development in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru. The integrated development will include a premium lifestyle mall, office and serviced suites, and serviced residences. The development’s first phase, Tower A, will include the hotel, along with the office and serviced suites component. The collaboration brings Frasers Hospitality’s international expertise to the project, which will feature 275 hotel suites under the Capri by Fraser brand. Slated to open in 2030, the suites will comprise studios as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments with facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a resident’s lounge, a swimming pool, a gym and meeting spaces.
ECOFIRST TO ACQUIRE TWO PENANG LAND PARCELS FOR RM45 MILLION
The Edge, 30/01/2026
EcoFirst Consolidated Bhd is acquiring two freehold land parcels in Penang island for RM45 million as part of its plan to strengthen its development pipeline and diversify earnings beyond the Klang Valley. The properties, known as the Bolden Land and the Collins Land, are located in the Southwest district. Bolden Land, measuring 1.26 acres and located 5km from the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas, is expected to be developed into a condominium project with an estimated GDV of RM163 million. The Collins Land, measuring 13.46 acres and located 3km from the airport, is earmarked for a residential development with an estimated GDV of RM400 million.
SKYWORLD OPENS FIRST PENANG SALES GALLERY, MARKS NORTHERN EXPANSION
The Edge, 29/01/2026
SkyWorld Development Bhd has launched its first sales gallery in Penang, marking its official entry into the northern region. Located in Seberang Jaya, the SkyWorld Gallery @ Seberang Jaya also houses the city developer’s Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) Experience Centre and Satellite Quality Centre. The PPVC Experience Centre showcases a modular construction method using factory-finished building modules assembled on-site, aimed at reducing site disruption and improving build efficiency.
SkyWorld’s presence in Penang is anchored by its 34-acre freehold development, SkyWorld Pearlmont, located in Seberang Jaya and developed under the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative. Over 80% of the 1,166 units under Phase 1A have been taken up to date. SkyWorld Pearlmont is the country’s first large-scale residential project built using PPVC and introduces Malaysia’s first vertical school concept. Key features include an elevated 10-acre SkyPark, retail integration, a minimum 85% QLASSIC score, a 10-year leak-proof warranty and a fixed RM0.18 psf maintenance fee for a decade.
UMC SIGNS 60-YEAR LEASE WITH PDC FOR RM11.4 MILLION BATU KAWAN INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Edge, 30/01/2026
UMediC Group Bhd through its wholly-owned subsidiary UWHM Sdn Bhd, has signed a lease agreement with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for a 3.06-acre industrial parcel in Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3. The group plans to construct a new manufacturing facility on the site to expand its production capabilities. The facility will support its medical consumables segment and accommodate future volume growth and product diversification. The new plant will allow its existing facility to concentrate on ramping up production of its HydroX series Prefilled Humidifier.
