Week 7 - 2026
MALAYSIA'S JOB MARKET TO STAY STABLE, UNEMPLOYMENT FORECAST AT 2.9%
NST, 09/02/2026
Malaysia’s labour market is expected to remain stable in the near term, with domestic-oriented sectors driving job creation. The unemployment rate is projected to average 2.9% in 2026, slightly below the previous forecast, supported by resilience in services and manufacturing. Employment growth is being led by the services sector, particularly wholesale and retail trade, accommodation, food and beverage, and information and communication, while manufacturing especially in electrical and electronics, remains strong due to global tech demand linked to AI, 5G, EVs, and data-centre investments.
ORIENTAL KOPI FIRMS UP DEAL TO BUY HEAD OFFICE FOR RM23 MILLION
The Edge, 13/02/2026
Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd has finalised the RM23 million cash acquisition of the Puchong property it currently leases as its head office and warehouse, through its subsidiary Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd. The leasehold site, measuring 56,627 sq. ft. and comprising a factory unit, was purchased from Icon Facade Sdn Bhd at a price benchmarked against comparable properties in the surrounding area.
S P SETIA TO LAUNCH AURORA PHASE 1 IN SETIA BAYUEMAS FOLLOWING EARLIER PHASES’ 91% TAKE-UP
The Edge & Star Property, 11/02/2026
S P Setia Bhd is launching Aurora Phase 1, the first of seven landed residential phases within the new Setia Bayuemas South precinct in its 545-acre freehold Setia Bayuemas township in Klang, following strong demand for earlier phases that recorded a 91% take-up. With a GDV of about RM76.7 million, the phase comprises 82 double-storey terrace houses on 22ft by 75ft lots, offering built-ups of 2,101 sq. ft. to 2,181 sq. ft. and prices starting from RM880,000.
MELATI EHSAN BRINGS IN HÉTAM AND ANYTIME FITNESS TO KHAYA RESIDENCES
The Edge, 13/02/2026
Melati Ehsan Group has formed long-term lifestyle partnership with café Hétam and Anytime Fitness for its Khaya Residences development in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, which is part of a larger master plan that includes the Grade A, GBI Gold-certified Menara TNB Bangsar. The 53-storey tower comprises 795 units sized between 630 sq. ft. and 1,321 sq. ft. and features over 50 facilities such as an infinity pool, sky gyms, rooftop gardens, pickleball courts and dining pavilions. Market response has been positive, with about 60% of buyers being owner-occupiers and 40% investors, while the adjacent office tower is expected to house more than 2,000 professionals, supporting rental demand and projected gross yields of 5% to 6%.
KIP REIT TO FUND RM160 MILLION KINTA CITY MALL EXPANSION, SECURING 25-YEAR LEASE WITH AEON
The Edge, 13/02/2026
KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KIP REIT) will invest RM160 million to expand AEON Mall Kinta City in Perak, a move that secures a 25-year lease extension with AEON Co (M) Bhd through to 2055. The expansion, targeted for completion by 4Q27, will increase the mall’s gross leasable area by 27% to 675,000 sq. ft. and net lettable area by 30% to 580,000 sq. ft., alongside facility upgrades and an improved tenant mix to enhance operational efficiency and shopper appeal. The project is expected to generate an estimated yield of about 8%, translating into annual gross rental income of approximately RM12.8 million.
MCORP, TELADAN GROUP JOINTLY LAUNCH PHASE 1 OF GERMAN TECHNOLOGY PARK IN MELAKA
The Edge, 09/02/2026
Melaka Corporation and Teladan Group Bhd have launched Phase 1 of the 418.63-acre German Technology Park in Jasin, Melaka, the state’s first managed industrial park. Phase 1 covers 121.7 acres with 45 terraced factories, 64 semi-detached factories, a centralised labour quarter, and 22 purpose-built plots, priced at RM60 per sq. ft. with 50–60% take-up, mainly by local buyers. Riverwell Resources serves as master developer for Phase 1, while Phase 2 (296.91 acres) will be jointly developed by Jakel Group and Franky Land. The park targets R&D-driven industries—including automation, E&E, medical devices, green technology, aerospace components, and ICT—supporting Melaka’s investment and technology transfer goals.
JS-SEZ INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT, MASTER PLAN TO BE LAUNCHED MARCH 30 IN JOHOR BAHRU
The Edge, 09/02/2026
The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) investment blueprint and master plan will be officially launched in Johor Bahru on 30th March 2026, outlining key incentives, opportunities and the operational framework of the cross-border initiative. The economic zone is targeted to achieve a GDP of RM260 billion by 2030, create more than 20,000 high-skilled jobs and drive Johor’s transition towards a more advanced, innovation-led economy.
ISKANDAR WATERFRONT CITY TO SELL 16-ACRE LAND IN JOHOR BAHRU FOR RM71.6 MILLION
The Edge, 11/02/2026
Iskandar Waterfront City Bhd is disposing of a 16.43-acre leasehold vacant land parcel in Plentong, Johor Bahru for RM71.55 million, to WB Southern Sdn Bhd. The transaction, scheduled for completion in 3Q26, reflects ongoing efforts to enhance financial resilience amid a weaker share price performance.
UDA HANDS OVER UDA HEIGHTS IN JOHOR
The Edge, 13/02/2026
UDA Holdings Bhd has completed and handed over more than 70 units at its UDA Heights landed residential development in Bandar UDA Utama, Johor, two months ahead of schedule, with the project currently achieving an 80% take-up rate. The development comprises high-end landed homes, including six-bedroom bungalows priced from RM2.2 million and five-bedroom semi-detached houses from RM1.7 million. The company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality and market-aligned housing, particularly in Johor, where it has developed nearly 9,000 residential and commercial units to date, with over 70% purchased by Bumiputera buyers. UDA is also set to expand its presence in Bandar UDA Utama with three upcoming launches this year, namely Residensi Monstera townhouses and the double-storey terraced homes under UDA Amarylis Plot 1 and Plot 2.
KIP REIT REOPENS UPGRADED KIPMALL TAMPOI AFTER ASSET ENHANCEMENT
The Edge, 10/02/2026
KIP Real Estate Investment Trust has reopened KIPMall Tampoi following the completion of a comprehensive asset enhancement initiative aimed at improving shopper experience, tenant productivity and income sustainability. The refurbishment included a redesigned farmer-market-style fresh market, upgraded common areas, a more functional centre court for community activities and the addition of new tenants such as The Chicken Rice Shop, ZUS Coffee, CU Mart, Guardian and Mixue. Sustainability features were also incorporated, including expanded solar PV capacity, chiller system upgrades, LED lighting, improved ventilation, enhanced drainage and recycling facilities in line with GreenRE Gold standards.
LINCOTEC COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR FACILITY IN SENAI
The Edge, 09/02/2026
Lincotec Technology (Malaysia) has begun the construction of an approximately 10-acre advanced semiconductor facility at Senai Airport City Free Zone, marking Taiwan-based Linco Technology’s first investment in Southeast Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s role in the regional semiconductor ecosystem. The investment strengthens Johor as a high-tech hub, creates high-skilled jobs, advances the semiconductor supply chain, and leverages the location’s connectivity to highways, ports, and Senai International Airport, while aligning with Senai Airport City’s focus on green, high-value industries.
MAH SING APPOINTED FINANCIER TO REVIVE TWO RUMAH MUTIARAKU PROJECTS IN BALIK PULAU
The Edge, 09/02/2026
Mah Sing Group Bhd has been appointed to finance and oversee the completion of two stalled Rumah Mutiaraku affordable housing projects in Balik Pulau, Penang—Pangsapuri Sri Bayu and RMKU Pangsapuri Quinton—totaling 625 units. The revival supports the Penang State Government’s Vision 2030 affordable housing target for the B40 and M40 communities and leverages Mah Sing’s nearly 20 years of local development experience, reinforcing confidence in timely delivery and sustainable urban growth.