Hextar Healthcare swings to RM3.5m loss in 1Q on lower sales, higher costs
HEXTAR Healthcare Bhd reported a net loss of RM3.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1QFY2025), reversing a net profit of RM632,000 a year earlier.
The loss was attributed to lower sales revenue and higher costs stemming from underutilisation of its production plant.
Quarterly revenue fell 6.69% to RM37.63 million from RM40.32 million in the same period last year.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, its MD Khoo Chin Leng said the company remains cautiously optimistic as the glove market gradually normalises, despite ongoing global trade and supply chain uncertainties, particularly from U.S. tariff policies.
He acknowledged that current soft demand and weak pricing may persist in the short to medium term.
Despite the challenging outlook, Khoo affirmed the group's commitment to becoming a leading healthcare industry player through continuous innovation and growth.
Hextar Healthcare's shares closed 9.09% higher at 12 sen TODAY, giving it a market capitalisation of RM143.2 million. –TMR
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Putra Heights inferno: Victims seek extension of temporary aids
Houses and cars destroyed by the gas pipeline inferno at Putra Heights. – CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Victims affected by the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights are hoping the temporary aids be extended, as some has recently expired. This includes aids for rental homes, cars and motorcycles provided by various parties. Two months after the incident on April 1, some victims are now in a tight spot as they are required to return the aid. Mohamad Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru said his family is currently staying in a small house near their original home with rental support for three months while waiting for their house to be repaired. "My house was deemed a total loss, with an estimated repair cost of RM150,000, but to this day, the appointed contractor has yet to begin work,' he told Bernama on Monday (June 2). Mohamad Nasir said he understands that it will take time, as many other homes were also destroyed in the incident. "When the contractor starts the repairs, I want to see how they will go about it. We've yet to be informed how the process will be carried out,' he said. Mohamad Nasir said the temporary vehicle he received after the incident was returned last month when the loan period ended. "We're not looking for luxury - just a car that can serve our everyday needs,' said the father of nine. His wife, Aliyah Ismail, 55, said she was grateful for the assistance received but hoped that cash compensation would also be provided to help victims, especially those left homeless. Previously a catering business operator, she now sells traditional cakes and snacks, earning between RM20 and RM30 a day, in addition to financial support from her children. Aliyah said so far, her family has only been informed of assistance for home repairs. "As of now, we haven't heard anything about compensation - only about home repairs. Compensation should be given. We have no money, no income. Rental is expensive. "Goods are expensive too, and to restart my catering business, I need to buy a lot of supplies and equipment because everything was destroyed in the fire,' she said. The gas pipeline inferno on April 1 saw flames reaching over 30m high, with temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze. Eighty-one homes were completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, another 81 were partially damaged, 57 were affected by heat but not burned, while 218 homes remained unscathed. — Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Leading digital payments shift in Southeast Asia
KUALA LUMPUR: NTT Data Payment Services is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of transformation in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, as digital payments continue to reshape the economic landscape across Southeast Asia. The company aims to lead the evolution of digital payment solutions in the region by building an integrated ecosystem that blends global best practices with the demands of local markets. This forward-looking approach involves significant investment in next-generation payment platforms designed to enhance efficiency and security. Executive director and group CEO Sean Hesh (pic) said NTT Data Payment Services is expanding its cross-border payment capabilities to support growing regional commerce and facilitate smoother financial interactions. 'With a clear focus on meeting the diverse needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and government-linked initiatives, we are setting the stage to become a trusted partner in driving digital inclusion and economic growth across these dynamic markets,' he told SunBiz. Sean said with over 500,000 payment touchpoints, the company leverages data insights to enhance both customer experience and merchant performance. Its data platforms deliver actionable information – such as transaction patterns, customer preferences, and peak business hours – enabling merchants to optimise their operations. Additionally, by using predictive analytics, the company helps merchants personalise their services and increase customer engagement. 'We invest heavily in real-time fraud monitoring and maintain strong, multi-layered cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard our systems and customers. 'Compliance with regulations like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is fundamental to our operations. 'Additionally, we collaborate closely with cybersecurity experts and regulators to stay ahead of emerging threats, ensuring safe and trusted transactions throughout the region,' he said. Sean said NTT Data Payment Services actively collaborates with banks, regulators, and fintech partners to advance cross-border payment integration across Asean. He said these efforts focus on aligning payment standards, promoting interoperability, and streamlining onboarding and compliance processes. 'By working together, the goal is to build a more connected and inclusive payment ecosystem that enables seamless, secure, and scalable transactions throughout the region,' Sean said. Further, in supporting SMEs and microbusinesses in Malaysia's growing digital economy, Sean said NTT Data Payment Services is introducing a range of tailored solutions, including simplified onboarding, instant merchant approval, SME financing, and affordable payment acceptance options like QR pay and mobile POS systems. Touching on new technologies, Sean said: 'Artificial intelligence and machine learning are set to fundamentally transform the future of payments in Southeast Asia. 'They will enable real-time fraud detection, dynamic risk assessment, and highly personalised customer experiences. 'As digital adoption continues to grow, these technologies will play a crucial role in building trust, reducing friction, and ensuring secure, scalable transactions across the region.' Sean also noted that sustainability is becoming a core part of the company's technology and corporate roadmap. He said green fintech initiatives are being explored, including paperless onboarding, digital receipts, and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimise environmental impact. Internally, the company is also adopting eco-friendly workplace practices, such as reducing single-use materials and promoting responsible energy consumption.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Don't chase job titles, focus on paychecks, job seekers told
SOMETIMES, job titles—no matter how impressive—do not necessarily translate to equally impressive pay cheques. Recently, a Threads account advised Malaysian job seekers to avoid 'chasing job titles'. The account shared that having a higher position in a company does not necessarily mean receiving a higher salary. 'I once met a manager earning only RM3,000 – I have also met an analyst with a RM21,000 salary,' the account stated in a post. The account owner further explained that despite having a 'downgraded' job title, their salary gradually increased, pushing the idea of applying for the job even when the position is on the lower rung of the company ladder. 'We do not know the company's budget. Every company and industry is different,' the account added. Most users agreed with the post, understanding that the end goal is to strive for better income, rather than focusing on job titles. 'These tips resonated with me. I went down three levels but my pay scale rose by 89%. To me, it's not about the job title because I don't need validation, but about how much I'm worth,' one user stated. 'Put aside the titles. They're just for those who want to show off at home. In the end, it's all about what helps pay the bills and puts food on the table,' another commented.
