Bursa Malaysia trims losses, ends slightly lower amid cautious trade
At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped 2.03 points, or 0.13 per cent, to close at 1,588.21 from Tuesday's close of 1,590.24.
The benchmark index opened 2.21 points lower at 1,588.03, and moved between 1,583.40 and 1,591.04 throughout the day.
The broader market was negative with decliners outpacing advancers 647 to 376, while 487 counters were unchanged, 1,084 untraded and 16 suspended.
Turnover narrowed to 2.55 billion units worth RM2.50 billion from 2.60 billion units worth RM2.74 billion on Tuesday.
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said that the broader market sentiment today remained guarded ahead of policy signals from the US Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium later this week.
'Sector rotation was evident, with industrials outperforming on the back of a double-digit rally in petrochemicals, while plantations and consumer cyclicals also showed strength - underscoring resilient domestic demand amid external policy uncertainty,' he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng viewed today's profit-taking as a healthy correction as it allows the market to digest the recent strong uptrend.
'The FBM KLCI is holding well above the key 1,585 support mark, which sets the stage for further gains. Barring any external shocks, we expect the benchmark index to trade within the 1,570 to 1,600 range throughout the week,' he said.
Among the heavyweights, Maybank and Public Bank were flat at RM9.80 and RM4.46, respectively, Tenaga Nsaional declined 6.0 sen to RM13.66, CIMB fell 3.0 sen to RM7.36, while IHH Healthcare rose 3.0 sen to RM6.88.
Of the most active counters, Vantris Energy eased half-a-sen to 3.5 sen, Sime Darby trimmed 1.0 sen to RM1.75, while Zetrix AI added 1.0 sen to 87.5 and Tanco was flat at 73 sen.
Across the broader market, the FBM Emas Index decreased 29.58 points to 11,782.83, the FBMT 100 Index shed 29.35 points to 11,568.30, the FBM Emas Shariah Index gave up 32.06 points to 11,699.34, the FBM 70 Index dropped 106.51 points to 16,603.46, while the FBM ACE Index slipped 13.77 points to 4,695.92.
By sector, the Financial Services Index slid 20.36 points to 18,165.14, the Plantation Index garnered 46.12 points to 7,592.60, the Industrial Products and Services Index perked up 1.61 points to 160.73, and the Energy Index eased 0.93 of-a-point to 749.29.
The Main Market volume dipped to 1.46 billion units valued at RM2.28 billion from Tuesday's 1.49 billion units valued at RM2.51 billion.
Warrants turnover improved to 780.41 million units worth RM93.66 million from 732.43 million units worth RM101.91 million previously.
The ACE Market volume declined to 310.20 million units worth RM124.67 million from 375.68 million units worth RM134.87 million yesterday.
Consumer products and services counters accounted for 247.19 million shares traded on the Main Market; industrial products and services (235.22 million), construction (146.13 million), technology (189.98 million), financial services (82.44 million), property (176.76 million), plantation (25.02 million), REITs (21.21 million), closed-end fund (3,000), energy (186.91 million), healthcare (32.64 million), telecommunications and media (47.13 million), transportation and logistics (34.33 million), utilities (38.49 million), and business trusts (11,600). — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Shift in industrial asset disposal mindset
AS environmental and social governance (ESG) becomes a key consideration for businesses in Malaysia and worldwide, many companies are re-examining how their day-to-day operations align with long-term sustainability goals. One area often overlooked in this process is industrial asset disposal, which is the management of equipment, machinery, and other capital goods once they reach the end of their productive life. Today, the way companies dispose of their industrial assets is becoming a new frontier in ESG performance, and those leading the shift are discovering unexpected economic and environmental returns. Traditionally seen as a backend administrative function, asset disposal is now emerging as a vital piece of the ESG puzzle. As Malaysia progresses toward its national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by frameworks such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Green Technology Master Plan, businesses are expected to contribute meaningfully, not just through emission reduction, but also through resource efficiency, waste minimisation, and circular economy practices. Reframing Disposal as a Strategic ESG Lever The conventional approach to asset disposal — where decommissioned or surplus equipment is left to deteriorate in storage or sent to landfills — is rapidly losing ground. Businesses today are rethinking the end-of-life phase of their equipment, recognising it as a critical opportunity to advance ESG commitments, recover economic value, and reduce environmental impact. This mindset shift is closely aligned with the global momentum behind circular economy principles, now gaining traction across Malaysia's key industrial sectors such as oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing. Locally, e-waste recovery initiatives have demonstrated how cross-sector collaboration can lead to impactful results. For example, public-private recycling campaigns have successfully collected tens of thousands of electronic devices and diverted tonnes of hazardous materials from landfills through accessible collection models, including door-to-door pickup and postal return systems. On a larger scale, integrated waste management facilities in the country are proving how infrastructure-led solutions can address complex disposal needs while advancing national sustainability goals. These developments reflect a broader awareness that responsible decommissioning isn't just an operational necessity — it's a strategic lever for ESG-driven transformation. Measuring Impact Transparency and traceability have become non-negotiables in ESG. Bursa Malaysia's 2024 Sustainability Reporting Guide strongly encourages outcome-based reporting, where companies must back up their ESG narratives with quantifiable results, including emissions reductions, waste minimisation, and measurable resource efficiency (pg. 43). For example, BidMyAsset, a Malaysian industrial asset disposal platform, has begun embedding carbon savings metrics, asset lifecycle tracking, and audit-compliant disposal reports into its digital offering. This enables businesses to not only track disposal outcomes but also to align with Bursa's sustainability disclosure requirements and future-proof their operations. Recent community-level efforts further reflect this shift: Ipoh City Council collected 25 tonnes of e-waste in just five months (Jan–May 2024), while Sarikei District saw a 52% increase in recycling rates driven by its 3R and e-waste campaigns. The movement is growing from boardrooms to municipal councils. Empowering SMEs and Local Industry Circular practices in asset disposal are not just a big-business concern. SMEs, which account for over 97% of business establishments in Malaysia, stand to gain significant economic value from access to pre-owned industrial equipment. These access allow smaller firms to upgrade or expand without the heavy capital outlay typically associated with new machinery. By facilitating resale, reallocation, and responsible decommissioning, platforms like BidMyAsset are helping to democratise access to capital assets while reducing unnecessary waste. Technology as an Enabler From blockchain-enabled traceability to integrated reporting dashboards, digital technology is revolutionising how businesses handle end-of-life assets. Online auction systems, real-time asset tracking, and automated documentation are making the disposal process more accountable and efficient. These advancements allow businesses to align operations with ESG benchmarks while minimising the cost and effort typically associated with compliance. It also opens up a data trail that investors, regulators, and internal stakeholders can trust. Conclusion Sustainability in industrial operations no longer starts and ends with energy savings or emissions targets. It encompasses the full lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to responsible retirement. As ESG expectations rise and circular economy principles take root, businesses in Malaysia must treat asset disposal as a strategic priority. With platforms like BidMyAsset and clear regulatory roadmaps from Bursa Malaysia, the tools and guidance are now in place. The next step lies with companies — to act, to adapt, and to lead responsibly. Responsible asset disposal is no longer a compliance task; it's a competitive advantage. This article is contributed by BidMyAsset co-founder Jeevan Muniandy.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
PropertyGuru Verified Badge – tailored for Malaysia – introduced to curb scams
KUALA LUMPUR: PropertyGuru Malaysia has introduced the PropertyGuru Verified Badge for property agents on its platform, in partnership with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (LPPEH), to curb property scams in the local market. PropertyGuru Malaysia country manager Kenneth Soh said the initiative is tailored for Malaysia, where consumer awareness remains lower compared with its other markets. 'This particular push is Malaysia-specific. The badge helps prevent scams by ensuring consumers can easily identify verified professionals with traceable details, giving them recourse if anything goes wrong,' he said at the official launch yesterday. He said Vietnam already has verified agents and listings, while Singapore's smaller market benefits from stronger consumer awareness, making risks more manageable. In contrast, many Malaysians are still unclear on how to verify an agent's licence. Soh said this gap has fuelled rental scams, one of the most common fraud tactics, where conmen pose as agents, show units booked on short-term rental platforms and disappear after collecting deposits. 'Scammers are getting more and more creative. By starting from the discovery stage, we want consumers to look for verified agents on PropertyGuru. We have their identify card, licence tag and phone number, so if anything happens, there is recourse. Without verification, consumers are often left with no way to trace the scammer,' he added. Soh said over 100 had already been verified on the day of its soft launch (Monday), and numbers are expected to rise quickly. PropertyGuru currently has close to 10,000 agents in Malaysia. 'Our target is to get as close to 100% as possible within the year, depending on submissions from our agent partners and the verification process through eKYC and licence checks,' he said. Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department head SAC Mohd Razali Mohd Idrus said property-related scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often involving impersonation of licensed agents to deceive unsuspecting buyers and tenants. 'Public awareness and preventive measures are critical. PDRM welcomes collaborative initiatives such as PropertyGuru's Verified Badge, which can help Malaysians make safer property decisions and reduce opportunities for market exploitation,' he said. The PropertyGuru Verified Badge is awarded to registered real estate negotiators, real estate agents and probationary estate agents with active licences via LPPEH which completes PropertyGuru's secure verification process. This process involves confirming agents' identity through eKYC, validating their professional licence details, verifying their registered contact information and acknowledging the Verified Badge terms. Once completed, the PropertyGuru Verified Badge will appear on the agent or negotiator's profile, listings, and search results, making it easier for property seekers to engage with legitimate professionals. According to the LPPEH, unlicensed individuals defrauded more than 1,500 victims, resulting in nearly RM60 million in losses between 2019 and 2023.
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Hong Leong Bank Wins Three Awards at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards, Affirming its Transformative Journey Towards Becoming the Best Run Bank in Malaysia
HLB's Head of SME Banking, Woon Siew Hoong [Pic 1, left] and HLB's Head of Cash Management, Alina Grace Tan Kui Kwoon [Pic 2, left] receiving their awards at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2025Hong Leong Bank ("HLB" or the "Bank") has won awards in three coveted categories at the Asian Banking & Finance ("ABF") Retail Banking Awards 2025, a testament to the significant progress the Bank has made in its 5 year bankwide transformation journey.A pivotal aspect of HLB's bankwide transformation and success story is its established leadership as a prominent SME bank. For the fourth consecutive year, HLB has been named the Best SME Bank in Malaysia by ABF. This recognition directly reflects the Bank's diverse product offerings, pioneering digital innovations, and personalized advisory services, all meticulously designed to cater to the varied needs of its customers. HLB's unwavering commitment to customer-centricity has translated into tangible success, with the Bank's SME loans and financing portfolios achieving an impressive 11.6% year-on-year ("y-o-y") growth, nearly double the industry average of 6.7%. This significant growth not only reinforces HLB's strong market position but also vividly demonstrates its dedication to providing a seamless banking experience through increased accessibility and convenience. The Bank achieves this through its extensive branch network, flexible out-of-branch account openings, and intuitive digital platforms, all serving as effective touchpoints to ensure a comprehensive and effortless banking journey for every its strong performance within the corporate banking sector, HLB has also been recognized as the Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year. This award underscores how the Bank empowers its corporate and financial institution clients with sophisticated cash management solutions that streamline operations and enhance financial control, further contributing towards HLB's bankwide transformation plan. By leveraging the Bank's real-time API integration, businesses can automate fund transfers to beneficiaries on a same-day basis, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring timely access to funds. The Bank's cash consolidation services also enable clients to streamline cash management by centralizing funds into a single account for better liquidity oversight and easier reconciliation. This comprehensive suite of services has led to the Bank consistently managing over 700 corporate clients with their cash management needs, boasting a remarkable 95.52% customer retention rate and over 99% utilization rate of its cash management with its 5 year bankwide transformation plan, HLB has invested significantly in its digital capabilities, leading to the strategic implementation of AI, effective data management, and innovative digital banking solutions. This commitment to digital excellence culminated in the Bank winning the Digital Transformation of the Year award for its groundbreaking collections 2018, HLB has embarked on a pervasive transformation journey within its Collections team, fundamentally reshaping the collections process with an industry-first, fully integrated, web-based collections platform. The platform provides the Bank with a 360-degree view of its customers, strengthened by real-time information sharing, a predictive dialing system, an AI humanized voice bot, and secured remote working capabilities. These innovations have resulted in a 47% surge in monthly call volume and allowed 20% of HLB's collections officers to be redeployed to higher-value tasks, showcasing the tangible benefits of this digital Lam, HLB's Group Managing Director and CEO, commented, "This isn't just about winning awards; it's about reimagining the way we do banking. Two years ago, we set out on our bankwide transformation plan, and these three accolades prove that we are on the right track. This vision has defined our operating cadence, where we have reevaluated existing structures, reimagined the customer journey, and unleashed a wave of innovation throughout the Bank that is redefining what we can be to our customers. Looking ahead, we strive to continue on our transformation journey, implementing digital innovations while preserving that human touch to ensure we provide an elevated banking experience for all our customers."For more information on HLB's business banking solutions, please visit: Hashtag: #HongLeong #HLBB The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Leong Bank Berhad Please visit
