Persistent buying lifts Bursa higher at midday
At 12.30 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 18.72 points, or 1.24 per cent, to 1,531.97 from Thursday's close of 1,513.25.
The benchmark index had opened 6.62 points higher at 1,519.87 and moved between 1,519.70 and 1,533.10 throughout the morning session.
Market breadth was positive, with 462 gainers outpacing 395 decliners. Another 476 counters were unchanged, 1,157 untraded and 11 suspended.
Turnover stood at 2.03 billion securities worth RM1.03 billion.
In a note today, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) said the FBM KLCI may stage a much-needed relief rebound, potentially retesting the 1,530–1,550 resistance zones.
This follows the announcement of a 19 per cent tariff under the United States (US)-Malaysia trade deal and the unveiling of a pragmatic 13th Malaysia Plan.
"However, sentiment may stay cautious in August, weighed down by persistent foreign net outflows. Additionally, domestic challenges such as subsidy rationalisation and the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) may further dampen consumer sentiment and hinder earnings visibility," it said.
Among the heavyweights, Maybank gained 20 sen to RM9.59, Public Bank added six sen to RM4.27, Tenaga Nasional advanced four sen to RM13.06, CIMB rose 25 sen to RM6.80, and IHH Healthcare improved two sen to RM6.67.
In active trade, Pegasus Heights, Pharmaniaga and TWL all were flat at half-a-sen, at 17.5 sen and 2.5 sen, respectively, while Tanco rose one sen to 84.5 sen, and Ekovest was two sen higher at 43.5 sen.
Top gainers included Malaysian Pacific Industries, which bagged 46 sen to RM20.60, Main Market debutant UMS Integration garnered 38 sen to RM5.38, and Allianz Malaysia was up by 24 sen to RM17.66.
Among the top losers, Nestle lost 28 sen to RM87.80, Mesiniaga slipped 16 sen to RM1.30, and Perusahaan Sadur Timah Malaysia was 11 sen down to RM1.79.
Across the broader market, the FBM Emas Index soared 120.26 points to 11,520.73, the FBMT 100 Index jumped 123.95 points to 11,280.46, and the FBM ACE Index went up 2.24 points to 4,620.45.
The FBM Emas Shariah Index increased 73.65 points to 11,535.32, and the FBM 70 Index climbed 123.39 points to 16,728.00.
By sector, the Financial Services Index surged 316.52 points to 17,469.22, the Industrial Products and Services Index improved 0.24 of a point to 159.38, and the Energy Index perked up 1.71 points to 750.05, while the Plantation Index ticked down 0.19 of a point to 7,394.85.
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Malay Mail
37 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
The future of accounting lies in sustainability — Zarina Zakaria
AUGUST 3 — As the global economy pivots toward sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are no longer a footnote in business strategy — they are front and centre. Across financial institutions, conglomerates, and regulators, ESG now drives decision-making and reporting. At the heart of this transformation is the accounting profession. Accountants are expected to go beyond financial reporting to tackle sustainability disclosures, carbon audits, and governance reviews. As this shift intensifies, the demand for ESG-literate graduates grows. The question is: are Malaysian universities doing enough to prepare them? While ESG themes are increasingly mentioned in classrooms, their actual presence in accounting curricula remains limited. Often, sustainability is offered as a single elective or addressed briefly within broader subjects. Most accounting students graduate with strong knowledge of the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), but little to no exposure to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) guidelines, or climate risk reporting frameworks. This gap is stark considering regulatory developments. Bursa Malaysia now mandates detailed sustainability disclosures from listed companies. Employers are demanding ESG-aware accountants — yet fresh graduates often find themselves scrambling to learn these skills on the job. Recent findings reinforce this concern. According to the ACCA Global Talent Trends 2025 report, 71 per cent of Malaysian respondents expressed interest in sustainability-focused careers — one of the highest rates globally. However, 63 per cent also reported concerns about not having the right skills for the evolving workplace, especially in areas like ESG reporting, digital tools, and analytics. This suggests a clear disconnect between students' ambitions and the training they receive. Recognising the evolving demands of the profession, Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education has introduced Halatuju 4, a strategic blueprint for accounting education. Among its stated goals is the incorporation of sustainability, ethics, and digital competencies into accounting programmes — aligning academic outcomes with the future needs of the profession. This policy marks an important step in acknowledging ESG as a core competency area for accountants. However, as with any broad educational reform, implementation takes time and varies across institutions. Some universities have begun integrating ESG-related content more comprehensively, while others are still in the early stages of adoption. The writer argues that ESG is no longer optional for accountants — but Malaysian universities are lagging in preparing graduates for a sustainability-driven economy. — Unsplash pic The success of Halatuju 4 will ultimately depend on how effectively it translates from framework to classroom — ensuring that all graduates, regardless of university, are equipped for the ESG-driven future of accounting. One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of structured collaboration between universities and industry stakeholders. ESG-focused internships, live projects, and case studies are still rare in most public and private universities. This disconnect is especially concerning in ESG-intensive sectors such as palm oil, energy, and manufacturing — pillars of Malaysia's economy. These industries offer real-world sustainability challenges, yet students often graduate without having engaged with these contexts. Broader surveys support this gap. In a recent Economist Impact–EY study, 69 per cent of Malaysian employers and 90 per cent of employees agreed that acquiring new skills is essential for career progression. Yet 57 per cent of respondents reported that they do not clearly understand which specific skills are most in demand — a problem that has implications for both graduates and curriculum designers. Modern ESG reporting relies heavily on technology. Carbon accounting tools, climate risk dashboards, and ESG analytics platforms are integral to corporate reporting. Yet, most accounting programmes do not include training on ESG data tools or sustainability analytics. The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has recognised this issue. Its revised Competency Framework identifies ESG, climate change awareness, and sustainability literacy as essential future skillsets for accounting professionals — urging universities to embed these elements into their programmes. The private sector is already responding. In late 2024, KPMG and ACCA jointly launched a pioneering ESG learning programme aimed at upskilling accountants in ESG strategy, governance, and reporting. This move reflects wider trends among employers seeking finance professionals who are not only compliance-oriented but also ESG-literate and digitally equipped. In many classrooms, ESG is still framed as a compliance issue — a checklist of disclosures rather than a strategic business lever. This mindset limits graduates' ability to contribute meaningfully to ESG integration within corporate strategy, risk assessment, and long-term value creation. To meet future employer expectations, ESG must be taught not just as regulation, but as strategy — a lens through which financial performance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term resilience are assessed. Ethics has always underpinned accounting education. But ESG has added new complexities — from greenwashing to ethical sourcing to stakeholder manipulation. 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Proficiency in ESG reporting software, data dashboards, and integrated reporting platforms must be a baseline — not a bonus. The foundations for reform are beginning to take shape. But unless they are implemented more quickly and consistently, Malaysian universities risk falling behind — and so will the graduates they produce. As ESG reshapes the future of business, the role of the accountant must evolve in tandem. The question is no longer whether universities should adapt, but whether they can do it fast enough. The future of the profession — and Malaysia's sustainability leadership — may depend on the answer. *Zarina Zakaria is an Associate Professor at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, and may be reached at [email protected] **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
All 13MP projects will be monitored regularly to avoid delays
PUTRAJAYA, 2 Ogos -- Ketua Setiausaha Negara Tan sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar (kiri) menjawab pertanyaan media pada Program Larian MAPPA XX Tahun 2025 - Wilayah Putrajaya di Dataran Putrajaya hari ini. Seramai 12,000 peserta mengambil bahagian dalam acara larian yang terbahagi kepada tiga kategori iaitu sepuluh kilometer (km), lima km, dan tiga km. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA PUTRAJAYA: Every project under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will be monitored regularly to ensure there are no delays in implementation, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar (pic). Accordingly, the monitoring of projects under the 13MP will be jointly conducted by the Finance and Economy ministries, with reports to be made twice a year. 'This time, we will really make sure that the 13MP is implemented as planned, because it spans a long period until 2030. 'All approved projects must be implemented promptly, because any delay will cause disappointment among the people,' he said after launching the Mappa XX 2025 Run here yesterday. Shamsul Azri said he will personally conduct site visits and carry out spot checks at all 13MP project locations, Bernama reported. 'Our aim is to serve the people. Therefore, we must implement development initiatives without delay and free from bureaucracy,' he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat, said monitoring will be enhanced through the Policy Implementation Plan Monitoring System. 'The 13MP governance structure will also be mobilised in stages, culminating in reports to the Cabinet,' he said. Under the 13MP, Anwar said infrastructure and public facility projects involving flood mitigation and improved road accessibility are among the people-centric initiatives that will be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. A total of RM20bil has been allocated to implement 103 flood mitigation projects to reduce the risks and impact of such disasters. In addition, one million units of affordable housing will be built by the federal and state governments, as well as private developers, from 2026 to 2035 to enable as many people as possible to live in safe and comfortable homes. Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri expressed appreciation to the approximately 12,000 participants who took part in the Mappa XX 2025 Run in Putrajaya. 'Healthy citizens, prosperous nation. Let's be active and engage in sports,' he said.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Redesigning national development
THE 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Thursday with the tagline 'Redesigning Develop-ment', outlines three main policy thrusts for the next five years. First, strengthening good governance to ensure equitable wealth distribution and people-centric administration; second, fostering comprehensive economic diversity to create value across all sectors; and third, focusing on inclusive and responsive development with an emphasis on improving the people's quality of life. All of these are designed to be executed with careful attention to the denyut nadi rakyat – the pulse of the people – so that the goals laid out can be achieved over the next five years. But these aspirations will only materialise if stakeholders at every level work together and deliver what has been planned. Too often plans falter due to leakages or abuses of power by those entrusted to implement them. This is why, to me, the first thrust – ensuring good governance – must be treated as the central pillar in achieving successful development. To support the Economy Ministry in this direction, Universiti Malaya's International Institute of Public Policy & Management (Inpuma) has launched a nationwide 13MP Townhall Series. This initiative is part of an ongoing research effort to help Malaysians understand their role in the country's development process. Adopting the approach of 'You Speak, We Listen and Record', the townhalls have yielded rich insights from citizens across diverse backgrounds. To support the Economy Ministry in this direction, Universiti Malaya's Inpuma has launched a nationwide 13MP Townhall Series, says the writer. The first leg of the tour covered three strategically chosen locations: Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, and Bandar Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur. Together, these locations offer a composite view of the nation's current realities, from rural and urban issues to quality-of-life concerns in both Bornean Malaysia and Peninsular Malay-sia. In Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, citizens voiced deep and persistent concerns over basic infrastructure: access to clean water, Internet coverage, poor public transport, and uneven healthcare and education facilities. Many felt left behind compared with states in Peninsular Malaysia. A Sandakan resident stressed that water supply is the most critical issue: 'We've faced this for over 10 years.' Here, the people are not asking for grand development projects, they just want their basic rights restored: clean water and roads accessible year-round. It made me wonder: Should such long-standing water issues require federal intervention? What is the role of local leadership in resolving this? Is the issue a result of weak policies, or has there been abuse of power and misaligned priorities? In Kota Kinabalu, the focus shifted to affordable housing and quality employment. Young graduates expressed frustration at the lack of economic opportunities, which has driven many to move to Peninsular Malaysia or abroad. Concerns were also raised about unplanned urban development, pollution, traffic congestion, and misaligned growth. Many of these issues brought up during the townhall sessions directly echo the themes the Prime Minister outlined on July 31. In contrast, residents in Bandar Tun Razak centred their concerns on the rising cost of living, quality of public services, and work-life balance. Parents worried about education quality, overcrowded schools, and the lack of youth recreational activities in public housing areas. Retirees spoke of the burden of healthcare costs, despite being former civil servants. Post-pandemic challenges also emerged, including elderly care, mental health support, and calls for more efficient digital government services. Despite differing geographies, cultures, and lifestyles, all three communities shared a unifying aspiration: they want policies that truly reflect and serve them. The overwhelming sentiment is that people want to be heard – not just during policy planning, but in implementation and outcome monitoring as well. Which is why I am glad the Prime Minister gave emphasis in his speech to monitoring development projects. There is a deep sense of disappointment when longstanding promises – particularly around water, roads, and housing – go unfulfilled. Yet hope remains. As one Kota Kinabalu resident told me privately, 'We want to believe in the government again – show us that through 13MP.' The 13MP is an opportunity for a national reset – not just in terms of physical development, but in reshaping our socioeconomic policies to match the people's living realities. This plan must adopt a people-centric approach that leverages local data, expands inclusive monitoring systems, and places trust in communities to lead local development initiatives. Earlier this week, I was invited to deliver the keynote address at a roundtable hosted by the Institute of Social Malaysia (ISM) to chart its future strategic direction. I began by painting a picture of Malaysia in 2050. To plan effectively for the future, we must anticipate the challenges ahead. This is why foresight and scenario planning are essential, along with leveraging local data and inclusive monitoring systems. I proposed that ISM take on the role of a national Social Research Institute. This ties directly to the findings of our 13MP research, which underline the need for consistent public discourse in our policy ecosystem. It also underscores the importance of a dedicated institution that continuously studies, analyses, and monitors sociopolitical changes grounded in public sentiment. One recurring observation from our townhalls was the lack of community-based development planning, particularly in public housing areas. In rural areas, school facilities are often inadequate, while in urban zones, schools may lack basic amenities like fields for physical education. Taken together, these findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen people-centric approaches in national development planning and policy implementation. The townhalls have clearly captured both the aspirations and constraints of everyday Malaysians – factors that must directly shape future five-year plans. The message from the ground is unequivocal: Malaysians are ready to take part in nation- building, provided they are not sidelined. The 13MP, as presented by the Prime Minister, is a plan that seeks to provide human- centric development, rebuild public trust, and return Malaysia to a path of inclusive and equitable progress. To truly redesign national development, we must listen to and reflect the pulse of the people. May the 13MP lead Malaysia towards greater prosperity and lasting success. Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff is the executive director of the International Institute of Public Policy and Management, Universiti Malaya. He was formerly the president and CEO of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.
