Kuala Lumpur News

Solarvest–Press Metal Deal

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 3: Solarvest Holdings Berhad and Press Metal, via their SPV Mukah Solar Powerplant Sdn Bhd (MSPSB), have signed a PPA with SESCO (Sarawak Energy) to develop a 100MWac solar PV plant in Mukah, Sarawak. MSPSB (Solarvest 60%, Press Metal 40 per cent) will design, build, own, operate and maintain the facility, targeted for commercial operation on 30 Nov 2027.
The project, estimated at RM380 million, will be financed mainly through bank facilities with Solarvest’s equity funded internally. Solarvest expects its EPCC orderbook to near RM3 billion, supported by LSS5/LSS5+ wins and Borneo expansion. The plant is projected to offset ~46,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, aligning with Sarawak’s SET-P and PCDS 2030, which aim for 10GW installed capacity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035 with ≥60% renewables. About 1,500–2,000 direct and indirect jobs are anticipated across construction and operations. Separately, Solarvest’s Green Energy Lab with CENTEXS and Huawei is training over 1,000 Sarawakians in solar and green tech over five years from 2023.
“The Mukah solar PV plant marks a significant step forward in Sarawak’s renewable energy journey, and Solarvest is proud to play a central role in delivering one of the state’s largest clean energy projects.”

Xiaomi Opens Paradigm Mall

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 3: Xiaomi Malaysia will open a new Xiaomi Store at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya on Oct 4, expanding its immersive retail experience with more than 300 SKUs spanning smartphones, AIoT and smart home solutions. Launch highlights include check-in gifts (until 31 Oct), tiered Spend & Redeem rewards (from RM399/ RM999/ RM2,999), Flash Hour Deals on 4 Oct (2–6pm), and a Lucky Draw entry for spends ≥RM1,000 (draw on 4 Oct). Opening-day perks also feature free screen protector application (200 pcs), an RM66 voucher with in-store Xiaomi 15T Series orders, and limited-unit promos such as Xiaomi MIX Flip at RM2,999 (10 units), Xiaomi Pad 6 at RM999 (5 units), and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ from RM1,099 (limited units). The outlet showcases Xiaomi’s upgraded “Human x Car x Home” strategy with interactive displays and on-site product specialists.
“Every new store we open is a promise to bring Malaysians closer to the future of smart living,” said Eddie Huang, Country Manager of Xiaomi Malaysia.
“The new Xiaomi Store at Paradigm Mall reflects our dedication to making innovation feel personal, accessible, and supported. It’s a space where our brand values come to life through meaningful experiences and trusted service.”

Blue Cap Run 2025

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 3: Registration is open for the Blue Cap Run 2025 for Prostate Cancer, taking place on 2 Nov 2025 at Gamuda Cove, Selangor.
Powered by Yayasan MR D.I.Y. with Universiti Malaya, the event raises awareness of prostate cancer and funds UM’s Urological Cancer Trust Fund to support academic and clinical research.
The run also backs education, early detection programmes, and community outreach, with thousands expected to don blue caps in solidarity. Details and signup: mrdiy.co/bcr25.

Eco-Shop Backs FAMEMAS

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 3: Eco-Shop has launched “Malaysia Power,” a nationwide cheer campaign with FAMEMAS Malaysia Sports Supporters Club to rally fans for the SEA Games 2025 in Bangkok.
The partnership, formalised via a Letter of Intent, includes sponsoring 45 delegates—FAMEMAS members and Eco-Shop loyal customers—to support Team Malaysia on the ground.
Fans can also vie for a once-in-a-lifetime 4D3N trip to Bangkok through the campaign. The LOI was signed by Eco-Shop CEO and Executive Director Ms. Jessica Ng and FAMEMAS President Lee Hui Seng.

SCIB Gets Offer

Kuching, Oct 2: Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) said it received an indicative letter of offer from YTL Cement (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., an indirect subsidiary of YTL Corporation Berhad, to acquire 100% of SCIB Concrete Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. for an indicative RM113.0 million.
The SCIB board has accepted the offer in principle, subject to conditions including successful negotiation and execution of a definitive share sale and purchase agreement. SCIB plans to appoint legal, financial, and strategic advisers, and the deal will require shareholder approval.
Datuk Chong Loong Men, Executive Chairman of SCIB, commented, “This indicative offer represents an opportunity for the Group to explore potential value realisation in one of our core business units. While we have accepted the offer in principle, it is still early in the process. We will proceed carefully while seeking advice from our appointed professionals and evaluating the proposal in its entirety before reaching a final decision. SCIB will continue to explore strategic opportunities and carefully consider all options, always with the aim of choosing what best serves the Company and our stakeholders.”
SCIB said further announcements will follow upon signing the definitive agreement or if there are material developments, in line with Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market Listing Requirements. The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and safeguarding the interests of shareholders, employees, customers, and partners.

EPB Declares Dividend

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2: EPB Group Berhad declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 1.00 sen per ordinary share for FY2025. The entitlement date is 6 Nov 2025, with payment on 26 Nov 2025.
EPB said the payout reflects solid operations and an ongoing commitment to sustainable returns while investing for growth.
Yeoh Chee Min, Managing Director of EPB Group Berhad, commented, “This interim dividend represents our confidence in the Group’s fundamentals and our unwavering focus on long-term shareholder value. At the same time, it reflects the Group’s intention to reward shareholders for their continued trust and support. As we continue expanding our presence across ASEAN markets and delivering automation-driven solutions, we remain committed to rewarding our shareholders for their continued trust and support.”
The Group noted recent milestones including its ACE Market listing, partnerships supporting AI medical devices and ESG initiatives, and the ongoing construction of a new Penang factory to boost capacity. EPB said it remains focused on innovation, regional expansion, and sustainable practices to meet evolving food processing industry needs.

BMS ACE Approval

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2: BMS Holdings Berhad has received Bursa Malaysia Securities’ approval to list on the ACE Market. The Malaysian retailer–distributor of tiles, stone surfaces, bathware and kitchenware plans to use IPO proceeds to expand its retail network and operational capabilities.
The Group operates 20 showrooms nationwide (16 in Peninsular Malaysia, 4 in Sarawak) supported by distribution centres and warehouses. For FY ended 30 June 2024, revenue was RM293.92 million.
The IPO will comprise 364.0 million new shares and an offer for sale of 156.0 million existing shares, totalling ~33.77% of the enlarged share capital (1,540,000,000 shares). Based on an independent report by Vital Factor Consulting, Malaysia’s 2023 market size was RM1.38b (ceramic tiles) and RM259m (ceramic sanitaryware); BMS holds an estimated 17% and 12% market share in those segments, respectively. Target listing is 4Q 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Ang Kwee Peng, Managing Director of BMS Holdings, commented, “Securing Bursa Securities’ approval for our listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities is a significant milestone for BMS Holdings, marking an exciting new chapter in our corporate journey. This achievement underscores the hard work and dedication of our team and enhances our commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service across Malaysia. We are confident that becoming a listed entity will further strengthen our market presence and enable us to execute our ambitious growth plans more effectively.”
He further added, “We are truly excited to welcome more people to be part of BMS Holdings’ growth journey through our initial public offering (“IPO”). This milestone is not only a reflection of our team’s dedication, but also an opportunity for new shareholders to join us as we strengthen our market presence and pursue our long-term ambitions. Together, we look forward to creating lasting value and building the next chapter of BMS Holdings’ success.”
Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Underwriter and Placement Agent.

Camaroe debuts on ACE Market at RM0.16

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2: Camaroe Berhad (“Camaroe”), an integrated aquaculture group specialising in black tiger prawns, made its Bursa Malaysia ACE Market debut today, opening at RM0.16 per share under stock name “CAMAROE” (code 0371).
Founded in 2009, Camaroe has expanded from four ponds to 138 ponds across five coastal farms, supported by a processing facility in Kapar, Selangor. The Group supplies live and frozen black tiger prawns—both head-on shell-on and peeled—to domestic wholesalers and overseas importers in China, South Korea and Taiwan.
Through its IPO, Camaroe raised RM13.86 million via the issuance of 99.00 million new shares. The proceeds are earmarked for a new processing facility in Bukit Raja (RM6.89m), machinery and equipment (RM0.73m), solar panel installation (RM0.39m), a biotechnology department (RM1.00m), working capital (RM0.96m) and listing expenses (RM3.90m).
Dato’ Zainal Azman Bin Abu Seman, Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Camaroe Berhad, said, “Today’s listing is a milestone in Camaroe’s journey from a small farm in 2009 to a fully integrated aquaculture group specialising in black tiger prawns. The IPO proceeds will enable us to build our new Bukit Raja processing facility and strengthen R&D through a dedicated biotechnology department. We remain committed to delivering long-term value while positioning Camaroe as a driver of Malaysia’s aquaculture industry.”
Datuk Bill Tan, Managing Director of M & A Securities Sdn Bhd, added, “Camaroe’s successful listing on the ACE Market is a reflection of its solid fundamentals and compelling growth story. The Group’s vertically integrated model, expanding international footprint, and commitment to biosecurity and sustainability positions it well to capitalise on the growing global demand for premium black tiger prawns. We are proud to support Camaroe in achieving this significant milestone.”
M & A Securities Sdn Bhd is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter and Placement Agent for the IPO.

RinggitPlus Survey Insights

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2: Lower-income Malaysians show gains: 55 per cent now plan for retirement (2024: 48 per cent), and 36 per cent avoid BNPL. Middle-income savings slide: only 23 per cent save RM1,001–RM1,500 (2024: 29 per cent); 39 per cent save <RM500 (2024: 31 per cent); 27 per cent have >6 months’ buffer (2024: 32 per cent). Gen Z improves: 40 per cent save >RM500; 57 per cent plan for retirement; 62 per cent use AI money tools. Insurance strain: 22 per cent reduced/cancelled policies; 43 per cent lack medical cover. Overall, 64 per cent are planning for retirement; 47 per cent still unfamiliar with credit scores.
“RMFLS 2025 reflects the resilience of the Malaysian people. Many lower-income and Gen Z Malaysians are taking steps in the right direction — saving regularly, planning for retirement, and building good financial habits despite the challenges they face,” said Yuen Tuck Siew, CEO of RinggitPlus.

Betamek–Yibang MoU

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 1: Betamek Berhad, via wholly owned Betamek Research Sdn Bhd, signed an MoU with China’s Jiangsu Yibang New Energy Technology to advance EV charging solutions across ASEAN. Yibang— a national high-tech enterprise supplying EV communication technologies (EVCC/SECC) to OEMs including Perodua, VinFast, Mitsubishi and JMC—will collaborate on technical R&D, supply chain coordination, contract manufacturing, logistics and related products.
The tie-up envisages Yibang-compliant facilities in Malaysia to assemble EVCC and SECC devices, with Yibang agreeing to exclusively outsource manufacturing and assembly to Betamek for jointly developed ASEAN markets. The devices are certified to TÜV Rheinland and DEKRA standards. Both parties will also pursue joint marketing and business development.
Muhammad Fauzi Abd Ghani, Executive Director of Betamek, commented, “This MoU marks a significant step for Betamek in strengthening its foothold in the electric vehicle ecosystem. By leveraging Yibang’s advanced technologies alongside our local manufacturing expertise, we are well-positioned to support the growth of EV adoption in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. This collaboration is fully aligned with our strategy to diversify beyond our core automotive EMS business into emerging green technologies.”
Ma TianYi, General Manager of Jiangsu Yibang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. added, “Partnering with Betamek provides us with a trusted local partner that has the engineering and manufacturing strength to scale our solutions for ASEAN. Together, we will be able to accelerate time-to-market for our EV charging communication systems and meet the rising demand for reliable, standard-compliant solutions in the region.”
The MoU sets a preliminary framework ahead of a Definitive Agreement targeted within 12 months. It follows Betamek’s March 2025 launch of its R&D Centre in Rawang, Selangor, officiated by MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Firefly–TAT Campaign

KLIA, Sept 29: Firefly and the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched a joint marketing campaign (now–12 Oct 2025) ahead of Firefly’s new daily Kuala Lumpur (KLIA T1)–Krabi (KBV) service starting 17 Nov 2025, with fares from RM138 all-in one way for travel through 31 Aug 2026. The push complements Firefly’s Penang–Phuket route and underscores MAG’s regional strategy.
Passengers on Malaysia Airlines can connect at KLIA T1 with through-checked bags. Firefly offers complimentary 10kg checked baggage and in-flight snacks, with FY Flex upgrades (from RM90) for 30kg baggage, unlimited flight changes (T&Cs), and priority perks. Book via Malaysia Airlines and Firefly websites/apps or appointed agents.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, MAG, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Tourism Authority of Thailand on this campaign as we expand our network to offer Malaysian travellers more seamless connections to Thailand’s most beloved destinations. Krabi is a natural extension of our Thailand network, complementing our existing Phuket service and enhancing travel options for our passengers. We are confident that this partnership will create greater travel opportunities and strengthen tourism between our two nations.”
Sirinthara Surakanitaya, Director of The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kuala Lumpur Office, said, “The Tourism Authority of Thailand is delighted to welcome Firefly’s new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi. This new connectivity will make it even easier for Malaysian travellers to discover the beauty of Krabi’s pristine beaches, natural attractions, and warm Thai hospitality. We believe this route will strengthen tourism flows between Malaysia and Thailand, offering travellers more choices and convenience while supporting our shared goal of fostering closer cultural and economic ties between the two countries. We are especially excited about this new connection and look forward to welcoming more friends from Malaysia to experience the fun, vibrant, and memorable moments that Krabi has to offer!”