Kuala Lumpur News

KLIMS Run Debuts

Kuala Lumpur, May 18: The Malaysian Automotive Association has concluded its first KLIMS Run 2026, drawing more than 1,000 participants across 5KM and 7KM categories.
Held in conjunction with KL Car-Free Morning, the run flagged off from Dataran Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur as part of the pre-show calendar for the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026.
The event also included a RM5,000 contribution to PUSPEN Dengkil, supported through Selangor Youth Community, as part of KLIMS 2026’s community outreach efforts.
“KLIMS has always been a platform that drives conversations about the future of mobility. Today, with our first-ever community run, the response was overwhelmingly positive. As lifestyles evolve, mobility must also play a role in connecting communities, supporting wellbeing, and creating shared experiences. We are also grateful to have the opportunity to join hands with the Selangor Youth Community in helping extend our community outreach efforts through our contribution to PUSPEN Dengkil. KLIMS Run 2026 reflects this broader direction and represents our commitment to making KLIMS more engaging, accessible, and community-oriented for Malaysians,” said Mr. Mohd Shamsor bin Mohd Zain, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association.
KLIMS 2026 will take place from June 12 to 21 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, featuring launches, technologies and displays from global and local automotive and mobility brands.

CUCKOO Profit Holds

Kuala Lumpur, May 18: CUCKOO International (Mal) Berhad recorded RM227.8 million in revenue and RM25 million in profit after tax for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, despite softer consumer demand and lower units sold.
The company said gross margin improved to 38.3 per cent from 31 per cent a year earlier, supported by lower product costs due to a stronger Malaysian Ringgit and reduced customer acquisition costs.
Distribution and administrative expenses also declined year-on-year, while total borrowings fell to RM118.6 million.
Hoe Kian Choon (KC Hoe), CUCKOO Malaysia’s Non-Independent Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “In Q1FY2026, we remained focused on disciplined execution and cost efficiency, which helped us sustain profitability amid a more measured consumer spending environment. Encouragingly, our gross margin strengthened during the quarter, supported by lower product costs and lower customer acquisition costs. As we continue expanding our ecosystem of wellness solutions and strengthening our omni-channel distribution presence, we remain committed to enhancing earnings quality and delivering sustainable value over the longer term.”
Looking ahead, the company said it remains cautiously optimistic as more consumers favour rental arrangements over outright purchases, while continuing to expand its wellness and home living ecosystem.

AmanahRaya REIT Gains

Kuala Lumpur, May 18: AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust recorded stronger earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, supported by higher occupancy, improved rental contributions and new tenancies.
The REIT posted total rental income of RM23.20 million, up 16.4 per cent from RM19.92 million a year earlier. Net property income rose 28.6 per cent to RM16.38 million, while net income before tax increased 61.4 per cent to RM5.44 million.
The improved result was driven by higher occupancy at Vista Tower and Menara Dana 13, as well as contributions from its newly acquired industrial asset in Telok Panglima Garang.
Datuk Mohd Iskandar Dzulkarnain Ramli, Managing Director of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd. said, “The improved quarterly performance reflects the resilience of AmanahRaya REIT’s diversified property portfolio and the effectiveness of our ongoing asset enhancement and leasing initiatives. The recovery in occupancy levels and contribution from newly acquired assets continue to strengthen recurring income visibility and operational stability.”
As at March 31, 2026, AmanahRaya REIT’s net asset value stood at RM720.73 million, with NAV per unit strengthening to RM1.2573.

EPB Revenue Holds

Kuala Lumpur, May 18: EPB Group Berhad recorded RM21.11 million in revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, reflecting a measured start to the financial year.
The food processing and packaging machinery solutions segment remained the group’s largest contributor, generating RM11.49 million in revenue. The trading of cellulose casings segment contributed RM5.12 million, while flexible packaging materials contributed RM4.50 million.
The group recorded gross profit of RM6.73 million, profit before tax of RM0.67 million and profit after tax of RM0.50 million for the quarter.
Yeoh Chee Min, Managing Director of EPB Group Bhd, commented, “Q1 FY2026 was a measured quarter for EPB as revenue recognition was affected by the timing of machinery deliveries. However, our underlying business fundamentals remain intact, supported by our established customer base, regional presence and healthy order book. We continue to focus on disciplined project execution, operational readiness and capacity expansion to support the Group’s next phase of growth.”
As at April 30, 2026, EPB’s order book stood at RM107.80 million, with RM99.08 million expected to be fulfilled and billed in FY2026 and RM8.72 million in FY2027.
The group is also developing a new manufacturing facility at Penang Science North Park, with the first phase targeted for completion by December 2026.

Enest Signs IPO Deal

Kuala Lumpur, May 19: Enest Group Berhad has signed an underwriting agreement with M&A Securities Sdn. Bhd. for its proposed transfer listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
The IPO comprises a public issue of 116.25 million new ordinary shares and an offer for sale of 15.05 million existing shares, with M&A Securities underwriting 37.78 million issue shares made available to the Malaysian public and under Pink Form Applications.
Tan Teh Jie, Managing Director of Enest Group Berhad said, “The signing of this underwriting agreement marks another important milestone for Enest as we advance our transfer listing to the ACE Market. We are pleased to have M&A Securities alongside us in this process, and we appreciate their confidence in our business model, operational track record and growth prospects.”
Proceeds from the public issue will go to Enest and be used mainly for repayment of bank borrowings, working capital and estimated listing expenses. M&A Securities is the adviser, sponsor, underwriter and placement agent for the IPO.

Samaiden Profit Surges

Petaling Jaya, May 19: Samaiden Group Berhad recorded an 85.76 per cent rise in profit after tax to RM24.26 million for the nine-month financial period ended 31 March 2026, supported by stronger project execution and improved cost control.
Revenue for 9M FY2026 rose 18.37 per cent to RM258.76 million, while profit before tax increased 84.90 per cent to RM32.34 million. The improved performance was mainly driven by the commencement and progressive construction of several utility-scale solar and Corporate Green Power Programme projects.
For Q3 FY2026, revenue stood at RM67.85 million, down from RM89.17 million a year earlier due to lower revenue recognition from certain LSS5 projects that were still at the early site-preparation stage. However, profit after tax rose 82.49 per cent to RM9.10 million.
Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Datuk Ir. Chow Pui Hee said, “Our 9M FY2026 results reflect the strength of Samaiden’s execution capabilities and the quality of our project pipeline. While revenue recognition in Q3 FY2026 was moderated by the early-stage progress of certain LSS5 projects, the improvement in profitability shows that we are managing our projects with greater cost discipline and supply chain efficiency. As more utility-scale solar and CGPP projects move into progressive construction phases, we remain focused on delivering sustainable growth while maintaining operational resilience.”

MClean Revenue Rises

Malaysia, May 19: MClean Technologies Berhad recorded a 27.68 per cent rise in revenue to RM18.47 million for Q1 FY2026, supported by stronger demand across its precision cleaning and surface treatment businesses.
Gross profit rose 27.85 per cent to RM6.50 million, while profit before tax increased 12.87 per cent to RM3.42 million. Profit after tax also improved to RM3.42 million from RM3.03 million a year earlier.
The company also proposed an interim dividend of RM0.004 per share, representing about 10 per cent of FY2025 profit, following its return to profitability in FY2025.
Datuk Dr. Terence Tea Yeok Kian, Executive Chairman and Executive Director of MClean Technologies remarked, “Our Q1 FY2026 results reflect a positive start to the year, supported by stronger customer demand and continued improvements in operational execution. The Group’s ability to deliver higher revenue and maintain healthy profitability demonstrates the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our ongoing efficiency initiatives.”

Go Hub Gains

Kuala Lumpur, May 20: Go Hub Capital Berhad has reported stronger earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, with revenue rising 51.22 per cent year-on-year to RM14.23 million.
The transportation IT solutions provider said profit after tax increased to RM1.78 million, compared with RM0.18 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
The stronger performance was mainly driven by higher recurring income from the Gombak bus terminal operations and the Taxi Queue Management System at KLIA Terminal 1, as well as the commencement of the Automated Fare Collection System for highway express services.
Go Hub said its transportation IT solutions segment remained its key revenue contributor, accounting for about 99.30 per cent of total revenue.
Recurring income rose 50.72 per cent to RM10.49 million, while non-recurring income increased to RM3.73 million, supported by new project delivery across bus and rail segments.

PEOPLElogy, Pulsifi Partner On AI Workforce

Kuala Lumpur, May 20: PEOPLElogy Berhad has formalised a strategic partnership with Pulsifi through a memorandum of understanding to advance AI-driven workforce transformation in Malaysia.
The collaboration will be integrated under GOAL by PEOPLElogy, which the company describes as Malaysia’s first integrated AI-powered workforce intelligence ecosystem connecting talent development, workforce analytics and organisational performance.
The partnership combines PEOPLElogy’s 6D framework with Pulsifi’s AI-powered talent intelligence platform to help organisations make data-backed decisions across recruitment, development, retention and succession planning.
Under the collaboration, both companies will integrate AI-powered talent intelligence solutions, including assessments for organisational and role fit, talent mapping, work values analysis, cognitive reasoning, High Potential Plus and Future Ready Skills frameworks.
PEOPLElogy said the partnership is aimed at helping organisations build agile, high-performing and future-ready teams as businesses respond to AI-driven disruption.

DLMI Profit Climbs

Kuala Lumpur, May 20: Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI) posted a stronger financial performance for FY2025, with net profit rising 6.9 per cent to RM103.28 million and operating profit increasing 17.8 per cent to RM154.74 million.
The company recorded revenue of RM1.50 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, supported by improved cost control, productivity gains and early contributions from its upgraded manufacturing and distribution network.
DLMI said 96.3 per cent of products sold met FrieslandCampina Nutrition Standards, while 92.7 per cent of packaging was designed for recycling. The company also reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity by 24 per cent.
DLMI also reported a solid start to FY2026, with first-quarter revenue rising 6.5 per cent year-on-year to RM397.8 million, while net profit increased 19.7 per cent to RM30 million.

Hektar REIT Income Rises

Kuala Lumpur, May 21: Hektar REIT recorded higher realised income for the first quarter of FY2026, supported by improved occupancy, tenant remixing and cost optimisation initiatives.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, revenue stood at RM31.02 million, slightly higher than RM30.93 million a year earlier. Net Property Income rose 1.8 per cent year-on-year to RM15.28 million, while net realised income increased 11.8 per cent to RM4.65 million.
Its NPI margin improved to 49.2 per cent, compared with 48.5 per cent in the previous corresponding quarter.
Committed occupancy rose to 86.1 per cent, with 30 new and renewed tenancies secured and overall positive rental reversion of 3.0 per cent. New tenants included Target Supermarket, Honda and Lucky Cup.
Hektar REIT said its rooftop solar initiative across five shopping centres, in partnership with Samaiden Group Berhad, became fully operational in Q1 2026 and is expected to generate about RM2 million in annual energy cost savings.
The REIT also completed the acquisition of strategic land parcels adjacent to Kolej Yayasan Saad in Melaka in Q2 2026. The acquisition is expected to contribute about RM2.2 million annually to NPI through a long-term sale-and-leaseback arrangement.
“Our Q1 FY2026 performance reflects the resilience of Hektar REIT’s portfolio and the effectiveness of our ongoing leasing, tenant remixing, and operational optimisation strategies. The improvement in realised income and NPI margin demonstrates that our initiatives are gaining traction, particularly across our retail assets. At the same time, our education asset continues to provide stable recurring income, strengthening the overall defensiveness and visibility of our earnings profile,” said Zainal Iskandar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management.
The manager said it remains cautiously optimistic, supported by stable domestic demand, improving retail sector conditions and growth opportunities through acquisitions and asset enhancement initiatives.

Betamek Profit Hits Record

Kuala Lumpur, May 21: Betamek Berhad posted a record financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026, supported by higher sales volume, stronger product mix and customer diversification.
For Q4 FYE2026, revenue rose 10.5 per cent year-on-year to RM66.03 million, while profit before tax increased 31.9 per cent to RM9.57 million. Profit after tax rose 67.1 per cent to RM8.43 million.
For the full year, revenue increased 15.6 per cent to RM275.51 million, while gross profit rose 56.7 per cent to RM58.85 million. Full-year profit before tax climbed 26.4 per cent to RM40.41 million, while profit after tax increased 32.0 per cent to RM33.15 million.
The company said its performance was supported by improved margins from selected product segments, particularly vehicle accessories, as well as disciplined cost monitoring.
Non-major customers contributed about 18 per cent of revenue, while export sales accounted for about 12 per cent, supported by higher sales to Hong Kong and Japan.
“FYE2026 marks another record-breaking year for Betamek Group, with growth achieved across revenue, gross profit and net profit. The results reflect the strength of our execution, the resilience of automotive demand, and the benefits of our continued focus on product mix, operational efficiency and customer diversification,” said Encik Muhammad Fauzi bin Abd Ghani, Executive Director of Betamek.
He added, “We are encouraged that non-major customers now contribute approximately 18% of revenue, while export sales account for about 12% of total revenue. This shows that our efforts to diversify our revenue base are progressing positively. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our position in automotive electronics while pursuing new opportunities across adjacent technology-driven segments.”
Betamek’s revenue remained led by the automotive products segment, with vehicle audio and video products contributing RM173.19 million, or 62.9 per cent of total revenue, while vehicle accessories contributed RM75.24 million, or 27.3 per cent.
The board declared a fourth interim single-tier dividend of 1.25 sen per ordinary share, payable on June 19, 2026. This brings the total dividend for FYE2026 to 4.75 sen per ordinary share.