News by Luqman Amin

The optimistic outlook comes even as some observers caution that the tourism campaign may face headwinds from rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

IJM Corp Bhd's (KL:IJM) plans to list parts of its assets, including construction and toll road business, could provide shareholders with an alternative pathway to unlock value, analysts said, at a time when the group is weighing a takeover offer from rival Sunway Bhd (KL:SUNWAY).

Malaysia may see moderate property project delays and rising construction costs with protracted geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, developers cautioned.

The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda) said over two-thirds of prospective homebuyers in Malaysia fail to obtain financing for property purchases, mainly due to high debt obligations and inadequate income levels.

IGB Bhd (KL:IGBB) said its proposed RM214.97 million acquisition of two leasehold land parcels in Johor Bahru, undertaken via a joint venture with a Johor state-owned company, has received approval from the Ministry of Economy.

Malaysia has restricted new data centre investments that are not linked to artificial intelligence (AI), as concerns mount over the high water and electricity consumption associated with such facilities, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

Construction services outfit GDB Holdings Bhd (KL:GDB) clarified on Monday that it has not issued, authorised or circulated any share investment scheme promising investors a 20% annual return.

Exsim Hospitality Bhd (KL:EXSIMHB) has proposed to diversify into construction works as well as centralised procurement of building materials and household appliances, a move that the company expects to contribute at least 25% of its net profit in the future.

Plantation company Matang Bhd (KL:MATANG) said on Friday its unit is expanding its durian plantation footprint through the acquisition of 10 adjacent parcels of agricultural land in Tangkak, Johor, for RM18.2 million in cash.

The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) is in its final stage of drafting and is expected to be tabled this year, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.