Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 10th Dec 2025

In today’s episode, we explore the complex push and pull between market expansion, political accountability, and global volatility. From EPF’s strategic stake in TNB and a bold new state-backed digital currency to glove sector pains and growing regional instability — the signals are clear: long-term bets now require sharper short-term risk management.Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments⚡ EPF Becomes Largest Shareholder in TNB* Acquires Khazanah’s 2.33% stake (RM1.69B)* Raises holding to 21.25%, signalling deeper state-linked focus on national infrastructure and long-term stability🏥 DKSH Holdings to Go Private at RM6.15/Share* Offer from parent company DKSH Resources* 16.7% premium offers exit for minority shareholders, but highlights broader liquidity fatigue in public markets📊 Bursa Shifts IPO Strategy: Focus on Quality Over Quantity* Post-2025, emphasis on scalable, globally competitive listings — especially Bumiputera-led firms🚢 Orkim’s Debut Marks Steady Start for O&G Shipping Sector* 1% gain on listing* Govt hints at extending 100% tax exemption, providing fuel for industry fleet renewal🪙 Johor Launches RMJDT Digital Currency via Zetrix Blockchain* State-backed stablecoin aimed at easing cross-border trade settlement* Signals Johor’s ambition to lead in decentralised finance (DeFi)🏭 Empyrion Digital Gets Greenlight for 200MW Data Center in Johor* Has secured 145MW from TNB* Project driven by AI infrastructure demand, reinforcing Johor’s data hub status🧤 Glove Makers Hit by Stronger Ringgit* Ringgit up 9% YTD vs USD* Margins squeezed as export revenues fall against rising input costs in local currency🌊 Jentayu Sustainables Faces Legal Delay on Project Oriole* Shareholder challenge threatens to delay financing for Sabah hydro plant* Execution risk rises amid green energy buildout Policy & Governance Headlines⚖️ 1 in 3 Politician Graft Cases Withdrawn Since 2018 – NGO Report* Raises red flags on prosecutorial consistency and institutional transparency💸 IDEAS Pushes for Political Financing Act* Seeks mandatory disclosure of spending on political influencers, to curb opaque campaign funding🧾 Govt Reaffirms: No GST Revival, SST to Stay* Income levels still too low, says Finance Ministry* Targeted fiscal policy to support consumer affordability🚗 Traffic Summonses Will Not Affect BUDI95 Eligibility* Confirmation offers relief to many amid cost-of-living pressures🧑‍🦽 Senate Urges Action on Disability Pay Gap* Minimum wage cited as insufficient amid inflation* Push for broader social wage reform underwayGlobal & Geopolitical Outlook🤖 China Moves to Limit Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips* Despite US export clearance, Beijing restricts top-tier chip access* $160M smuggling case shows extreme demand and scarcity pressure📱 Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s* Mandatory age verification, hefty fines for non-compliance* Global precedent for tech regulation and child safety online⚠️ Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Erupt* PM Srettha rules out talks* Escalation threatens regional trade routes and investor confidence🏦 Thailand Sees Flight to Gold Amid Instability* Gold prices jump on weak baht, low rates, and rising uncertainty* Classic safe haven play as tensions rise in Southeast Asia🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!🔗 Subscribe & Share the Malaysia Money Matters podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple PodcastsMalaysia Money Matters is a one-person passion project. Subscribe for free or support me as a paid subscriber—it means the world to me! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mmoneymatters.substack.com