Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 13th Nov 2025

In today’s episode, we explore a growing paradox: Malaysia’s economy is surging, but beneath the surface, policy and project execution gaps risk slowing that momentum. From VSTECS’ tech boom and subsidy wins to slow capital gains tax intake and stalled megaprojects — this is a story of growth potential versus delivery risk.Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments🌴 United Plantations Profit Dips 5.5%Despite strong 23% revenue growth, rising costs and tax expenses squeezed profits. Still, declared 18th consecutive special dividend — signaling long-term confidence.🌿 Greenyield Shareholder RevoltNon-exec chairman removed, seven new directors appointed. Boardroom shakeup suggests resolution to long-running internal dispute.🏙️ YNH-Sunway Land Deal Extended to 2026RM170M Desa Sri Hartamas transaction delayed again — raising investor patience questions.💻 VSTECS Profit Jumps 31.6% in Q3AI and digital adoption continue to drive record earnings. Strong signal of Malaysia’s tech momentum.📊 Bursa Launches Thoughtstream Research HubNew platform aims to democratize market research, linking analysts with licensed investment advisors.🚚 Swift HOL Q3 Profit Up 23.9%Cleaner transport investments and EV fleet expansion support stronger margins. ESG-aligned logistics growth in motion.🎢 Khazanah Invests RM4B in Desaru & LegolandBig bet on Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSE). Banking on regional tourism and integrated growth.🛫 Malaysia Aviation Group CEO to RetireCaptain Nasaruddin (current COO) slated to succeed in 2026 — ensuring leadership continuity.🛢️ Petronas Enters Guyana with 25% StakePartners with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy. Major move expanding Malaysia’s global energy footprint.Macro, Policy & Political Developments💱 Ringgit Hits One-Year High at 4.118/USDCurrency strength reflects economic confidence and market reform momentum.⛽ Targeted Diesel Subsidy Saves RM5BSales dropped from 770M to 465M litres/month. Funds reallocated to cash aid (Sumbangan) — a key policy success.📉 Capital Gains Tax Falls Short at RM162MFirst-year collections well below RM800M target. Exemptions for IPOs and listed shares likely diluted effectiveness.🏗️ Project Execution Still LaggingOnly 75% of national project funds spent. Chief Secretary flags urgency ahead of 13th Malaysia Plan rollout.📣 PM to Address Parliament on Sabah RevenueGov’t confirms no appeal of court ruling on 40% revenue — high-stakes fiscal and political move.📰 Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Press FreedomDeputy minister pledges no interference, even with critical coverage — signals institutional maturity.Global & Geopolitical Outlook🧠 AI Momentum Splits Investor SentimentSoftBank stock drops 10% after Nvidia exit (US$5.8B), while Foxconn stays bullish on 2026 demand. AI boom remains divisive.🪙 China Accuses US of ‘Bitcoin Theft’Claims US government “stole” US$13B in Bitcoin. Sharp escalation in cyber and financial rhetoric.🌲 EU Delays Anti-Deforestation LawPostponed to late 2026 amid compliance concerns. Eases pressure on palm oil exporting countries.🎧 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