Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 17th Jun 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we track big shifts across Malaysian corporates, domestic policy, and global markets. From CIMB’s boardroom shake-up and Solarvest’s milestone solar deal in Brunei, to the RM43B TNB grid investment and rising tensions in the Middle East—this episode connects the dots so you don’t have to.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 CIMB Appoints New ChairmanDr. Syed Zaid Albar, former Securities Commission chief, becomes CIMB’s group chairman starting July 20. Seen as a regulatory-savvy move amid broader strategic planning.🔹 Deleum Buys Thai Oilfield AssetsExpands into Thailand with RM60M acquisition from MPC Future. Investors welcomed the move; shares rose on the news.🔹 Poh Kong Posts Record Revenue, Flat ProfitStrong gold sales offset by rising operating costs and taxes. A clear reminder: margins matter, especially in inflationary environments.🔹 Petronas Eyes Carbon Capture RevenuePush into CCS aligns with decarbonization goals and monetizing high CO₂ gas fields. Malaysia could emerge as a regional CCS hub.🔹 Solarvest Secures Landmark Brunei Deal25-year solar plant project marks Brunei’s largest to date. Strengthens Malaysia’s regional green tech footprint.🔹 TotalEnergies Doubles Down in MalaysiaAcquires offshore assets from Petronas. Plans to expand LNG output and cement Malaysia as a regional anchor.🔹 Westports Gets Tariff BoostPort Klang to see 30% cumulative tariff increase by 2027. Revenue-positive move to fund expansion amid geopolitical risk in shipping.🏛️ Domestic Economy & Policy🔸 Halal Industry Delivers RM149B GDP BoostPhase 1 of national plan shows strong progress. New targets include RM25B in halal-related investments by 2030.🔸 Malaysia Earns ESG Praise from IFRSFirst ASEAN nation recognized for ISSB-aligned reporting. Enhances global investor appeal and regulatory trust.🔸 Expanded SST Raises Cost PressuresNew sales tax on commercial rentals and palm kernel oil from July 1 adds layers of cost. Analysts flag risks to SMEs and downstream competitiveness.🔸 TNB Commits RM43B to Grid UpgradeMassive investment to support clean energy, improve resilience, and handle rising demand.🌍 Global & Market Developments🌐 Petronas CEO: $90T Needed for Asia’s TransitionEnergy transition will require urgent mega-investments by 2050 to meet net-zero targets.🛢️ Middle East Tensions Rattle MarketsIsrael-Iran conflict lifts oil and gas prices. Bursa energy stocks surge; volatility hits global bond markets.📉 Investors Shun Long-Term US BondsChanging Fed expectations and deficit concerns drive yield volatility. Japan’s policy shift adds global spillover.📊 OPEC+ Holds Steady OutlookSees moderate global growth in H2 2025. Slight trim to non-OPEC supply could help support balance.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ CIMB’s leadership shift underscores a pivot toward regulatory strength and long-term strategy.✅ Solarvest and Deleum are making smart regional plays in renewables and energy services.✅ The halal economy and ESG alignment are growing Malaysia’s international economic profile.✅ Tax changes and cost increases could squeeze margins—watch SMEs and consumer-facing sectors.✅ Geopolitical volatility is back—energy and bond markets are reacting fast.🎧 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 Podcasts.Malaysia 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