Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 6th May 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we track major corporate shifts, tariff talks, and international developments—from Gamuda’s billion-ringgit Google deal to Malaysia’s ongoing trade negotiations with the US. Get the full picture of how local companies and global headlines intersect—and what it all means for your money.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 AT&S Kulim Plant Powers AheadAustrian tech giant’s €1.7B project ramps up AMD-focused production. Eyes 30% CAGR and customer base expansion amid global semiconductor shifts.🔹 Gamuda Lands Google Data Centre DealSells 389-acre site for RM455M and secures over RM1B in enabling works. Big win for Malaysia’s data centre ambitions.🔹 Ekovest Gets Green Light for DUKE LinksLaluan Istana Kiara and Kampung Baru links move forward, supporting Klang Valley’s growing infrastructure needs.🔹 West River Expands Post-IPOBidding for Johor data centre project; exploring hotels in Penang and Langkawi. RM13.88M electrical subcontract adds to growing portfolio.🔹 Tan Chong Bets Big on Affordable EVsPartners with SAIC-GM-Wuling to assemble EVs locally. First model, TQ Wuling Bingo, aims for sub-RM100K price tag by late 2026.🔹 Mr DIY Posts Record Q1 ResultsFestive sales, better margins, and aggressive expansion (190 stores in 2025) drive all-time high revenue and net profit.🔹 Other Key Movers• TAS Offshore: Secures RM38M in tugboat orders and declares 2 sen dividend.• Evergreen Max Cash: Subsidiary secures RM40M CIMB loan to boost earnings.• Frontken: Q1 profit up 3.4% from semicon strength; oil & gas lags.• Gas Malaysia: Seasonal softness, pipeline issues, and margin pressure ahead.• Lotte Chemical Titan: Narrows losses with better margins, but global headwinds remain.🌍 Global Trends & Their Impact on Malaysia🌐 US–China Tariff Drama Paused (for Now)90-day tariff pause for most countries brings relief; Malaysia stays in talks with US on potential reductions. Blanket 10% tariff remains.🗣️ Malaysia Responds ProactivelyRM1.5B SME support package and fast-tracked infrastructure projects rolled out. Moody’s sees Malaysia as resilient, with FDI upside potential.💼 ASEAN Manufacturing PMI ContractsDrops to 48.7 in April—first contraction in 16 months. Weak orders and confidence signal regional slowdown.🛢️ OPEC+ to Hike OutputOil prices fall, but Saudi raises prices for Asia. Mixed signals as market watches demand strength in the region.📈 US Fed Likely to Hold RatesDespite political pressure, Fed remains cautious. Global markets still volatile, with traders watching inflation trends.💸 Foreign Funds Flow into Bursa MalaysiaSecond straight week of net buying, especially in financials and healthcare. Retail and local institutions still selling.🌏 International Developments• Indonesia: Rate cuts likely amid tariff-hit growth forecasts.• Taiwan: Currency surges after trade talks with US confirmed.• Switzerland: Inflation drops to zero, opening door to rate cuts.• EU: Proposes Russian gas ban by 2027.• US: Lawmaker proposes AI chip tracking to block China smuggling.🏛️ Policy & Political Headlines🇲🇾 Malaysia–US Tariff Talks ProgressingAnwar confirms US openness to reducing reciprocal tariffs. MITI takes over certificate of origin issuance to prevent transshipment abuse.🇵🇰 Malaysia–Pakistan Strengthen Trade TiesPropose Joint Economic Commission to deepen bilateral cooperation.📊 HLIB’s Market OutlookHong Leong Investment Bank recommends a “sell into strength” stance amid disconnect between fundamentals and rally. Suggests barbell strategy of defensive and undervalued stocks.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ Malaysia Acts, Not Reacts – Government’s active negotiation and domestic support show strategic direction.✅ Big Tech Validates Malaysia – Google deal signals rising global confidence in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.✅ EV Market Getting Crowded – Tan Chong’s Wuling launch could shake up local electric vehicle dynamics.✅ Foreign Funds Returning – Watch for whether institutional interest marks a trend or a blip.✅ Trade Talks Offer Window – The 90-day tariff pause is a key period—what Malaysia does with it matters.🎧 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