logo
Bursa Malaysia closes marginally lower on profit-taking activities

Bursa Malaysia closes marginally lower on profit-taking activities

KUALA LUMPUR — Bursa Malaysia closed marginally lower due to profit-taking activities on telecommunications, construction and energy stocks, analysts said.
At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined by 0.19 per cent, or 2.95 points, to 1,539.54 from last Friday's close of 1,542.49.
The market bellwether opened 0.71 of-a-point easier at 1,541.78 and moved between 1,534.52 and 1,548.95 throughout the trading session.
Turnover decreased to 2.34 billion units worth RM2.08 billion against Friday's 2.73 billion units valued at RM2.46 billion.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said key regional indices climbed modestly on the back of stronger local currencies, while trading volumes were light due to market closures in China and Hong Kong.
'Back home, we see today's profit-taking as a constructive pause, enabling the market to digest recent gains and establish a firmer base for sustained upside.
'This also presents an opportunity for bargain hunters given the cheaper valuations of the benchmark index. We anticipate the FBM KLCI to trend within the range of 1,525-1,555 for the week,' Thong told Bernama.
Among the heavyweights, 99 Speed Mart fell five sen to RM2.22, CelcomDigi shed seven sen to RM3.78, Kuala Lumpur Kepong declined 34 sen to RM19.52, Maxis slid six sen to RM3.65 and Petronas Dagangan lost 26 sen to RM19.24.
In active trade, ACE Market debutant West River shed two sen to 37 sen, SFP Tech gained 1.5 sen to 23.5 sen, Nationgate shaved five sen to RM1.47, Velesto was flat at 15.5 sen and MYEG was eased two sen to 88.5 sen. — BERNAMA
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SST And New Electricity Tariffs: Relief Measures To Ease Transition
SST And New Electricity Tariffs: Relief Measures To Ease Transition

Barnama

timean hour ago

  • Barnama

SST And New Electricity Tariffs: Relief Measures To Ease Transition

Despite early concerns over rising living costs, the rollout includes various measures designed to cushion the impact, especially for households and small businesses. PUTRAJAYA, July 6 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia enters the second half of 2025, the government's fiscal recalibration through an expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and revised electricity tariffs mark a strategic move to strengthen national finances while prioritising the welfare of the rakyat. For the average Malaysian, the mood is gradually shifting from anxiety to cautious optimism, as support mechanisms are in place to help those most in need. From tax exemptions on personal care services such as haircuts, facials and manicures, to anticipated cash assistance and a more progressive electricity tariff system where higher usage brackets are charged more, the government appears to be listening and responding to public sentiment. He also raised the SST registration threshold for leasing and financial services from RM500,000 to RM1 million, offering relief to smaller businesses. Meanwhile, services such as haircuts, facials and manicures have been excluded from the expanded SST, a modest but welcome move that helps maintain the affordability of everyday self-care. The government has expanded the SST to cover more services and selected imported goods as part of efforts to boost revenue. However, following engagement sessions and public feedback, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced tax exemptions for four imported fruits commonly found on Malaysian dining tables - apples, oranges, mandarin oranges and dates. 'This move helps maintain the affordability of key food items and supports household purchasing power,' said Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid. Another key policy change taking effect this month is the revised electricity tariff, which affects more than 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia. The new rates, effective from July 1, 2025 until Dec 31, 2027, fall under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework under Section 26 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. The Energy Commission has set the average base tariff rate at 45.40 sen per kilowatt-hour, slightly lower than the 45.62 sen approved in December 2024. This adjustment is expected to reduce overall electricity costs while promoting energy-saving habits, particularly during off-peak hours. External challenges remain Despite domestic reforms, global uncertainties continue to weigh on Malaysia's economic outlook. Mohd Afzanizam warned that the upcoming expiry of the United States' temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs on July 9 could increase pressure on Malaysian exports if Washington reimposes steep duties. However, the administration of US President Donald Trump has signalled the possibility of extending the suspension, a move that could offer short-term relief to Malaysian exporters, particularly in the electrical and electronics, palm oil, rubber and machinery sectors. Economists say such an extension would reflect a more measured US trade stance and could help stabilise global market sentiment, which is a much-needed breather for emerging economies navigating inflation, currency volatility and geopolitical risks. At the same time, ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to fuel oil price fluctuations, adding pressure to Malaysia's fuel subsidy rationalisation efforts. Global price volatility could increase consumer costs and complicate the implementation of subsidy reforms. Relief measures and stronger fiscal footing While the government's fiscal reforms are geared toward long-term stability, public sentiment remains sensitive to immediate cost-of-living issues. Uncertainty still lingers over the implementation of RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation and the full impact of SST and electricity adjustments on consumer behaviour. Nevertheless, there are signs of relief on the horizon. Mohd Afzanizam noted that there may be room for monetary easing, including a potential 25 basis points cut in the overnight policy rate (OPR) as early as this month (July 9). In a separate move, Bank Negara Malaysia's decision in May to reduce the statutory reserve requirement by 100 basis points had already injected about RM19 billion into the banking system, providing liquidity to support economic activity. 'On the fiscal front, the government's disciplined approach appears to be yielding results. The fiscal deficit narrowed to RM22 billion or 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2025, down from RM26 billion or 5.7 per cent in the same period last year. 'Savings from the diesel subsidy rationalisation and SST reforms introduced in 2024 have opened up fiscal space, enabling the government to increase targeted assistance. The combined allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah has been raised to RM13 billion this year from RM10 billion in 2024. 'This careful balancing act is supporting investor confidence and helping to preserve Malaysia's sovereign credit ratings,' he said. International rating agencies like Moody's, S&P, and Fitch are expected to maintain Malaysia's current sovereign ratings, a crucial factor in attracting long-term foreign investment. As Malaysians adjust to this new fiscal environment, the coming months will test not only household resilience but also the government's ability to sustain reforms while protecting the wellbeing of the rakyat. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Malaysia calls on BRICS to boost intra-trade, champion fair, just global order
Malaysia calls on BRICS to boost intra-trade, champion fair, just global order

Malaysia Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Malaysia Sun

Malaysia calls on BRICS to boost intra-trade, champion fair, just global order

KUALA LUMPUR, 5th July, 2025 (WAM) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for an increase in intra-BRICS trade and for the group to emerge as a strong and principled force, grounded in equity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to shaping a more balanced and just international order. Lamenting unilateral tariff measures and protectionist policies, Anwar expressed confidence that BRICS, which today accounts for nearly 40% of the global economy, holds vast potential to boost trade within the informal grouping. "With that collective strength, we can engage the world safely, fairly, and justly, negotiating on equal terms with all partners in the multilateral system," he said as quoted by Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA). He further emphasised the need for reform of key international institutions. "We must demand the transformation of global governance structures, from the United Nations to the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank towards a more democratic and just multilateral order," he said at the BRICS Business Forum entitled: 'Bridging Continents, Building Future: A Shared Agenda for Sustainable Progress' in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil today. Also present were President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Vice President of Brazil Geraldo Alckmin and President of the Brazilian Confederation of National Industry (CNI) Ricardo Alban. Anwar arrived earlier today to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit hosted by Brazil from 6 to 7 July at the invitation of President Lula.

Bursa bulls eye breakout next week — but July 9 tariff deadline could spoil the party
Bursa bulls eye breakout next week — but July 9 tariff deadline could spoil the party

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Bursa bulls eye breakout next week — but July 9 tariff deadline could spoil the party

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade in cautious mode next week, but with an upside bias, with the US tariff deal deadline on July 9 in focus, analysts said. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng anticipates the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to trend within the range of 1,530-1,560 points, representing its support and resistance levels. 'The benchmark index has broken out of its consolidation range with strong volume, climbing above critical moving averages. A bullish exponential moving average crossover and strengthening moving average convergence/divergence indicator, along with a relative strength index that has yet to peak, strengthen the case for a shift toward a more bullish trend,' he told Bernama. Echoing Thong, UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd's head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, said the local bourse is expected to experience heightened caution and intermittent volatility ahead, as investors closely monitor the evolving landscape of global trade policy. 'Particular attention is centred on the 'Liberation Day' US tariff deadline of July 9, when elevated tariffs -ranging from 20 to 30 per cent- are expected to be reinstated on countries without formalised bilateral trade deals. 'Malaysia, among others, may face renewed uncertainty should negotiations remain unresolved. US President Donald Trump has indicated that official notifications outlining new tariff rates will be issued imminently to affected trade partners,' he said. On a weekly basis, the barometer index advanced 22.03 points to 1,550.19 from 1,528.16 in the preceding week. The FBM Emas Index expanded 218.92 points to 11,617.72, the FBMT 100 Index rose 209.34 points to 11,390.70, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index garnered 276.69 points to 11,617.82. The FBM 70 Index climbed 516.38 points to 16,787.04, and the FBM ACE Index rose 51.64 points to 4,526.40. Across sectors, the Financial Services Index went up 54.12 points to 17,791.22, the Plantation Index surged 119.72 points to 7,448.74, and the Energy Index gained 8.93 points to 741.61. Turnover for the shortened trading week increased to 17.25 billion units worth RM12.62 billion from 11.68 billion units worth RM8.45 billion in the preceding week. The Main Market volume advanced to 9.22 billion units valued at RM11.41 billion against 5.40 billion units valued at RM7.39 billion previously. Warrant turnover improved to 6.62 billion units worth RM772.30 million versus 4.96 billion units worth RM655.61 million a week ago. The ACE Market volume ticked up to 1.40 billion units valued at RM437.52 million compared with 1.07 billion units valued at RM399.48 million a week earlier. — Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store