KLCI Inches Higher At Midday While Broader Market Stays Mixed

7 hours ago

Bursa Malaysia's benchmark index edged up at midday on Friday, supported by gains in blue-chip counters, although broader market sentiment remained cautious ahead of key economic data and global developments.
As at 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI rose 2.00 points to 1,550.99, after moving between 1,547.70 and 1,551.78 throughout the morning session. The marginal gain of 0.13% kept the index hovering near its recent high, as investors selectively picked up index-linked stocks.
In contrast, the FBM 70 slipped 33.88 points to 16,798.65, down 0.20%, while the FBM ACE and small-cap stocks also showed mixed performances. The FBM Emas Shariah Index dipped 0.04% to 11,633.61, weighed down by declines in Shariah-compliant counters, while the broader FBM Emas Index added 6.93 points to 11,624.63.
The FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index (F4GBM) gained 0.61 points to 940.70, reflecting modest interest in ESG-aligned stocks amid continued focus on sustainability-themed investing.
In terms of actives, Borneo Oil remained the most traded stock with 734.81 million shares unchanged at 0.005 sen. Zetrix rose 2 sen to 99.5 sen with 728.80 million shares done, while Nexgram climbed 0.5 sen to 39.5 sen. Natgate gained 7 sen to RM1.74, while UCrest slipped 1 sen to 8.5 sen.
Sentiment remained cautious despite the index's uptick, with investors keeping an eye on global cues including US labour market data and the direction of interest rates. Market activity is expected to stay range-bound heading into the weekend. Related

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Sabah's poultry push: A game-changer for food security and F&B growth

Borneo Post

an hour ago

Borneo Post

Sabah's poultry push: A game-changer for food security and F&B growth

Hon Fook Peng KOTA KINABALU (July 4): The Sabah state government's decision to position poultry farming as a core pillar of its agricultural revolution reflects both foresight and firm commitment to food security. This initiative also brings renewed hope and opportunities for local food industry players. Under the leadership of Datuk Dexter Lau, the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah has been actively promoting the development of the local agricultural value chain and food production sector. Committee member and founder of the A1 Chicken Rice restaurant chain, Benny Hon Fook Peng, said the vision outlined by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey — to make Sabah the country's largest poultry-producing state — is a strategically significant move. It will not only enhance Sabah's food security but also offer broad and long-term development potential for local F&B operators and rural communities. 'As players in the F&B sector, we've long struggled with volatile costs, inconsistent supply, and heavy reliance on external sources. I fully welcome this policy direction. It is expected to boost local poultry supply, encourage more stable pricing mechanisms, and build a more resilient supply chain,' Hon said in a statement today. He noted that consistent supply and quality of chicken meat are critical factors for the sustainability of chicken rice businesses. 'As a local chicken rice operator in Sabah, if we can obtain a steady supply of high-quality poultry especially meat that meets Halal certification standards — we'll be able to maintain food quality and pricing while better serving a diverse customer base. 'Chicken rice may seem like a humble dish, but behind it lies the livelihood of countless business owners and daily consumers. What we serve is not just a meal — it is job creation, community economic stimulation, Halal food culture promotion, and a reflection of Sabah's warm and hospitable spirit.' Hon further explained that if Sabah's poultry industry could develop in a large-scale, standardized, and Halal-compliant manner, it would not only meet the growing demands of local Muslim consumers but also position Sabah to export Halal poultry products to ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets. He emphasized, 'I believe that if this agricultural revolution is strategically implemented and systematically advanced, it will not only strengthen Sabah's food security, but also create a new economic ecosystem around poultry farming — including processing, cold-chain logistics, feed production, packaging, veterinary services, and more — offering diversified employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Sabah's youth.' As a committee member of MCCC Sabah, he also urged the government to maintain close dialogue with industry players and business chambers when rolling out policies. 'For policies to take root, they must be grounded in reality. We hope the government will address the operational challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and introduce support such as financing assistance, smallholder training, Halal certification guidance, market linkage platforms, and logistics subsidies — ensuring benefits at all levels.' He added that MCCC Sabah will continue to play its role as a bridge, helping member companies connect with government resources, training opportunities, and Halal compliance standards — working together to build a vibrant future for Sabah's food and agriculture sector. Hon concluded, 'This is a highly promising beginning. With clear direction, steady progress, and collaborative efforts, Sabah has the potential to become a key player in Malaysia's national food security strategy — and even a global Halal food exporter.'

ASEAN-Korea delegation visits Woodrose Senior Residences for elder care insights

The Sun

an hour ago

The Sun

ASEAN-Korea delegation visits Woodrose Senior Residences for elder care insights

SHAH ALAM: A delegation from the ASEAN+Republic of Korea (ROK) Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons visited Woodrose Senior Residences to study innovative approaches in elder care. The visit highlights regional efforts to address the growing needs of aging populations. Woodrose Group Executive Chairman Abdul Rashid Bernard Lawrence stated that the delegation, which included health and welfare officials from ASEAN and Korea, explored the facility's medical units, rehabilitation services, and culturally sensitive care models. 'This visit reinforces that eldercare is not a domestic issue—it's a regional imperative,' he said. Malaysia's aging population, currently at 8.1% aged 65 and above, is projected to rise to 14.5% by 2040. Similar demographic shifts across Southeast Asia are increasing demand for structured elder care solutions. 'Traditional family-based caregiving is becoming less viable due to urban migration and rising living costs,' Abdul Rashid noted. Dr. Satish Ranggayah from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration. 'Woodrose Senior Residences plays a pivotal role in Malaysia's evolving eldercare landscape through its Shariah-compliant, holistic approach,' he said. The facility offers long-term care, dementia support, and short-term stays, catering to both seniors and their families. - Bernama

New Straits Times

2 hours ago

New Straits Times

MARKET PULSE PM JULY 4, 2025 [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: News on stock, crypto and ringgit moves. Bursa Malaysia closed broadly flat in the Friday session as sectoral performances were mixed across the broader market. Gains were led by consumer-related and industrial product stocks, buoyed by resilient domestic demand and growing optimism in data centre-related industries. Meanwhile, the ringgit slipped against the US dollar to 4.2210. In the crypto market, Bitcoin remained rangebound, trading at RM458,999. Conversely, other cryptocurrencies declined, with Ethereum slipping to RM10,769 and Solana falling to RM633. That wraps up today's Market Pulse.