16/05/2025

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BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 16, 2025

Bernas adjusts prices of imported white rice

Research firms positive on Sunway REIT

KUALA LUMPUR: Research houses have largely maintained a positive outlook on Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT) following its first quarter (Q1) financial results for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY25). CIMB Securities, Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB), Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB), among others, reiterated their “Buy” and “Outperform” calls, with target prices ranging from RM2.11 to RM2.17. In a research note, CIMB Securities said Sunway REIT’s results were in line with expectations. Sunway REIT recorded a higher net profit of RM104.32 million for Q1’25 versus RM86.98 million a year ago. “We anticipate Q2’25 earnings to be marginally weaker owing to an absence of festive-driven spending, but this could be partly offset by the early completion of the Sunway Carnival Mall and an improvement in its hotel segment. “We maintain a ‘Buy’ call and a target price of RM2.11 per share, underpinned by upside potential and dividend yields of 5.7–6.1% over financial years 2025 to 2027,” it said. Maybank IB said Sunway REIT’s Q1’25 performance was driven by full-quarter contributions from assets acquired in 2024 and the successful refurbishment of the Sunway Pyramid Mall’s Oasis precinct. “The results were slightly above our forecast, accounting for 27% of the FY25 estimate, while consensus was in line, with the outperformance mainly due to lower than-expected finance costs. “We maintain our forecast for now and reiterate our ‘Buy’ call with a target price of RM2.13,” it said, with Sunway REIT remaining its top pick in the M-REIT sector. HLIB said Sunway REIT’s Q1’25 net profit was up 5.2% q-o-q and 19.9% y-o-y, exceeding both its and consensus expectations, driven by stronger rental income. “As a result, we revise up our profit forecasts for FY25, FY26, and FY27 by 8.4%, 10.8%, and 11.4%, respectively, to reflect higher-than-expected rental reversions,” it said. RHB also said Sunway REIT’s Q1’25 results were in line with expectations, with stronger retail performance from its new acquisitions offsetting a softer quarter for the hospitality segment. – Bernama

across the country. Bernas also remains committed to its social responsibility by supporting the farmers’ community. Following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s February announcement, RM90 million in special aid was channelled by Bernas to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) to support the Madani government’s efforts to uplift underprivileged paddy farmers. The fund, entirely contributed by Bernas without the use of public funds, was disbursed in two phases. The first phase of RM60 million was released in stages, with the final installment of RM15 million completed on March 5. The additional RM30 million in cash aid was fully paid to the government on March 28. Bernas will continue to collaborate closely with KPKM and industry stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening national food security. The company remains dedicated to supporting the ministry’s long-term action plan, with a focus on prioritising farmers’ welfare and ensuring the sustainability of the national rice supply.

o Company says proactive measure is to support govt’s efforts in enhancing national food security

SHAH ALAM: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner in national food security by implementing the price adjustment for imported white rice (BPI). This is in line with the announcement made by the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Effective yesterday, all BPI prices at Bernas warehouses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak will be adjusted to RM2,600 per metric ton. However, the government’s BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will continue as usual. In a statement, Bernas explains that this proactive measure reflects the company’s continuous commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in safeguarding the nation’s food supply resilience and mitigating the impact of rising global market prices. This allows consumers to purchase

imported rice at a lower price, thereby supporting efforts to ease the cost of living. Previously, on Dec 1, 2024, Bernas reduced the BPI price from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric ton. Malaysia continues to offer the lowest BPI prices in the Southeast Asian region. Bernas reassures that the nation’s supply is sufficient to cater to domestic needs. The company highlights that it continues to source rice from other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. This diversified sourcing strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on a single source, safeguarding the national stockpile and ensuring the nation’s rice supply remains secure. As the concessionaire under its agreement with the government, Bernas remains committed to managing a sustainable stockpile and ensuring the continuous availability of rice “By making our sites available on PRO-NET digital platforms, EV drivers now have more ways to locate, navigate, and pay for EV charging at Shell Recharge stations nationwide. “We strive to work with like-minded partners such as PRO-NET, in exploring opportunities to invest in smart EV solutions, while offering greater value beyond a smoother charging experience. I welcome all Proton e.MAS and smart EV drivers to experience the convenience of charging with Shell Recharge and PRO-NET.” Shell has been actively expanding its public charging footprint nationwide, including the recently launched high-performance charging (HPC) corridor, which connects the East Coast to the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This latest integration with PRO-NET reflects Shell’s broader strategy of building a more connected and inclusive EV charging network

Shell Recharge, PRO-NET to widen EV charging network KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Recharge and Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd, have collaborated to simplify EV charging for Malaysian drivers. general manager, mobility & convenience Seow Lee Ming said. through strategic partner collaborations while contributing to national efforts to accelerate EV adoption. PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang said the company’ mission goes beyond delivering electric vehicles.

Through this collaboration, Proton e.MAS and smart EV drivers can now locate and pay for EV charging at Shell Recharge stations nationwide via the Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps. This takes an important step forward in delivering a smoother, integrated, and more convenient charging experience for EV drivers and supports the Malaysian government’s vision of a unified and accessible EV ecosystem. “At Shell, we believe convenience is key to accelerating EV adoption. We recognise the need to provide EV drivers with intuitive solutions that meet their charging needs, and that is exactly what we are delivering through this collaboration with PRO-NET,” Shell Malaysia

“We are building the future of sustainable mobility. This collaboration with Shell Recharge is another important milestone in realising that vision. “With over 2,500 charging points now accessible through our Integrated Live Charging Map, which can be accessed both in our vehicles and through the Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps, we are establishing an ecosystem that eliminates range anxiety. “By working with forward-thinking partners like Shell, we are not just connecting charging networks but also connecting people to a smarter, more confident EV journey across Malaysia,” he said.

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