27/10/2025

BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | OCT 27, 2025

FOLLOW

ON YOUTUBE

16

Malaysian Paper

/theSunMedia /

Port of Tanjung Pelepas to build Berth Zero in expansion

Gold futures likely to trade

cautiously this week

retail concept as more Malaysians adopt conscious spending and seek dependable everyday essentials. “At the same time, we are placing greater emphasis on developing our in-house product range to deliver better quality at attractive prices.” She said they have observed some headwinds in consumer sentiment over the past few months and continue to monitor the situation closely to remain agile in their response. “Our focus is on optimising pricing, enhancing our product mix, and refining our promotions”. KUALA LUMPUR: Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are likely to trade cautiously this week, hovering within a narrow range of US$4,050 to US$4,100 per ounce as market participants reassess positions amid ongoing profit-taking. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that spot gold prices continued their downward correction this week, easing to US$4,055.86 per ounce as traders and investors booked profits following recent gains. “Thus far, prices have fallen about 6.8% from the recent high of US$4,356.30. A 10% correction from that peak would suggest potential downside towards US$3,920.67 per ounce to complete the adjustment phase,” he told Bernama. Meanwhile, in the US, the consumer price index (CPI) for September released on Saturday, marked the first major economic report since the government shutdown on Oct 1. According to reports, the latest data showed that the core CPI rose to 330.54 in September from 329.79 in the previous month, while the overall inflation rate eased to 3.0%, which is lower than expected. The CPI release is the final significant data point the US Federal Reserve will get before it makes its interest rate decision this week. On a weekly basis, the spot-month October 2025 contract slid to US$4,074.10 per troy ounce from US$4,341.60 on Friday last week, the November 2025 contract fell to US$4,090.80 per troy ounce versus US$4,358.30 previously, and the December 2025 contract decreased to US$4,107.40 per troy ounce against US$4,374.30 a week ago. The January 2026 contract dipped to US$4,124.40 per troy ounce from US$4,391.30 a week earlier, while the February 2026, April 2026, and June 2026 contracts all settled weaker at US$4,140.30 per troy ounce versus US$4,407.20 at the end of last week. Weekly trading volume edged up to 1,798 lots from 1,722 lots last week, while open interest rose to 346 contracts from 171 contracts previously. Physical gold stood at US$4,143.75 per troy ounce based on the London Bullion Market Association’s afternoon fix on Oct 23, 2025. – Bernama

readiness to turn plans into action, collaboration into progress and vision into value for the future of PTP and Malaysia’s maritime ambitions.” MMCE CEO Mohamad Asroll Mansor said: “As part of MMC Group, MMCE is proud to work alongside PTP in realising its vision for Project Berth Zero. Over the years, MMCE has been instrumental in shaping PTP’s infrastructure growth, contributing our engineering expertise to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading maritime nation. “This project reaffirms our commitment to engineering excellence, innovation and the highest standards of safety and quality that define MMC Group.” AKSB managing director Datuk Tay Yew Chong remarked: “AKSB is honoured to continue our 23-year partnership with MMCE, built on trust, technical expertise and shared values.” said they are future-proofing i-City through AI and Robotics to reinforce its position as Malaysia’s leading technology-driven township. He added that the group’s technology-led growth strategy, anchored by AI World – Malaysia’s first AI-enabled urban precinct – marks the next chapter in i-City’s evolution. “AI World will catalyse the next growth phase by integrating smart infrastructure, digital platforms, and experiential living. It positions i-City as the national benchmark for intelligent, connected urban ecosystems designed for the AI era.” He added that I-Berhad’s plans to roll out Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) across the group’s RM1 billion investment property portfolio mark a major step forward in operational excellence and service innovation. “By embedding AI-driven automation and robotics into our operations, we aim to enhance user experiences, optimise asset efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams beyond traditional property cycles.”

o Key plan is centred on optimising existing footprint: Chairman

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between Malaysia-based MMC Group and Netherlands-based APM Terminals, is set to develop a new berth, to be named Berth Zero, as part of its expansion plan. The Berth Zero development was awarded to the joint venture of MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd and Antara Koh (M) Sdn Bhd (MMCE AKSB JV) as an extension within PTP’s undeveloped landbank. The project encompasses dredging, reclamation and the construction of a 360-metre berth along PTP’s linear wharf, equipped with four quay cranes and a yard fully prepared for electric rubber tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes. PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh stated: “PTP’s key expansion plan is centred on

optimising our existing footprint, with the aim of increasing the terminal’s total handling capacity to approximately 16 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) over the next two and a half years.” “Demand in the maritime and port industry is strong and continuously growing. Berth Zero marks the next capacity unlock. “We do not stop where we are; we constantly seek room for growth to fulfil our customer-centric philosophy, supporting the growing needs of our valued customers, whether to meet their reliability goals or to enhance their competitiveness, while preparing to capture

PTP CEO, Mark Hardiman commented: “This year, as we proudly celebrate PTP’s 25th Anniversary, formalising the Berth Zero development carries special significance. “Berth Zero represents PTP’s next major expansion since the completion of Berths 13 and 14 in 2014. It marks the final phase of PTP’s current expansion plan, paving the way for the terminal to reach its total capacity target of approximately 16 million TEUs, supported by four new quay cranes expected to be commissioned by 2028.

opportunities from the growing intra Asean trade that is shaping the future market, and further strengthening Johor’s and Malaysia’s position in global trade flows,” he said. I-Berhad ushers in new era with AI and robotics “Through strategic partnership and sustainable expansion, this initiative signifies a renewed focus on capacity building, future-proofs the port’s infrastructure and reinforces our position as a leading transshipment hub, reflecting our

KUALA LUMPUR: I-Berhad, the master developer of i-City, posted its highest-ever quarterly profit before tax (PBT) of RM26.8 million in its financial results for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2025 (Q3FY2025). The company recorded revenue of RM81.3 million and PBT of RM26.8 million, marking a 74% year-on-year

surge compared to RM15.4 million in PBT a year earlier. The property development segment remained the main earnings driver, delivering RM42.1 million in revenue, up 51% year-on year, fuelled by progressive billings from BeCentral Serviced Residences, alongside healthy sales momentum

Marketing Bhd, a player in Malaysia’s dollar store retail sector, and its subsidiaries recorded revenue of RM684.3 million in its first quarter financial results for the three months ended Aug 31, 2025 (1Q FY2026), compared to RM667.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Gross profit grew at a faster pace than revenue, rising by 28.5% to RM217.6 million. Consequently, gross profit margin improved to 31.8% from 25.4% in 1Q FY2025, driven by higher within i-City and 8 Kia Peng. Segmental profit before tax more than doubled to RM16.1 million, compared to RM5.9 million in Q3FY2024. The property investment segment posted another strong quarter, contributing RM6.8 million in revenue and RM5.3 million in profit before tax, a 40% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the leisure and hospitality segment sustained its upward trajectory with RM31.8 million in revenue, a 16% year-on-year rise, supported by strong visitor footfall during holiday periods. The segment reported PBT of RM6.2 million, marginally lower than last year due to higher depreciation from new rides introduced at i-City’s attractions. On a cumulative basis, for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2025 (9MFY2025), I-Berhad achieved total revenue of RM205.6 million PBT of RM53.4 million, reflecting growth of 30% and 96% respectively, compared to the same period in 2024. Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong

Eco-Shop posts 48% net profit jump in Q1 KUALA LUMPUR: Eco-Shop selling prices and a more favourable product mix.

Supported by improved margins and higher other income, net profit for the quarter surged by 48.4% to RM58.8 million. CEO Jessica Ng said: “Our store expansion plans are progressing well, supported by a healthy pipeline of new openings planned for FY2026. These additions will further expand our footprint as affordability and quality remain key priorities for consumers. We believe there is still a long runway of growth for our value

Lim posing with a robot.