18/12/2025

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THURSDAY | DEC 18, 2025

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) has signed a RM65 million sale and purchase agreement with Landasan Lumayan Berjaya Sdn Bhd for the development of its new headquarters on a 2.3-acre site in Kota Kemuning. Selangor state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Datuk Izham Hashim said the LUAS headquarters complex is a four-storey development valued at RM65 million, scheduled to be completed within three years, and located along the Klang River within the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) area. Planning approval has already been obtained from the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), he told reporters at the SPA signing between Landasan Lumayan and LUAS yesterday. “As for when the project will commence, it can begin at any time. The project is currently in the process of submitting building plans and will proceed thereafter,” he shared. He said the site, located near the KESAS Highway in Section 3 of Kota Kemuning, was identified as the most suitable location and is intended to demonstrate that river-based development can be successfully implemented. “The Klang River is currently undergoing rejuvenation and conservation efforts, and together with property development and other projects being carried out, we want to show that rivers can be positioned as a development theme,” Izham said. He added that rivers should no longer be viewed as waste disposal areas, and that LUAS, as the authority responsible for managing Selangor’s water resources, is setting an example by locating its headquarters within a riverfront area. The development of the LUAS headquarters is a strategic initiative that supports the implementation of the SMG project, in line with LUAS’ commitment to water resource governance, environmental operating in Malaysia shows steady confidence in the Malaysian market despite persistent global economic uncertainties. The results indicate that German–Malaysian business relations remain robust, with companies largely optimistic about their local development heading into 2026. German companies in Malaysia continue to demonstrate stability and resilience, with 87% rating their current business situation as “good and satisfactory”. The companies also remain confident in Malaysia’s economic outlook, with 90% expecting conditions in 2026 to remain stable and favourable. “Despite ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, German companies in Malaysia are entering 2026 with a solid foundation and a high degree of confidence.

Syed Ali and Haslina at the SPA signing ceremony. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

LUAS signs RM65m SPA with Landasan Lumayan o Joint venture company to develop Selangor Water Management Authority’s new headquarters in Kota Kemuning

market pressures. Within this broader global context, the United States’ trade policy emerged as a specific external factor with uneven effects on German companies in Malaysia. While 54% report negative impacts, 46% see no direct effect. Notably, nearly two-thirds of surveyed companies have no US business connections (64%), suggesting that any spillover effects arise primarily through indirect channels such as global supply chain restructuring. Among companies with US exposure, the most influential policy factors include tariffs (60%), increased competitive pressure due to trade diversion (56%), and industrial policy and local-content requirements (16%). Collectively, the findings point to enduring confidence in Malaysia as a resilient, strategic hub for German companies navigating an increasingly complex global environment. rejuvenation initiative now known as the Selangor Maritime Gateway. It is wholly owned by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated). Its role is to implement key activities under the SMG plan, including river cleaning and urban development along the Klang River corridor. Landasan Lumayan Berjaya Sdn Bhd is a joint venture company formed between Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (holding 45%) and Berjaya Land Bhd (holding 55%). This entity was established to undertake river cleaning, rehabilitation and development projects, including initiatives under the SMG umbrella, such as housing and riverfront works.

These concerns mirror trends across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly as companies navigate geopolitical shifts, supply chain adjustments, and ongoing labour market pressures. The AHK Network is supported by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action based on a resolution of the German Bundestag Das AHK-Netz wird vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert domestic competitors (39%), followed by shortages of skilled labour (37%). These concerns mirror trends across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly as companies navigate geopolitical shifts, supply chain adjustments, and ongoing labour Meanwhile, Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, director of Landasan Lumayan Berjaya Sdn Bhd, said the development of this headquarters, not only fulfils the organisation’s operational needs but also contributes to the success of the SMG project. “This development reflects our commitment to responsible, sustainable and long-term-impact riverfront development,” he said. The Sale and Purchase Agreement for the LUAS headquarters building was executed by Izham, Haslina, Syed Ali and Landasan Lumayan Berjaya CEO Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Zain. Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd is the Selangor state-appointed master developer for the Klang River

Management Division and acting director of LUAS, said the project is a strategic investment to strengthen the agency’s capacity as Selangor’s water resource regulator and manager. “Its location near the Klang River and the ‘Guardian of the River’ concept will allow LUAS to play a more effective role in supporting the integrated and sustainable implementation of the SMG project,” she said.

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conditions, predictable policies, and a strong local ecosystem continue to make Malaysia a reliable and competitive location within Asean. German–Malaysian economic relations, built on decades of cooperation, technological exchange, and mutual investment, are well positioned to deepen further as companies adapt their regional strategies to an evolving global environment,” said Malaysian German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) executive director, Hannes Farlock. This confidence is reinforced by the outlook for the coming year, with 49% of companies expecting improved business performance and 43% anticipating stable conditions. Just 7% foresee a downturn, signalling broad resilience across the business community. This cautious but hopeful outlook aligns with Malaysia’s continued attractiveness as a integrated development agenda. The headquarters will function as a centre for administration, coordination and monitoring, strengthening SMG implementation in areas such as river water resource management, flood mitigation, environmental monitoring and public service delivery. Haslina Amer, assistant director general of the River Basin and Coastal

90% of German firms expect stable conditions in Malaysia next year KUALA LUMPUR: The latest AHK World Business Outlook Survey Fall 2025 of German companies Stable business diversified, strategically positioned manufacturing and services hub in Southeast Asia. trade barriers and preferential treatment of domestic competitors (39%), followed by shortages of skilled labour (37%).

While investment expansion plans (28%) have moderated from last year’s 39%, nearly half of companies (47%) are maintaining their existing investment levels, indicating resilience and confidence in Malaysia’s stability despite a more challenging global environment. Employment expectations further underline this confidence, with nearly half of companies (49%) planning to increase their workforce over the next 12 months, while another 36% expect staffing levels to remain unchanged, indicating stable labour demand across the board. When asked about risks to business development in the coming year, companies identified global and structural challenges as their primary concerns. The top risks include weak global demand (67%), economic policy conditions (42%), as well as