23/12/2025

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | DEC 23, 2025

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MASwings exits as AirBorneo takes over

Additionally, the strategic acquisition of aircraft and heavy machinery like bridge cranes underscores continued long-term investment in Malaysia’s aerospace and logistic capabilities. For the period of January to November 2025, Malaysia achieved its highest-ever cumulative values for trade, exports, and imports. Total trade rose 5.8% to RM2.775 trillion, while the trade surplus expanded by 10.7% to RM132.56 billion. This record-breaking performance reinforces Malaysia’s position as a resilient and diversified trading nation, well equipped to navigate the evolving global economic landscape. Local institutions extend net buying on Bursa for fifth week KUALA LUMPUR: Local institutions extended their buying streak for a fifth consecutive week with net inflows of RM508.6 million, while local retailers recorded a third consecutive week of net outflows of RM145.3 million. MBSB Investment Bank Bhd’s (MBSB IB) fund flow report for the week ended Dec 19, 2025, reported that foreign investors on Bursa Malaysia recorded net outflows for the second consecutive week, with net selling totalling RM363.3 million. The bulk of the outflows occurred on Monday (RM133.8 million), followed by Tuesday (RM132.8 million) and Wednesday (RM104.5 million), while foreign investors turned marginal net buyers on Thursday (RM2.6 million) and Friday (RM5.1 million). “The top three sectors that recorded net foreign inflows last week were financial services (RM153.1 million), industrial products and services (RM80.9 million), and plantation (RM35.5 million), while the top three sectors that recorded net foreign outflows were utilities (RM355.7 million), construction (RM74.1 million), and consumer products and services (RM64.1 million),” the report said. MBSB noted that the average daily trading volume saw a broad-based increase: local retailers by 2%, local institutions by 4.5%, and foreign investors by 5.1%. Regionally, based on eight Asian markets tracked by MBSB, foreign investors turned net sellers of equities, recording net outflows of US$7.47 billion after two consecutive weeks of net buying, marking the largest net foreign outflow since early November. The report said outflows from Taiwan and South Korea drove the selling; only India, Indonesia, and Thailand registered net foreign inflows. India recorded the highest net foreign inflows at US$419.1 million, following two weeks of net selling, while Indonesia recorded the second-highest net inflows at US$195.7 million, extending its streak to 11 consecutive weeks of net buying. Foreign investors also returned to Thailand after a brief period of net selling the previous week, with inflows totalling US$40.3 million, while Taiwan saw the largest weekly net foreign outflow at US$5.49 billion, its biggest since April 2024, following three consecutive weeks of net inflows. “This was followed by South Korea, which saw net foreign outflows of US$2.51 billion after two weeks of net buying. The Philippines also recorded net foreign outflows of US$32.7 million, marking its fourth consecutive week of net selling,” it added. – Bernama

services, commercial activities and tourism, while contributing to the broader socio economic development of Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Over its operational history, MASwings has operated over 430,000 flights and carried more than 19 million passengers across its network. The airline has also contributed meaningfully to employment creation across the aviation value chain, generating over 300 direct and indirect jobs spanning flight operations, engineering, cabin crew, ground handling and essential support services. As a subsidiary of MAG, MASwings further strengthened the group’s aviation ecosystem by enhancing connectivity with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, improving both domestic and international access for travellers in East Malaysia and beyond. MAG said it remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and supporting the continued strengthening of regional air connectivity for Sarawak and the wider community. Customers with inquiries relating to bookings, flights, or customer service matters from Jan 1, 2026 onwards are advised to contact AirBorneo’s call centre at 1-300-22 1388 (toll free for local callers) or +60 82-537 555 (for international callers).

o Move marks end of commuter airline’s near two-decade role in strengthening rural and regional air connectivity

SEPANG: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) yesterday announced that the transition of MASwings operations to AirBorneo will take effect on Jan 1, 2026, following the successful completion of the ownership transfer process under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed between MAG and the Sarawak Government on Feb 12, 2025. Effective Jan 1, 2026, AirBorneo will assume full legal and operational responsibility for all services previously operated by MASwings. This includes flight operations, customer service and the management of all passenger-related matters. During the initial phase of the transition, existing MASwings branding may continue to be visible as AirBorneo progressively establishes and rolls out its new corporate identity. In a statement, MAG said, it appreciates the cooperation and understanding of passengers, partners, and stakeholders throughout this transition period.

Established on Oct 1, 2007, MASwings was East Malaysia’s first dedicated commuter airline, created to address the air travel needs of Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The airline began operations with a fleet of four 50-seat Fokker 50 aircraft and four 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft, serving a network of 22 destinations across the region. In 2009, the Fokker 50 fleet was progressively phased out and replaced with ATR 72-500 aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency, network reliability and the overall passenger experience. MAG said it remains committed to supporting a smooth and seamless transition, and acknowledges MASwings’ contribution to strengthening regional and rural air connectivity over nearly two decades. Since its inception, MASwings has played a vital role in delivering Rural Air Services, providing essential air links between remote and interior communities and major urban centres. These services have supported access to healthcare, education, government

Passengers are assured of continuity in flight operations and customer services as the transition to AirBorneo takes place from Jan 1. - BERNAMAPIX

High-value imports lift industrial upgrading in November: Matrade KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade continued its upward trajectory in November 2025, recording a robust double-digit growth of 11.1% year-on year (y-o-y) to reach RM263.83 billion, according to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

exports. According to Matrade, the current moderation in Malaysia’s trade balance is a positive narrowing as it is driven by a deliberate surge in capital investment. By importing the building blocks of AI and digital infrastructure today, we are securing Malaysia’s competitive edge as a global supply chain hub for tomorrow. Malaysia’s trade performance in November, it said, reflects a strategic transition towards a high-technology, high-value economy. While some regional peers have faced significant external volatility and trade deficits during this period, Malaysia has maintained a solid surplus for over five years.

in the import of capital and intermediate goods, signaling a phase of intense industrial upgrading rather than a cooling of export momentum. Matrade said imports of capital goods surged by 56.8% to RM20.81 billion, spearheaded by the Electrical and Electronic sector. This include critical infrastructure for data centres and AI applications such as servers, transmission machines, and high-end computing equipment. Simultaneously, intermediate goods rose by 5% to RM66.43 billion, driven by the demand for integrated circuits and micro assemblies. This reflects sustained, high-intensity production activity within Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring a strong pipeline for future

In a statement, it said, exports rose by 7% to RM134.97 billion, while imports expanded by 15.8% to RM128.86 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of RM6.12 billion, marking Malaysia’s 67th consecutive month of surplus, a testament to the nation’s enduring trade resilience over the past five years. Trade surplus however narrowed during the month, attributed to a highly productive surge