10/03/2026

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | MAR 10, 2026

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Johor targets RM140b investments this year

Matrade helps M’sian OGSE companies to diversify export markets

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is intensifying efforts to help Malaysian oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) companies diversify their export destinations, strengthening resilience against global uncertainties and the evolving international supply chain landscape. The agency is actively sup porting Malaysian exporters to explore new and emerging markets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, as geopolitical shifts, supply chain realignments and the global energy transition reshape the industry. By encouraging companies to expand beyond traditional markets, Matrade aims to help Malaysian OGSE firms reduce concentration risks while sustaining long-term export growth. Matrade CEO Abu Bakar Yusof emphasised that market diver sification is increasingly important for Malaysian exporters navigating a more complex global trading environment. “Global supply chains are undergoing major shifts, and Malaysian companies must adapt by diversifying their export markets while strengthening their tech nological capabilities. “Matrade plays a critical role in helping Malaysian OGSE com panies access new markets and position themselves competitively on the global stage,” he said. The oil and gas sector remains a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy, contributing approximately 20% to the national GDP. In 2025, petroleum products accounted for RM103.55 billion or 6.4% of Malaysia’s total exports, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil contributed an additional RM71.05 billion. Through programmes such as the Mid-Tier Companies Develop ment Programme (MTCDP) and participation in major global industry exhibitions, Matrade pro vides Malaysian companies with strategic exposure, business mat ching opportunities and access to international buyers. one Komugi and one Hap&Pi Kiosk in FY25. “Furthermore, we have also elevated the number of Focus Point outlets to reflect management’s target of 10 new outlets per year between FY26-FY28. “Correspondingly, we derived a new target price of RM0.66 from RM0.68 previously, applying a target PE multiple of 10x to its FY26 EPS of 6.6 sen. “Given the undemanding valua tion alongside a compelling dividend yield of 6-8%, we maintain our Buy recommendation for Focus Point,“ the research firm said. Mercury Securities continues to like Focus Point due to its market leader position with 15% to 20% market share, tailwinds from regu latory changes, including the Medical

One company, Mir Valve Sdn Bhd, exemplifies how Malaysian OGSE companies can successfully expand into global markets while showcasing Malaysia’s engineering capabilities. From its beginnings as a local valve startup, the company has grown into a globally recognised engineered valve manufacturer serving customers in more than 40 countries, having delivered over 36,000 valve products globally with the support of Matrade. By participating in Matrade’s MTCDP and such as Adipec, Mir Valve has strengthened its presence in key markets, including India, helping the company diversify its export destinations and reduce reliance on domestic demand. A recent milestone underscores this progress. Mir Valve secured a contract valued at over RM10 million for a subsea pipeline end manifold project in India, supplying 48-inch Class 300 shutdown subsea ball valves, among the largest subsea actuated ball valves in the global market. The project was completed using 100% Malaysian talent. Abu Bakar said, “International expansion by Malaysian OGSE companies creates a multiplier effect across the local supply chain. “In the case of Mir Valve, its global projects support around 65 Malaysian SMEs that contribute to its manufacturing and engineering ecosystem.” To commemorate the milestone, Matrade deputy CEO S Jai Shankar visited Mir Valve’s manufacturing facility in Shah Alam to celebrate the completion of the prestigious subsea project. international trade platforms

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor is targeting RM140 billion in investments this year after recording the country’s highest approved investments of RM110 billion in 2025, Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said. Onn Hafiz said while some have questioned whether the target is achievable, he remains optimistic it can be realised following the success of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which attracted RM110 billion in invest ments within just a year of its establishment. “I know it may sound over the top, and some people may question whether it is achievable. But I believe we can reach that figure because the RM110 billion recorded last year was also initially seen as impossible,” he said. “I know Johor’s potential is substantial and we can deliver if we truly work towards it,” he added. He said this in an interview with Bernama, led by Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, at Saujana, the menteri besar’s official residence here yesterday. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap state assemblyman, described last year’s approved investment figures as “remarkable”, but stressed that the JS SEZ agreement, signed in January 2025, is only the beginning – “just the tip of the iceberg”. o MB optimistic it can be realised on success of Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone

Onn Hafiz says last year’s approved investment figures is ‘remarkable’ but stresses that the JS-SEZ is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’. – BERNAMAPIC

request meetings, but time constraints mean I cannot meet all of them.” As such, he said he plans to return to Shanghai to meet potential investors he had previously engaged during his working visit to China in December last year. Onn Hafiz said aggressive mar keting pitches are no longer necessary to attract investors, as Johor’s collaboration with Singapore through the JS-SEZ has significantly boosted foreign investors’ confidence in the state.

on March 30 here, outlining in centives, investment opportunities and the operational framework for the JS-SEZ. The JS-SEZ currently covers several development areas including Iskandar, Forest City, the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex and Desaru, spanning 357,128 hectares. The Iskandar development region includes Johor Bahru City Centre, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas– Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai Skudai and Sedenak.

Mir Valve founder and CEO Stasi Prandalos said Matrade’s support has been instrumental in enabling the company’s international expansion. “Participation in Matrade’s MTCDP helped accelerate Mir Valve’s transformation from a local manufacturer into a global engi neering solutions provider, ena-bling us to compete confidently with established international players,” he said. ‘Pivot towards high-value medical eyecare to drive Focus Point margins’ PETALING JAYA: Focus Point He said the upcoming launch of the JS-SEZ Investment Master Plan and Action Plan is expected to serve as a key catalyst to strengthen investor confidence and attract more invest-ments into the state. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir had previously said the master plan will be launched Asked whether more trade missions would be undertaken to achieve the investment target, Onn Hafiz said the state government is planning addi tional missions as an increasing number of companies are expressing interest in investing in Johor. “Companies from the United States, Singapore, China, South Korea and Japan are eager to invest. Each time I travel overseas, many investors “Foreign companies see Johor’s collaboration with Singapore and it reassures them, because Singapore has a very strong reputation.” In the earlier working visit, Johor secured an investment commit-ment of about RM900 million from Chinese high-tech firm Jiangsu Longda Superalloy Co Ltd, through its Malaysian subsidiary Singda Super alloy (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. – Bernama

Device Authority banning the online sale of optical devices and contact lenses by non-licensed sellers. This regulatory shift is expected to benefit Focus Point, given its strong licensed presence and leading market position. Further, Focus Point’s diversified revenue coming from emerging F&B contribution and resilient private consumption supported by higher disposable income are also seen as positive, with favourable market conditions, targeted assistance pro grammes and vibrant tourism activities. “Risks to our recommendation include intense competition, supply chain disruption, and dependency on registered optometrist/opticians and upside risk of inflationary pressure,“ Mercury Securities said.

a key highlight of the current financial year is the group’s strengthened balance sheet and more aggressive dividend policy. Maintaining a net cash position as of December 2025 provides Focus Point with a significant opportunity to fund its expansion into East Malaysia without diluting equity. “This financial strength has allowed the board to institutionalise a 50% dividend payout ratio with quarterly distributions. “The record-high dividend payout (3.5 sen for FY25) provides a solid yield floor and signals management’s confidence in sustained cash flow generation,“ Mercury Securities said. Post-update, Mercury Securities has trimmed FY26 core earnings by 3%, as the firm revised its revenue model to account for the closure of

Securities said in a note. Meanwhile, Focus Point’s food and beverage (F&B) segment (Komugi) remains the wildcard in the group’s portfolio. While FY25 revenue remained stable at RM44.2 million, profitability was weighed down by rising operating expenses and one-off write-downs, resulting in a RM3.1 million loss. However, Mercury Securities noted that Focus Point’s rationalisation strategy is under way, with a focus on optimising its 14 self-owned retail outlets in Malaysia and supporting robust franchise growth in the Philippines (currently 25 outlets). “Investors should monitor this segment for a potential turnaround play, as cost-control measures may take effect in the coming quarters,“ Mercury Securities said. Moving on, Mercury Securities said

Holdings Bhd’s core optical segment remains the primary engine of growth, but the narrative is shifting from pure retail expansion to high value medical eyecare services. Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd said that with 206 outlets now established across every state in Malaysia, Focus Point is leveraging its scale to roll out Advanced Primary Eye Care. The research firm said that by integrating artificial intelligence powered technologies such as AirDoc to detect eye disease early, the group is gaining ground that distinguishes it from traditional optical retailers. “This transition into specialised healthcare services is expected to drive higher customer retention and support margins despite a com petitive retail landscape,“ Mercury