23/04/2026

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | APR 23, 2026

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Call to refine System Access Charges framework

Semicon SEA 2026 plays catalytic role in Malaysian semiconductor ecosystem PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem this year through supply chain integration, local capability development and high-value partnerships, with platforms such as Semicon Southeast Asia 2026 (Semicon SEA 2026) expected to play a catalytic role. Semicon SEA 2026 is scheduled to be held from May 5 to 7 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). Mida CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the RM28.5 billion secured by the electrical and electronics sector in 2025 is proof that global confidence in Malaysia has not wavered. He said that under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Malaysia is not simply maintaining its position in the global semiconductor supply chain but is deliberately reshaping it. “We continue to build a robust ecosystem to match that confidence, through supply chain integration, local capability development, and the kind of high-value partnerships that platforms like Semicon Southeast Asia are uniquely placed to catalyse. “Mida’s role here is not as a bystander. We are active builders of this industry’s next chapter in Malaysia, and we are here to build it together,”he said in a statement yesterday. Meanwhile, SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha said the global semiconductor industry is expected to reach US$1 trillion in annual sales in 2026, a historic milestone fuelled by an intensifying artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. “Market analysts note that Southeast Asia has emerged as a significant driver of global semiconductor growth, having outperformed the broader industry over the past few years, supported by sustained expansion in manufacturing capacity, assembly, testing and packaging, as well as its increasing integration into global semiconductor supply chains,” he said. Themed ‘Transform Tomorrow’, Semicon SEA 2026, the region’s premier platform for the global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing supply chain, will focus on accelerating next-generation technologies while addressing current structural challenges.

o Malaysian Photovoltaic and Sustainable Energy Industry Association supports its introduction but seeks greater clarity, transparency and efficiency

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Photo voltaic and Sustainable Energy Industry Association (MPSEA) welcomed the government’s continued efforts to liberalise the electricity market through the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), which enables corporate offtakers to directly procure renewable energy. The introduction of System Access Charges (SAC), including the differentiated structure for firm and non-firm supply, is viewed as a progressive step that encourages grid friendly solutions such as hybrid renewable energy systems with energy storage. “The distinction between firm and non firm SAC is a positive signal to the market, as it incentivises investments in firming capacity such as battery energy storage systems, which are critical for grid stability,” said MPSEA president Justin Sim. While supporting the intent of SAC, MPSEA noted that there are opportunities to refine the current framework to enhance clarity, efficiency and competitiveness. From an industry perspective, there may be perceived cost overlap between SAC and existing network and capacity charges under the Regulatory Period 4 tariff structure. This presents an opportunity to better align the framework to ensure consistency and accurate cost reflectivity for all stakeholders. MPSEA also emphasised the importance of greater transparency in the SAC methodology and cost components. KUALA LUMPUR: Riding on strong momen tum from Q4 2025, GWM Malaysia delivered a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, navigating a more measured automotive market while continuing to benefit from grow ing consumer adoption of electrified mobility. With 1,294 units delivered in Q1 2026, GWM maintained its position among Malaysia’s top 15 automotive brands. While overall market activity moderated during the quarter, demand continued to shift towards hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle segments where GWM is steadily strengthening its presence.

Improved clarity would support developers, investors and corporate offtakers in making more informed decisions, while streng thening investor confidence. This is particularly important as Malaysia con tinues to position itself as an attractive destination for renewable energy invest ments, including in high growth sectors such as data centres and advanced manu facturing, it said. In benchmarking against international practices, MPSEA observed that mature electricity markets such as Australia adopted a more transparent and unbundled approach to network pricing. Charges are clearly separated into components such as transmission, distri bution, loss factors and ancillary services, and are determined based on location specific factors, time of use considerations, and actual system utilisation. Such approaches provide clearer market signals, improve cost predictability and support better project optimisation. MPSEA said continued refinement of SAC and alignment with existing tariff structures will be important to ensure that corporate renewable power purchase agreements remain competitive and scalable. This will also help Malaysia sustain investment momentum and accelerate the pace of renewable energy adoption. To support the long-term success of CRESS, MPSEA recommended further distinguishing cost components between “While remain challenging, GWM Malaysia remains focused on delivering practical and reliable mobility solutions that meet the real needs of our customers. Our performance reflects growing confidence in the brand, supported by a balanced product portfolio and our continued commitment to long-term value,” said managing director Cui Anqi. Looking ahead, GWM Malaysia remains cautiously optimistic. Momentum is expected to be supported by upcoming product activity, including the launch of the TANK 300 HEV, market conditions

SAC and existing tariff elements to enhance clarity, exploring mechanisms to better align SAC with current tariff structures, and providing greater visibility into SAC methodology and cost drivers. The association said it encourages continued incentives for firm renewable supply, including hybrid solar and battery energy storage solutions, as well as the progressive adoption of transparent and usage-based frameworks aligned with international best practices where appropriate. “MPSEA fully supports the government’s direction in enabling a more open and competitive electricity market. Continued refinement of the SAC framework will further strengthen market confidence, support investment and accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future,” said Sim. As Malaysia moves forward with electricity market reform, it will be important to ensure that new mechanisms are implemented in a way that gives market participants greater clarity, confidence and consistency.

MPSEA said it remains committed to engaging constructively with relevant stakeholders to support the continued refinement of CRESS and SAC, so that Malaysia can strengthen renewable energy uptake, sustain investor confidence, and build a more competitive and resilient energy future. GWM Malaysia delivers resilient performance in first quarter

alongside increased brand visibility through key industry platforms such as the KL International Mobility Show 2026 and Penang Autoshow 2026. To support this next phase of growth, GWM Malaysia will continue to prioritise dealer network expansion, aftersales enhancement and customer engagement initiatives, complemented by targeted sales programmes. With 39 existing showrooms nationwide as of April 2026, the brand is working towards its broader network ambition of 60 outlets by end of 2026.

MBSB: Malaysia emerging as safe-haven energy investment hub KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is

and energy security. “We maintain a ‘positive’ call on the energy sector, underpinned by structurally tighter global supply conditions and elevated geopolitical risk premiums following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. “The sharp re-rating in crude oil prices, with Brent sustaining above the US$100 (RM395) per barrel level, reflects not demand strength but persistent supply-side disruptions, particularly from the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability,” it added. – Bernama

offered, providing ready-to-develop pathways for monetisation. “These assets are supported by extensive subsurface data and technical insights, enabling investors and solution providers to accelerate development timelines while re ducing exploration risk,” it said. MBSB said Malaysia is targeting annual upstream investments of RM50 billion to RM60 billion to sustain momentum in the sector, ensuring a steady pipeline of exploration and development activities to support long-term production sustainability

mature assets with higher-impact frontier exploration opportunities. It said the offering includes nine exploration blocks across Malaysia, spanning high-impact frontier areas such as the Sandakan Basin, high potential emerging areas such as the West Sarawak Basin, and near-field mature areas such as the Malay Basin. In addition, discovered resource opportunities comprise ready-to develop clusters in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. “In addition, six discovered resource opportunities are being

“As a result of this structural shift in global energy investment flows, the Malaysia Bid Round 2026 was officially launched by Petroliam Nasional Bhd under the theme ‘Advantaged Energy: Accelerating and Shaping Tomorrow’. “The initiative represents a strategic effort to position Malaysia as a preferred ‘safe haven’ investment destination, capitalising on the ongoing reallocation of capital away from higher-risk regions,” it said. MBSB said the offering is structured to appeal to a broad spectrum of investors, combining lower-risk

emerging as a key investment destination in Southeast Asia (SEA), as capital shifts towards regions capable of delivering immediate or near-term energy production to offset potential supply disruptions, MBSB Investment Bank Bhd said. In a research note, it said recent offshore discoveries by Murphy Oil in Vietnam, alongside Malaysia’s positioning as a relatively stable and investment-friendly market, have reinforced the region’s strategic importance.