15/05/2026

BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 15, 2026

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Empire Sushi sales remain healthy: CIMB KUALA LUMPUR: Empire Premium Food Bhd, the retail operator of Empire Sushi, maintained healthy sales traction in Q4’26, with momentum extending beyond the Hari Raya festive period despite softer consumer sentiment. CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd in a report said, this performance was driven by higher transaction volumes and a larger average basket size, which the firm currently estimates at around RM22. “In our view, Empire Sushi continues to benefit from consumer downtrading as customers shift towards more affordable and convenient meal options. “Empire Sushi is also actively refining its product mix to match sales trends, manage costs, and lift basket size, which should help sustain outlet performance while preserving value perception. “We estimate that Empire Sushi likely delivered 3–5% same-store sales growth (SSSG) in Q4’26, building on its positive 5.7% SSSG in 9M’26, despite outlet count rising to 143 by the end of Q4’26,“ the research firm said. On cost headwinds, CIMB Securities said Empire Sushi expects a limited impact on margins despite concerns about higher input costs amid the current geopolitical backdrop. The group has locked in raw material requirements through end-Q2 FY3/27, providing near-term cost visibility, while direct import exposure remains low at only 23% of H1 of FY3/26 revenue. CIMB Securities said that exposure to imported fish is not significant, as halal certification requirements limit imports mainly to salmon and unagi. While the impending expiration of the government logistics subsidy in June 2026 remains a near-term concern, Empire Sushi has contingency plans in place should support be reduced or withdrawn. In addition, a new menu launch in Q1’27 featuring product mix optimisation and selective price adjustments, should help cushion cost headwinds. CIMB Securities said overall, Empire Sushi remains confident that profit margins can be preserved through Q4 FY26–27. “We reiterate our Buy call and target price of RM1.36 for Empire Sushi. We continue to favour ES for its strong earnings growth profile, best-in-class profitability, and scarcity value as a syariah-compliant, pure-play, founder-led, and affordable food service growth story,“ CIMB Securities said.

Mediwira targets 25 outlets this year, 100 by 2030 Mediwira Group formally launched in the presence of group partners and Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim (centre).

These announcements were made during the recent Mediwira Group’s official brand unveiling event in Johor, which was graced by Pasing Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim. “With the current state of the nation’s healthcare landscape, the private clinic space has become increasingly vital. It bridges the gap between the public healthcare system and the upper tiers of healthcare specialists. “It is here that I believe Mediwira will contribute significantly. This is a noble endeavour; human health knows no bloodline, it knows no race, and it knows no religion. If a person is sick, they must be treated,” he said. First established as i-Sihat in 2012 by the group’s partners Dr Nandagobala, Dr Ratna, Dr Mok Chi Chien, and Dr Lavan – Mediwira is committed to providing Malaysia’s increasingly health-conscious population with a one-stop clinical solution. Dr Nanda said the group chose the name Mediwira to embrace its role as healthcare heroes, symbolising its commitment to quality care and service. “In our 14 years of operation, we have welcomed over half a million patients. That is

half a million reasons to get up every morning. That isn’t just a business number, it is half a million times a patient has trusted us – whether it is a sick child, a stubborn toothache or simply for a moment of self-care,” he said. The event also saw the beginning of Mediwira’s community-focused CSR initiative Food Aid, which will donate essential food and daily items to at least 10 families each month. With the new launches, the group now boasts 12 dental clinics, 7 medical clinics, and 2 medispa outlets nationwide, particularly in Klang Valley, Johor, and Sabah. Mediwira Medical offers services across general practice, paediatrics, women’s health, vaccinations, chronic-disease management, and the upcoming integration of clinical psychology services. Meanwhile, Mediwira Dental specialises in family dentistry, orthodontics, aesthetic dentistry, dental implants, and functional dentistry. Mediwira Medispa offers medical-grade aesthetic treatments, including high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments, premium facial experiences, body contouring, all delivered under doctor supervision at accessible price points.

JOHOR BAHRU: Mediwira Group (formerly known as i-Sihat Group) is focusing on strategic expansion and targets 25 outlets by the end of this year, a nearly 50% increase from 2025 numbers, with a longer-term goal of hitting 100 outlets by 2030. The group has recently opened a new medical clinic in Johor, with a medispa outlet set to open next month. With this announcement, the healthcare group will now have 21 outlets across the nation, covering medical clinics, dental clinics and medispa outlets. These expansion plans align with Malaysia’s rapidly growing healthcare demand, driven by an ageing population, rising chronic diseases (NCDs), and medical tourism, with the national medical sector expected to reach US$30 billion (RM118 billion) by 2027. o Healthcare group expands nationwide with new clinics and medispa services