01/06/2026

BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | JUNE 1, 2026

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Tropicana records higher Q1 revenue of RM313.7m

SFP Tech posts RM2m PAT in first quarter, a strong rebound from preceding three-month period PETALING JAYA: SFP Tech Holdings Bhd, an engineering supporting services provider principally involved in sheet metal fabrication, computer numerical control machining and mechanical assembly services, recorded revenue of RM26.28 million, an increase of 27.3%, in the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (Q1’26). This compares to RM20.65 million in the corresponding quarter last year (Q1’25), driven by higher project volumes from existing customers, demonstrating strong customer re tention and recurring demand. Profit after tax (PAT) decreased to RM2 million from RM7.04 million in Q1’25, mainly due to higher tax charges. Compared with the immediate preceding quarter (Q4’25), revenue increased marginally to RM26.28 million from RM26.14 million. The PAT of RM2 million represented a strong rebound from a loss of RM4.64 million in Q4’25, underpinned by stronger core segment contributions and a wider geographical revenue base. The manufacturing segment re mained the key revenue contributor, accounting for 84.2% of total revenue, while the automation segment contri buted the remaining 15.8%, reflecting continued demand across its core pre cision manufacturing operations. Geographically, Malaysia contributed the largest share of the group’s revenue in Q1’26 at RM15.98 million or 60.8% of total revenue, driven by the expansion of domestic projects and higher sales contribution from Malaysia-shipped pro grammes. The United States contributed RM3.05 million (11.6%) while Singapore contributed RM1.57 million (6%). Other regional markets, including the Philip pines, India, Vietnam and China, collectively contributed RM5.68 million or 21.6% of total revenue. Managing director Keoh Beng Huat said, “We are encouraged by the group’s strong start to FY2026, which reflects a positive growth trajectory underpinned by improved operational efficiencies and recurring demand from our key customer programmes. During the quarter, we also recorded healthy order book expansion of 33.3%, supported by new programme wins across key customer accounts and increasing participation across regional markets, further strengthening our revenue visibility moving forward.” He added, “As global semiconductor revenue is projected to reach US$1.29 trillion (RM5.11 trillion) in 2026 amid accelerating AI infrastructure invest ments, we believe the group is well positioned to capture the growing demand for precision manufacturing solutions across the semiconductor, EMS and broader high-technology supply chains. “Higher customer forecasts across these industries continue to reinforce our outlook for the year, while our existing production capacity, opera tional capabilities and RM112.7 million order book provide a solid foundation to support anticipated demand growth throughout FY2026.” Looking ahead, the group remains committed in prioritising operational efficiency, customer diversification and capability enhancement as it strengthens its position within the precision manu facturing value chain.

o Robust unbilled sales of RM1.7 billion underpin group’s sustainable earnings outlook PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corporation Bhd recorded revenue of RM313.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, marking an increase of RM53.3 million or 20.5% compared to RM260.4 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The improved performance was primarily attributed to higher progress billings from key projects nearing completion in the Klang Valley and northern regions. The group recorded a loss before tax (LBT) of RM12.8 million versus a profit before tax (PBT) of RM5.3 million in the corresponding quarter last year, primarily due to unrealised loss of RM16.7 million on quoted shares. Excluding this unrealised loss, the group would have registered a PBT of RM3.9 million, representing only a marginal decline year-on year. Meanwhile, operating costs continued to improve in line with the group’s ongoing financial optimisation initiatives aimed at enhancing cost efficiency. Earlier in April, Tropicana remained on track with its repayment commitments following the redemption of RM133.2 million under Tranche 5 of its RM1.5 billion Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) 2020 Sukuk Wakalah Programme. In March, the group completed the full redemption of its outstanding RM89.43 million Tranche 1 perpetual sukuk. Previously, in October 2025, Tropicana fulfilled a RM139 million payment obligation under Tranche 4 of the IMTN 2020 Sukuk Wakalah Programme. This was followed by the successful issuance of RM300 million under its IMTN 2024 Sukuk Wakalah Programme in November 2025, which was upsized from the initial RM200 million issuance following strong investor demand. These milestones underscore Tropicana’s prudent financial management and continued commitment to meeting its obligations to investors. Tropicana’s unbilled sales remained healthy at RM1.7 billion, providing strong earnings visibility and supporting the group’s sustained

Impression of the 163-acre Lido Waterfront Boiulevard in Johor.

sustainable community building as we continue shaping thriving communities,” said the management. Tropicana continues to gain market traction with its developments across Malaysia – shop offices at Tropicana Alam, Puncak Alam; serviced apartments and retail shops at Tropicana Avan, Cyberjaya; Breeze Hill Shoppes and serviced apartments at Tropicana Avalon, Genting Highlands; Odesea Serviced Apartments at Tropicana Shores, Langkawi; Maia Solana, Maia Calista and Maia Estela Serviced Apartments at Tropicana Lagoon, Langkawi; and Bora Serviced Apartments at Tropicana Danga Bay, Johor. Delivery of vacant possession in FY2026 were Umara Shop Offices at Tropicana Aman, Kota Kemuning; Edelweiss Serviced Residences, SOFO and Shoppes @ Tropicana Gardens, Petaling Jaya; Assana and Merissa Serviced Suites at Tropicana Cenang, Langkawi; and Summit Commercial Hub @ Tropicana Uplands, Johor. Tropicana’s current landbank stands at 1,349.7 acres, with a total potential GDV of RM102.6 billion. Tropicana is strategically positioned to unlock substantial value, drive sustained growth, and deliver long-term performance over the coming years. Megat Zuhairy said verifying users through physical MyKad checks combined with live facial recognition via MyDigital ID is far more secure than using a false email address, significantly raising the barrier for teenagers attempting to bypass the rules. He acknowledged that determined teenagers may still attempt to find loopholes, but said the government is strengthening its legal framework. The upcoming Cybercrime Bill is expected to introduce specific offences related to the misuse of digital identity services, including the unauthorised disclosure of passwords or the act of supplying another person’s digital identity credentials, Megat Zuhairy said. “This is important as it reinforces accountability and ensures that the misuse of digital identity can be effectively addressed under the law,“ he added. Describing Malaysia’s move to introduce the age limit as a step in the right direction, Megat Zuhairy noted that the country is not acting in isolation, but is part of a wider global shift to better protect young users from harmful content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. – Bernama

financial performance. This momentum is reinforced by its ongoing and upcoming signature developments across Malaysia, which carry a combined estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM3 billion. Moving forward, the group remains focused on sustaining its growth trajectory through stronger sales performance, strategic monetisation of its landbanks and investment properties, as well as continued financial optimisation initiatives. “The increase in revenue and our series of sukuk redemptions reflect the steady progress we are making in strengthening Tropicana as an organisation, while reinforcing our commit ment to meeting our obligations. Importantly, the group’s diversified landbank provides strategic opportunities to expand beyond traditional property development into high growth sectors such as industrial and logistics, renewable energy, and data centre de velopments. “Our strategy remains centred on strengthening our core property segment through an asset-light model, leveraging our development expertise, distinctive DNA, and strong ESG commitments. Guided by our OneTropicana vision and ‘THRIVE’ values, we remain committed to quality, innovation, and

MyDigital ID age verification shields those under 16, safeguards user data: Agency CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: The use of MyDigital ID as an age verification method to prevent those under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts will help safeguard user data against cyber threats and prevent sensitive information from being harvested by technology companies.

a secure and trusted government system,“ he told Bernama. Megat Zuhairy explained that from a cybersecurity perspective, this approach significantly reduces the risk of data exposure by creating a single, secure verification layer. He said social media platforms would only receive the necessary confirmation, such as whether a user meets the age requirement, without gaining access to specific personal particulars.

National Cyber Security Agency CEO Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin ( pic ) said the government’s identity verification system acts as a secure barrier, ensuring that platforms do not have access to user’s underlying personal details. Addressing data privacy concerns, he said the system eliminates the need for users to share sensitive information across multiple social media platforms, which are often targeted by hackers. “MyDigital ID does not require users to submit or store physical ID copies, nor does it store biometric data such as fingerprints or facial images. “Instead, it verifies users against official records held by the National Registration Department (NRD) to ensure that sensitive data remains within

“The objective is clear: to enable verification without expanding the attack surface. By limiting data sharing, avoiding duplication, and centralising verification within a secure national system, we can protect children online without compromising privacy,“ he added. Megat Zuhairy said the government enforces strict data retention policies to protect users.“Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary and in accordance with legal requirements, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse, unauthorised access, or unnecessary storage.”