18/7/2026

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | JULY 18, 2026

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PPC opens new opportunities for ship waste operators

Malaysian bond yields likely to remain under upward pressure: Kenanga IB PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and Government Investment Issues (GII) yields should stay on an upward path as renewed US-Iran tensions keep Middle East develop ments and elevated oil prices in focus. Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) said solid fundamentals should continue to provide support. On yield movements, Kenanga IB said MGS and GII yields were mixed this week, ranging from -1.5 bps to +1.9 bps. The 10-year MGS yield rose 0.8 bps to 3.637%, while the 10-year GII yield increased 0.6 bps to 3.633%. Kenanga IB said domestic yields edged higher amid a cautious backdrop, as fresh US strikes on Iran and renewed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz lifted oil prices and global yields. Gains were capped by easing US inflation data, which eased expectations of near-term tightening by the US Federal Reserve, it said. Domestically, Kenanga IB said the labour market stayed firm, and Bank Negara Malaysia reiterated that growth is likely to land in the upper half of its 4%-5% forecast range. Further, Moody’s affirmation of Malaysia’s A3 rating with a stable outlook further supported investor confidence, citing the country’s diversified economy and solid medium-term growth pros pects. On flows and outlook, Kenanga IB said foreign investors remained net sellers of govies (government bonds) last week (-RM1.5 billion), while foreign equity flows turned positive after eight consecutive weeks of outflows, posting RM75.3 million in net inflows. Touching on the United States Treasuries (UST), Kenanga IB said yields were mixed across the curve, ranging between -3.6 to +1.9 bps. The 10-year UST yield edged up 0.2 bps to 4.553%, while the two-year UST yield declined 3.6 bps to 4.141%. Kenanga IB said Treasury yields edged higher as renewed US-Iran tensions, fresh US strikes on Iran, and concerns over potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz lifted oil prices and revived inflation concerns. Further, a decline in weekly jobless claims added upward pressure, re inforcing the resilience of the US labour market. “The overall rise was modest, though; shorter-tenor yields trended lower on soft CPI and PPI data, tempering ex pectations of near-term Fed rate hikes,“ Kenanga IB said. On outlook, Kenanga IB said attention now turns to upcoming US labour market data, including ADP employment and weekly jobless claims, for further signals on labour market resilience. Investors will also watch the advance S&P Global US manufacturing and services purchasing managers’ indexes for fresh insight into eco nomic momentum, alongside the European Central Bank monetary policy decision. “UST yields may retain a modest upward bias as US-Iran developments, particularly Strait of Hormuz risks and their implications for energy prices, continue to support higher yields,“ Kenanga IB said.

o Penang Port Commission revises SOP and licensing framework, introduces dedicated category for handling of used cooking oil from vessels GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has introduced a new licence category for the handling of used cooking oil from ships under a revised ship-generated waste manage ment framework. PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the revision, introduced under Port Circular No. 7/2026 dated July 1, reflects the commission’s commitment to its Green Port Policy and efforts to support the port’s low-carbon transition. “Previously, there was no dedicated licence category for the handling of used cooking oil from ships. “Category D has been introduced specifically for this purpose, and qualified companies are encouraged to apply for the licence,” he told SunBiz . Yeoh said the revised framework provides greater clarity for operators while strengthening the management of ship-generated waste at Penang Port. “The port has formulated and fully implemented a new set of standard operating procedures (SOP) for ship-generated waste management, ensuring that the handling of all such waste at Penang Port terminals is conducted in a standardised, safe and legally compliant manner.” Yeoh said the commission has revised the licensing framework into four categories. Category A for ship scheduled waste is currently held by three licensed operators. Category B for ship domestic waste including dunnage but excluding used cooking oil is held by eight operators, while Category C for ship sewage is held by two operators. Category D for used cooking oil from ships has no current licence holders. Yeoh said that in Penang, licensed companies are responsible only for collecting ship-generated waste within the port limits, Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com The slower increase was mainly due to the transport group, which rose 2.8% in June, down from 3.8% in the previous month. DoSM said the personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services as well as education groups recorded slower increases of 3.4% (May 2026: 4.8%) and 2.1% (May 2026: 2.2%), respectively. “The insurance and financial services group registered an increase to 5.7% in June 2026 compared with 4.9% in the previous month. This was followed by the restaurant and acco mmodation services group, which also recorded a higher increase of 2.6% in June 2026 (May 2026: 2.5%),” it said. DoSM said the information and com munication group recorded an increase of 2.4% in June (May: 2.1%); the housing, water, electricity,

Licensed companies are responsible only for collecting ship-generated waste within Penang Port limits. – PIC COURTESTY OF DATUK YEOH SOON HIN

rations by strengthening controls over waste disposal, reducing the risk of marine pollution and promoting recycling and responsible disposal practices. “By mandating licensing, waste quantity verification, post-operation reporting and the use of approved disposal facilities, PPC reinforces mechanisms for pollution prevention and continuous environmental monitoring.” Compliance with regulations is enforced at port entry points by the port operator, with PPC also working closely with relevant government agencies, including the Customs Department, to monitor and ensure continuous compliance. Yeoh said PPC hopes all stakeholders, including waste management companies, shipping firms and enforcement agencies, will fully comply with the SOP and will continue monitoring implementation through in spections and audits, while encouraging the adoption of technology and best practices that support waste reduction and increased recycling. “PPC also welcomes constructive feedback from the port community for continuous improvement,” he added. To date, there have been no recorded cases of improper handling or disposal of ship-generated waste within Penang Port. The revised framework took effect im mediately upon issuance on July 1. Negeri Sembilan (2.5%), Labuan (2.3%), Kuala Lumpur (2.2%), Kedah (2%) and Putrajaya (2%). All states registered an increase in inflation for food and beverages except Kelantan (-0.7%). According to DoSM, Malaysia’s inflation rate for the second quarter of 2026 was 1.9% (Q1 2026: 1.6%). “Among the groups that recorded increases compared with the previous quarter were insurance and financial services (5.2%); transport (3.6%); alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.8%); information and communication (2.1%); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.2%); recreation, sport and culture (1%) and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (0.4%). “However, slower increases in personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (4.3%); restaurant and accommodation services (2.6%); education (2.2%) and health (1.3%), to a certain extent, eased Malaysia’s inflation in the second quarter of 2026,” it added. – Bernama

with the collected waste subsequently trans ported and disposed of at approved facilities outside the port area. “As existing disposal activities are carried out at designated off-site facilities in accordance with requirements set by the relevant authorities, existing operators are generally not required to invest in significant new equipment or facilities to comply with the SOP. “The latest port circular is issued to ensure uniformity, compliance with relevant laws and smooth operations in handling ship-generated waste at Penang Port,” said Yeoh. All waste management companies intending to operate within the port must obtain a valid PPC licence and approvals from the Department of Environment, National Water Services Commission, Royal Malaysian Customs Depart ment and other relevant authorities before commencing operations. Licensed operators are responsible for ensuring waste-handling activities are carried out safely, systematically and in accordance with the conditions stipulated by PPC. They are also required to verify the quantity of waste with vessels and submit disposal or discharge documents to Penang Port Sdn Bhd and the relevant authorities after every operation. Yeoh said the measures support Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s Green Port aspi “Five groups remained at the same rate as in May 2026, namely alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.8%); food and beverages (1.4%); health (1.2%); recreation, sport and culture (1.1%) and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (0.4%). “Meanwhile, the clothing and footwear group did not register any increase in June 2026 (May 2026: -0.1%),” it said. The department noted that about 65.1% of items (373 out of 573) recorded price increases. “Nonetheless, out of this total, 365 items (97.9%) registered an increase of less than or equal to 10%, while only eight items recorded increases of more than 10% in June 2026. The remaining 155 items (27.1%) showed a decline, while 45 items remained unchanged.” DoSM said seven states or federal territories recorded increases above the national inflation level (1.9%), namely Pahang (2.6%), Johor (2.5%),

Malaysia’s inflation slips to 1.9% in June KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s inflation rose at a slower pace of 1.9% in June 2026 compared with 2% in the previous month, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). gas and other fuels group rose to 1.4% from 1.2% in May.