Kuala Lumpur, 29th April 2026, 1.50pm – Shares of UEM Sunrise Berhad extended gains for a fourth consecutive session, driven by market speculation over potential corporate activity and the perceived undervaluation of its Johor landbank.

The stock rose to an intraday high of 67 sen before closing at 66.5 sen, with over 103 million shares traded. The latest surge lifted its market capitalisation to approximately RM3.37 billion.

Strong rally adds over RM800 million in value

Since April 22, UEM Sunrise has climbed nearly 32%, adding more than RM800 million in market value, as investor interest intensified.

Market watchers attribute the momentum largely to expectations of a potential re-rating and renewed focus on unlocking value from the group’s extensive landbank in Johor.

Undervaluation sparks takeover speculation

According to Malacca Securities head of research Loui Low, the rally is partly driven by speculation that the company could become a corporate takeover target.

He noted that the stock is currently trading at a significant discount to its book value of RM1.36 per share, prompting investors to anticipate a possible upward correction.

“When a stock trades at a steep discount, it tends to attract speculation on its fair value and potential corporate activity,” he said.

Re-rating potential under new strategy

Meanwhile, Hong Leong Investment Bank said UEM Sunrise could be poised for a re-rating, supported by management’s strategy to monetise its sizeable Johor landbank.

The research house upgraded the stock to “buy” from “hold”, raising its target price to 90 sen from 56 sen previously — the most bullish projection among analysts tracked.

Analysts see further upside

The current consensus target price stands at 73 sen, based on Bloomberg data, with a mix of four “buy” and two “hold” recommendations, suggesting a potential upside of around 10% from current levels.

Implications for property sector

UEM Sunrise’s rally highlights renewed investor attention on landbank-driven valuation plays, particularly in Johor, where infrastructure developments and cross-border initiatives continue to boost long-term prospects.

Industry observers note that companies with large strategic landholdings may see increased interest as developers look to unlock value through development, partnerships or corporate restructuring.

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Kuala Lumpur, 28th April 2026, 4.00pm – Malaysian Investment Development Authority has supported the approval of tax incentives and exemptions for 220 projects in Johor, reinforcing the federal government’s push to position the state as a key industrial and investment hub.

Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin said the initiative reflects strong coordination between Johor’s strategic geographic advantages and national policy support.

Johor emerges as top investment destination

Johor recorded a historic RM110 billion in approved investments for 2025, involving 1,348 projects, marking a 69.6% increase year-on-year.

The performance places the state as Malaysia’s leading investment destination, driven largely by growth in high-value sectors such as machinery and transport equipment manufacturing.

“This reflects a structural shift towards high-technology and capital-intensive industries,” Sim said during a business engagement session with the Johor Bahru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Federal agencies driving growth momentum

Sim noted that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia, together with agencies such as Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, has prioritised Johor as a core engine of national economic growth.

Through these efforts:

• Over 4,000 Johor-based companies benefited from export and capability development programmes
• Initiatives included the Service Export Fund, eTrade 2.0, and export training schemes
• RM7.2 million in Market Development Grants (MDG) was distributed to 512 companies

These measures aim to enhance the global competitiveness of local businesses while strengthening Johor’s export ecosystem.

Aligned with national economic strategies

The state’s rapid growth is supported by key national frameworks, including:

• New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030
• Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

Sim emphasised that these initiatives are designed to attract high-quality investments and generate sustainable economic opportunities.

Focus on jobs and long-term economic impact

The federal government aims to ensure that incoming investments translate into high-income employment opportunities, particularly for the younger workforce in Johor.

“We remain committed to working closely with the Johor state government to sustain its role as a primary growth engine for Malaysia,” Sim said.

Implications for property and industrial sector

Johor’s strong investment inflows are expected to drive demand across multiple property segments, particularly:

• Industrial and logistics assets
• Commercial developments
• Residential demand in key growth corridors

Industry observers note that the continued expansion of manufacturing and cross-border initiatives such as the JS-SEZ could further strengthen Johor’s position as a regional investment and property hotspot.

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Kuala Lumpur, 27th April 2026, 4.00pm – Malaysia is hosting the 30th World Congress of the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Human Settlements, bringing together urban planners, architects, engineers, developers and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The congress, held at Courtyard by Marriott Melaka from April 23 to 26, was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, according to a statement by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia.

Focus on “City Assets for Community Gains”

This year’s theme, “City Assets for Community Gains”, centres on the effective management of urban resources — including infrastructure, public amenities, environmental assets, cultural heritage and digital systems — to support long-term community wellbeing.

The discussions highlight the increasing importance of integrated urban planning strategies amid growing challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate risks and evolving expectations for city living.

Malaysia takes leadership role in regional planning body

On the sidelines of the congress, KPKT secretary-general M Noor Azman Taib was appointed president of EAROPH for the 2026–2028 term.

With the organisation’s international secretariat now based within KPKT, Malaysia is set to play a more prominent role in shaping regional urban development policies.

A key priority under the new leadership will be the development of the EAROPH Strategic Plan 2040, aimed at establishing a long-term framework for sustainable urban growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

Key discussions on urban resilience and city development

The congress features keynote addresses from:

• Aiman Athirah Sabu
• Emil Elestianto Dardak
• Maimunah Mohd Sharif

In addition, seven dialogue sessions involving over 20 international speakers are covering topics such as:

• Urban resilience and infrastructure funding
• City design and liveability
• Community development strategies
• Urban governance and management

Implications for Malaysia’s property and development sector

The congress carries significant relevance for Malaysia’s property industry, particularly in addressing key challenges faced by developers and local authorities.

These include:

• Ageing infrastructure
• Climate resilience requirements
• Budget and funding constraints
• Rising expectations for urban services and liveability

Industry stakeholders note that better management of urban assets could directly influence property values, investment decisions and long-term city competitiveness.

Malaysia’s continued role in regional urban planning

This marks the fifth time Malaysia has hosted the EAROPH World Congress since 1992, reflecting its ongoing involvement in regional urban development discourse.

The next EAROPH Regional Congress is scheduled to take place in Japan in 2027, followed by the 31st World Congress in Manila in 2028.

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Kuala Lumpur, 24th April 2026, 2.00pm – A total of 347 housing units have been completed and handed over to eligible recipients under the Baiti Jannati Programme (PBJ) in the Federal Territories, aimed at improving living conditions for lower-income communities.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the initiative covers seven parliamentary constituencies, with each unit costing approximately RM50,000.

Housing support across Kuala Lumpur constituencies

For 2026, a total of 20 units have been delivered in Kuala Lumpur, benefiting residents in areas including Bandar Tun Razak, Batu, Setiawangsa, Cheras, Lembah Pantai, Bukit Bintang and Wangsa Maju.

The homes are fully refurbished and furnished, with contributions from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), enhancing the quality of life for recipients.

“This initiative ensures that urban residents can enjoy safe, comfortable and well-equipped homes, while creating long-term security for their families,” Yeoh said at the programme handover ceremony.

Collaboration between government and GLCs

The Baiti Jannati Programme, introduced in 2016, is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including:

• Federal Territories Department Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur City Hall
• Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council
• Tenaga Nasional Berhad

The programme focuses on assisting underprivileged Muslim households, particularly residents of People’s Housing Projects (PPR) and public housing (PA), by upgrading their homes to safer and more liveable conditions.

Funding model supports inclusivity

Funding for the programme is channelled through zakat wakalah funds, while assistance for non-Muslim recipients is provided via corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives under Projek Mesra Rakyat (PMR).

Yeoh highlighted that the initiative goes beyond housing numbers, emphasising long-term social impact.

“More than 347 families now have better living environments. As long as there are households in need, efforts like this will continue,” she said.

TNB’s continued contribution

TNB chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said the company has invested over RM69 million nationwide under the programme, delivering 997 housing units since its inception.

In Kuala Lumpur alone, 161 units worth RM8.19 million have been completed through close collaboration with DBKL.

Recipients are identified through the e-Kasih database and verified by relevant agencies to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

Strengthening affordable housing ecosystem

The programme reflects ongoing efforts to improve Malaysia’s affordable housing landscape, particularly in urban areas where cost pressures remain high.

By upgrading existing homes rather than building new units, the initiative provides a faster and more cost-effective solution to improving housing quality for vulnerable communities.

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Kuala Lumpur, 23th April 2026, 2.00pm – IJM Corporation Berhad is accelerating plans to unlock shareholder value, including a proposed listing of its core construction business by end-2027.

The move comes shortly after a takeover attempt by Sunway Berhad failed to secure sufficient shareholder support earlier this month.

IPO framework to be finalised soon

According to a report by Kenanga Investment Bank, IJM is expected to finalise the framework for listing a pure-play construction entity within the next two months.

Once established, the proposed listing could proceed within a 12-month execution timeline, positioning the exercise as a key component of the group’s broader restructuring strategy.

Three-year plan to unlock value

The research house noted that IJM has set up a board-level committee to oversee a three-year asset monetisation and value creation programme.

At the operational level, management is focusing on improving efficiency while enhancing returns from its core business segments.

Strategic initiatives across portfolio

Beyond the potential IPO, IJM has outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and improving shareholder returns:

• Monetisation of land bank assets
• Rationalisation of its India operations
• Potential divestment or listing of toll road assets

Kenanga said the planned exit from India is expected to take place over a two-year period, allowing the group to optimise disposal value.

“With asset valuations already aligned with market levels, the divestment is likely to be executed without significant impairment risks,” the report noted.

Toll road plans may take longer

The group is also exploring the potential listing or business trust structure for its domestic toll road assets — excluding the West Coast Expressway.

However, the process may require more time due to regulatory approvals related to concession ownership.

Positive outlook maintained

Kenanga maintained an “outperform” rating on IJM, with a target price of RM3.40, citing the group’s ongoing restructuring efforts and value-unlocking initiatives.

Implications for investors

The proposed listing of IJM’s construction arm could provide investors with a pure-play exposure to Malaysia’s construction sector, while enabling the parent group to realise value from its diversified portfolio.

Combined with asset monetisation and portfolio rationalisation, the strategy reflects a broader shift towards capital efficiency and focused growth.

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Kuala Lumpur, 20th April 2026, 2.40pm – IOI Properties Group Berhad is expanding its footprint in Singapore with the proposed acquisition of Asia Square Tower 2 for S$2.476 billion (RM7.71 billion), marking one of the largest office transactions in the city-state in recent years.

The group said it will acquire a 100% stake in the Grade A commercial tower from CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, adding a prime asset in the Marina Bay financial district to its portfolio.

Acquisition below market valuation

The purchase price reflects a S$50 million discount to the building’s market value, based on an independent valuation conducted by Savills.

Group chief executive Datuk Lee Yeow Seng said the transaction highlights IOI’s continued confidence in Singapore as a strategic investment market.

“Singapore remains a cornerstone market for the group, supported by its stable environment and strong position as a leading financial hub in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Prime CBD asset with strong occupancy

The 46-storey tower offers approximately 773,000 sq ft of net lettable area and is located in the heart of Singapore’s central business district.

It is also directly linked via an elevated pedestrian bridge to IOI’s existing Central Boulevard Towers, strengthening the group’s integrated presence in the area.

As at end-March, the building recorded a 95.8% occupancy rate, reflecting strong tenant demand and stable income potential.

Expanding Singapore portfolio to S$10 billion

Following the acquisition, IOI’s total property investment assets under management in Singapore are expected to reach approximately S$10 billion, with a combined office space of about 2.57 million sq ft.

The group said the expansion will further establish its position as a major commercial landlord in Singapore’s CBD.

Leveraging scale for long-term growth

IOI plans to leverage its existing asset management capabilities across its Singapore portfolio — which includes Central Boulevard Towers and South Beach Tower — to enhance leasing strategies and operational efficiencies.

The enlarged portfolio will allow the group to offer a wider range of office configurations, with floor plates ranging from 15,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft, catering to diverse tenant requirements.

Positioned for resilient office demand

The acquisition reflects IOI’s long-term strategy to capitalise on Singapore’s position as a regional financial hub, with continued demand from multinational corporations supporting the prime office segment.

Despite ongoing structural changes in global office markets, limited new supply in Singapore’s CBD is expected to support rental stability and long-term value appreciation.

The post IOI Properties to Acquire Asia Square Tower 2 for S$2.48 Billion in Major Singapore Office Deal appeared first on MET Property.

Kuala Lumpur, 17th April 2026, 3.40pm – Malaysia’s short-term rental (STR) sector is projected to expand steadily over the next five years, supported by improving regulatory clarity, tourism recovery, and a growing pipeline of residential developments.

However, industry players caution that increasing supply could lead to heightened competition across the market.

Regulation, tourism and supply to drive growth

According to Malaysian Vacation Rental Services Management Association president Ivan Chong, the future trajectory of the sector will largely depend on three key factors — regulation, tourism demand, and property supply.

He noted that clearer regulatory frameworks could act as a catalyst for industry expansion.

“If well-defined regulations are implemented, it could significantly accelerate the growth of the short-term rental market,” he said during the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Forum and Expo 2026.

Tourism is another major driver, with initiatives such as Visit Malaysia 2026 expected to boost travel demand and indirectly benefit the STR segment.

Rising property supply shaping rental landscape

Chong highlighted that the continuous launch of new high-rise residential projects will contribute to a growing pool of short-term rental units.

He noted that many property purchases in Malaysia are investor-driven, with buyers increasingly converting units into income-generating assets through short-term rental platforms.

“As more developments are completed, the supply of STR units will continue to rise across key locations,” he said.

While demand remains relatively balanced, the increase in supply is expected to intensify competition among operators and property owners.

Shift towards non-urban and experiential travel

Asia Travel Technology Industry Association managing director Mark Chan said travel patterns are also evolving, with more travellers exploring destinations beyond major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

“There is growing interest in secondary and rural destinations that offer more unique and cultural experiences,” he said.

He added that domestic travellers are playing a significant role in driving demand for such locations, helping to stabilise the sector amid global economic uncertainty.

Longer stays and local experiences gaining traction

Chan noted a broader shift towards longer stays and immersive, neighbourhood-based experiences, as travellers increasingly seek more authentic and localised accommodation options.

This trend is contributing to the growing importance of diversified accommodation offerings within the tourism and property sectors.

Focus on high-performing rental assets

Meanwhile, Jing Cho Yang, founder of Bukit Vista Bali, emphasised the importance of portfolio optimisation for STR operators.

He advised property investors and operators to focus on high-performing units while divesting underperforming assets to improve overall returns.

“If a property is not generating sufficient return on investment, it may be more effective to exit and reallocate resources to stronger-performing assets,” he said.

He added that streamlining portfolios and working with aligned partners can significantly enhance operational efficiency and asset performance.

Industry platform for collaboration

The STRA Forum and Expo 2026 marks Malaysia’s first dedicated industry event for the short-term rental sector, bringing together developers, agents, operators, and solution providers to discuss regulatory developments, market trends, and operational strategies.

Implications for property investors

The continued growth of Malaysia’s STR market is expected to influence property investment strategies, particularly in urban hotspots and emerging tourist destinations.

However, with supply increasing, investors may need to adopt more strategic approaches — focusing on location, asset quality, and operational efficiency — to remain competitive in a maturing market.

The post Malaysia’s Short-Term Rental Market Set to Grow, But Competition Expected to Intensify appeared first on MET Property.

Kuala Lumpur, 16th April 2026, 5.00pm – Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), while expanding collaboration in green technologies, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the matter was discussed during a bilateral meeting with Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology.

JS-SEZ seen as key economic “game changer”

According to Akmal Nasrullah, the JS-SEZ remains a central cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening economic integration and enhancing the competitiveness of both countries.

“We discussed efforts to accelerate JS-SEZ implementation, which is a game-changing initiative in boosting economic complexity and cross-border collaboration,” he said in a statement.

The special economic zone is expected to drive investments, facilitate business expansion, and enhance connectivity between Johor and Singapore — positioning the region as a key growth corridor in Southeast Asia.

Singapore remains Malaysia’s top Asean trade partner

Akmal Nasrullah highlighted that Singapore continues to be Malaysia’s largest trading partner within Asean, with total trade reaching RM339.39 billion between January and October 2025.

He noted that the strong trade performance underscores the significant economic potential between the two countries.

Focus on green technology and energy resilience

In addition to economic cooperation, both sides explored opportunities in green technology, particularly in the development of CCUS solutions to support climate goals and energy transition efforts.

The discussions also covered regional readiness in addressing global energy challenges, including the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on energy supply and costs.

Boosting investment and job opportunities

Akmal Nasrullah emphasised that the success of the JS-SEZ will ultimately depend on its ability to translate large-scale investments into tangible benefits for the public.

“This includes creating better job opportunities and economic prospects, especially for youth in Johor Bahru and across Malaysia,” he said.

Implications for property and regional development

The accelerated development of the JS-SEZ is expected to have a significant impact on the property sector, particularly in Johor, where demand for industrial, commercial, and residential developments could increase in tandem with cross-border economic activity.

Industry observers note that the initiative could further strengthen Johor’s position as a strategic investment destination, driven by its proximity to Singapore and growing infrastructure ecosystem.

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Kuala Lumpur, 15th April 2026, 5.00pm – Merdeka 118 has officially obtained its Fire Certificate (FC) from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, confirming that the landmark tower complies with all fire safety and regulatory standards under Malaysian requirements.

The certification verifies that the 118-storey skyscraper has met stringent fire and life safety benchmarks, covering its building systems, infrastructure, and operational readiness.

Advanced fire safety systems implemented

In conjunction with the certification, the tower has also deployed the Automated Fire Monitoring System (SPKA), which enables real-time monitoring and enhances coordination with emergency responders during incidents.

The FC was presented by Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director, Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Hassan As’ari Omar.

He said the Metropolitan Fire Department, together with the Malaysia Supertall Secretariat (MSS), played a key role in ensuring that fire safety standards for the development meet international benchmarks.

“The implementation of advanced systems such as SPKA strengthens preparedness and improves coordination during emergency situations,” he said.

Milestone for Malaysia’s tallest building

Chief executive officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, Datuk Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim, described the certification as a major milestone for the project.

“As a landmark development, our responsibility goes beyond regulatory compliance. Safety is integrated into every aspect of the building — from design and systems to operations,” he said.

He added that the certification reinforces confidence among tenants, visitors, and stakeholders that the building meets global standards in both safety and management.

Part of regional supertall safety initiative

Merdeka 118 is among key developments supported by the Malaysia Supertall Secretariat, an industry body established to oversee fire safety coordination for buildings exceeding 300 metres in height.

The platform facilitates collaboration between building owners and authorities to enhance emergency preparedness and risk management in high-rise developments.

Multiple global recognitions secured

The Fire Certificate adds to a growing list of accolades for Merdeka 118, which continues to position itself as a leading benchmark for sustainable and future-ready developments in Malaysia.

The tower has achieved:

• LEED Platinum certification
• Triple Platinum recognition under GreenRE and the Green Building Index (GBI)
• WELL Core Platinum Certification under the global WELL Building Standard

It also recently became the first building in Malaysia to receive MD Nexus recognition, strengthening its positioning as a hub for high-value digital and technology-driven enterprises.

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Kuala Lumpur, 14th April 2026, 2.57pm – Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia has called on all 156 local authorities nationwide to urgently enhance energy planning and conservation efforts, in line with the federal government’s broader push to address rising global energy challenges.

The directive, issued through the Department of Local Government Malaysia, emphasises the need for local councils to adopt more structured and proactive approaches in optimising energy usage across public facilities and daily operations.

Service delivery must remain unaffected

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stressed that while energy-saving measures are critical, public service delivery must not be compromised.

“The Madani government leads by example, ensuring that service efficiency remains a priority. Local authorities must continue to provide smooth and effective services while implementing these measures,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Six key energy-saving measures introduced

KPKT has outlined six immediate actions for implementation across all local authorities:

1. Setting a minimum air-conditioning temperature of 24°C in government buildings and offices
2. Introducing a phased and targeted work-from-home (WFH) arrangement starting April 15
3. Encouraging daily energy-saving practices, including switching off unused electrical equipment and adopting climate-appropriate work attire
4. Expanding the use of green technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, LED lighting, and smart building solutions
5. Conducting regular energy audits and long-term planning across public infrastructure, including street lighting, markets, parks, and facilities
6. Promoting community awareness campaigns to encourage energy conservation at household and business levels

Push for greener and more sustainable urban management

The ministry said a formal circular will be issued to ensure consistent implementation across all local authorities, with periodic monitoring to assess energy savings and overall impact.

Nga added that improving energy efficiency at the local government level is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen resilience against global uncertainties while advancing sustainability goals.

“Every unit of energy saved contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future,” he said.

Implications for property and urban development

The initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient infrastructure and green building practices across Malaysia’s urban landscape, particularly within public facilities managed by local councils.

Industry observers note that such measures could further influence private sector developments, as sustainability standards and energy efficiency increasingly become key considerations in property planning and development.

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