oil prices up

Supermax invests US$350m to build first phase of major manufacturing facility in US
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 17): Supermax Corp Bhd's US-based subsidiary Maxter Healthcare Inc is planning a major manufacturing facility in Texas to increase glove production.
In a statement, the rubber glove maker said the facility will be built in four phases, with the first one to start in the first quarter of 2022 and production to be possible from this phase by the fourth quarter of the same year.
"Each phase is expected to produce 400 million gloves per month. When all four phases are completed, the total installed capacity will be a whopping 1.6 billion gloves per month or 19.2 billion gloves per annum," Supermax said, adding that its board of directors had approved a total capital spending of US$550 million (about RM2.32 billion) for the capacity expansion.
The investment identified for the first phase will total US$350 million and comprise the group's North America manufacturing headquarters, a research and development centre, a training centre and an employee facility centre, said Supermax.
This project will be Supermax’s 18th manufacturing facility worldwide and its first in the US.
Supermax founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Stanley Thai said the manufacturing plant will be equipped with world-class capabilities, such as automation, robotic engineering manufacturing with artificial intelligence and Industry Revolution 4.0.
“This manufacturing facility, when operational, will strengthen the US personal protective equipment supply chain by building capacities.
“We will be capable of catering to at least 10% to 15% of annual medical glove imports into the US over the next two to four years. Over the next four to six years, as our capacity increases, we will be able to provide for 20% to 25% of demand and consumption in the US,” he added.
At the time of writing on Friday (Dec 17), Supermax shares had risen eight sen or 6.06% to RM1.40, valuing the company at RM3.81 billion. The stock, however, had fallen 75% year-to-date

一线市场焦点（法新社）（26日讯）抢5G和电动车商机 OSAT企业看高。 5G上路和汽车电动化，点燃半导体市场需求，联昌研究相信射频与电动车黄金时代的到来，大马外包半导体设备组装和测试（Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly And Test，OSAT）企业将受益匪浅，预估2021年领域销售有望增长13%，写下7年高位，净利更可能按年强增39%。
全球半导体销售今年料增8.4%世界半导体贸易统计协会（WSTS）预测在记忆体、逻辑等集成电路环节需求强劲，加上亚太、美国、欧洲和日本等主要市场殷切需求支撑下，2021年全球半导体销售料增长8.4%至4690亿美元。
国际半导体业协会（SEMI）预期2021和2022年组装、封装和测试设备需求将增长6至7%，归功于5G智能手机、基站设施和高效能电脑开始采用先进封装应用。
联昌研究表示，全球半导体需求改善，对大马OSAT企业绝对是好事一桩，看好在5G智能手机销售量攀升下，国内半导体领域将从强劲的射频晶片需求中受惠。
全球5G智能手机产量今年料倍增至5亿支市场研究机构TrendForce预测，今年全球5G智能手机产量将达到5亿支，较2020年的2亿4000万支增长逾倍，而5G智能手机的渗透率更将从去年的19%攀升至今年的37%。
思佳讯通讯技术发展公司（SkyworksSolutions）指出，5G智能手机射频成本平均为25美元，较4G智能手机的18美元高出40%，联昌研究相信深耕射频晶片组装、封装和测试业务将是潜在受惠者。
电动车加速普及与此同时，联昌研究指出，国际能源署（IEA）预测2025和2030年全球电动车销售将达到1400万和2500万辆，预期在电动车加速普及下，大马OSAT业者也将从汽车业日趋增加的半导体需求中受惠。
市场研究机构IHS Markit预测，2019至2026年全球汽车半导体市场销售复合年均增长率（CAGR）将达到7%，其中2021年全球汽车半导体营业额更将大增18%，主要是汽车零件库存低，以及全球政府振兴经济配套奖掖鼓励民众转向电动车。
半导体大厂──英飞凌（Infineon）预测电动车的半导体内容价值较内燃机汽车高出82%. 碳化硅普遍应用在电动车电源管理中受惠。大马OSAT今年销售将扬13%整体来看，联昌研究预估大马OSAT领域今年销售将强劲增长13%创下2014年以来最高。
同时在5G网络和智能手机射频晶片需求增加、汽车晶片需求复苏，以及云端基础建设服务需求殷切3大因素扶持下，我们预期OSAT领域净利也将年增39%，而2021和2022年领域净利赚益将介于15至16%，几乎较10年均值8%翻倍。该行认为半导体领看好领域长期增长前景，未来3年每股盈利复合年均增长率可能达到29%。

一线市场焦点（法新社）（26日讯）抢5G和电动车商机 OSAT企业看高。 5G上路和汽车电动化，点燃半导体市场需求，联昌研究相信射频与电动车黄金时代的到来，大马外包半导体设备组装和测试（Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly And Test，OSAT）企业将受益匪浅，预估2021年领域销售有望增长13%，写下7年高位，净利更可能按年强增39%。
全球半导体销售今年料增8.4%世界半导体贸易统计协会（WSTS）预测在记忆体、逻辑等集成电路环节需求强劲，加上亚太、美国、欧洲和日本等主要市场殷切需求支撑下，2021年全球半导体销售料增长8.4%至4690亿美元。
国际半导体业协会（SEMI）预期2021和2022年组装、封装和测试设备需求将增长6至7%，归功于5G智能手机、基站设施和高效能电脑开始采用先进封装应用。
联昌研究表示，全球半导体需求改善，对大马OSAT企业绝对是好事一桩，看好在5G智能手机销售量攀升下，国内半导体领域将从强劲的射频晶片需求中受惠。
全球5G智能手机产量今年料倍增至5亿支市场研究机构TrendForce预测，今年全球5G智能手机产量将达到5亿支，较2020年的2亿4000万支增长逾倍，而5G智能手机的渗透率更将从去年的19%攀升至今年的37%。
思佳讯通讯技术发展公司（SkyworksSolutions）指出，5G智能手机射频成本平均为25美元，较4G智能手机的18美元高出40%，联昌研究相信深耕射频晶片组装、封装和测试业务将是潜在受惠者。
电动车加速普及与此同时，联昌研究指出，国际能源署（IEA）预测2025和2030年全球电动车销售将达到1400万和2500万辆，预期在电动车加速普及下，大马OSAT业者也将从汽车业日趋增加的半导体需求中受惠。
市场研究机构IHS Markit预测，2019至2026年全球汽车半导体市场销售复合年均增长率（CAGR）将达到7%，其中2021年全球汽车半导体营业额更将大增18%，主要是汽车零件库存低，以及全球政府振兴经济配套奖掖鼓励民众转向电动车。
半导体大厂──英飞凌（Infineon）预测电动车的半导体内容价值较内燃机汽车高出82%. 碳化硅普遍应用在电动车电源管理中受惠。大马OSAT今年销售将扬13%整体来看，联昌研究预估大马OSAT领域今年销售将强劲增长13%创下2014年以来最高。
同时在5G网络和智能手机射频晶片需求增加、汽车晶片需求复苏，以及云端基础建设服务需求殷切3大因素扶持下，我们预期OSAT领域净利也将年增39%，而2021和2022年领域净利赚益将介于15至16%，几乎较10年均值8%翻倍。该行认为半导体领看好领域长期增长前景，未来3年每股盈利复合年均增长率可能达到29%。

一线市场焦点（法新社）（26日讯）抢5G和电动车商机 OSAT企业看高。 5G上路和汽车电动化，点燃半导体市场需求，联昌研究相信射频与电动车黄金时代的到来，大马外包半导体设备组装和测试（Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly And Test，OSAT）企业将受益匪浅，预估2021年领域销售有望增长13%，写下7年高位，净利更可能按年强增39%。
全球半导体销售今年料增8.4%世界半导体贸易统计协会（WSTS）预测在记忆体、逻辑等集成电路环节需求强劲，加上亚太、美国、欧洲和日本等主要市场殷切需求支撑下，2021年全球半导体销售料增长8.4%至4690亿美元。
国际半导体业协会（SEMI）预期2021和2022年组装、封装和测试设备需求将增长6至7%，归功于5G智能手机、基站设施和高效能电脑开始采用先进封装应用。
联昌研究表示，全球半导体需求改善，对大马OSAT企业绝对是好事一桩，看好在5G智能手机销售量攀升下，国内半导体领域将从强劲的射频晶片需求中受惠。
全球5G智能手机产量今年料倍增至5亿支市场研究机构TrendForce预测，今年全球5G智能手机产量将达到5亿支，较2020年的2亿4000万支增长逾倍，而5G智能手机的渗透率更将从去年的19%攀升至今年的37%。
思佳讯通讯技术发展公司（SkyworksSolutions）指出，5G智能手机射频成本平均为25美元，较4G智能手机的18美元高出40%，联昌研究相信深耕射频晶片组装、封装和测试业务将是潜在受惠者。
电动车加速普及与此同时，联昌研究指出，国际能源署（IEA）预测2025和2030年全球电动车销售将达到1400万和2500万辆，预期在电动车加速普及下，大马OSAT业者也将从汽车业日趋增加的半导体需求中受惠。
市场研究机构IHS Markit预测，2019至2026年全球汽车半导体市场销售复合年均增长率（CAGR）将达到7%，其中2021年全球汽车半导体营业额更将大增18%，主要是汽车零件库存低，以及全球政府振兴经济配套奖掖鼓励民众转向电动车。
半导体大厂──英飞凌（Infineon）预测电动车的半导体内容价值较内燃机汽车高出82%. 碳化硅普遍应用在电动车电源管理中受惠。大马OSAT今年销售将扬13%整体来看，联昌研究预估大马OSAT领域今年销售将强劲增长13%创下2014年以来最高。
同时在5G网络和智能手机射频晶片需求增加、汽车晶片需求复苏，以及云端基础建设服务需求殷切3大因素扶持下，我们预期OSAT领域净利也将年增39%，而2021和2022年领域净利赚益将介于15至16%，几乎较10年均值8%翻倍。该行认为半导体领看好领域长期增长前景，未来3年每股盈利复合年均增长率可能达到29%。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

《2021年财政预算案》带来的利好消息分析员均认为,政府没有如市场预料般向4大手套厂征收暴利税而是要求相关公司捐献合计4亿令吉供政府购买疫苗和医疗设备。政府今年将拨款10亿令吉推动国内高附加价值科技领域的研究和发展活动受惠的工业区有槟城峇都加湾、吉打居林科技园区内的航天和电子领域。基于政府拨款1亿5000万令吉支持中小企业迈向数码科技，大众投行分析员认为，阁代科技（GREATEC，0208，科技股）可从该措施获利，因阁代科技在上述两科技园区内均有厂房。维毅集团（ISTONE，0209，科技股）、MMS创投（MMSV，0113，科技股）、腾达科技（PENTA，7160，科技股）和伟特科技（V I T R O X，0097，科技股）这些自动化解决方案供应商会是受惠公司。

The move has affected hundreds of thousands of Malaysians working in Singapore, as they are unable to commute daily via the Johor Causeway or the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.
Meanwhile, Hasni said that the implementation of the food basket programme for Malaysians in Singapore will begin in the near future by targeting those who have been really affected by the border closure.

However the state government is very grateful to the federal government for agreeing to implement the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in certain areas instead of the state as a whole, he said.As at yesterday, a total of 1,209 positive Covid-19 cases were reported in Johor, with 60 of them being new cases.The closure of the Malaysia-Singapore border began on March 18, when the government imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the country to curb the spread of Covid-19 infection.

However, the state government is very grateful to the federal government for agreeing to implement the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in certain areas instead of the state as a whole, he said.As at yesterday, a total of 1,209 positive Covid-19 cases were reported in Johor, with 60 of them being new cases.The closure of the Malaysia-Singapore border began on March 18, when the government imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the country to curb the spread of Covid-19 infection.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad said the increase in the number of positive cases involved several districts. Staff from government agencies and state government-linked companies (GLCs) are also undergoing a quarantine process.We really want to open the border as soon as possible because the Johor economy depends on the neighbouring country for employment opportunities and the cross-border economy that is to Johor’s advantage.

(Nov 27): The Johor government has admitted that the recent spike in Covid-19 positive cases in Malaysia including Johor, may have delayed efforts to reopen the Malaysia-Singapore border.

The ministry recorded 1,069 recoveries today, bringing the number of recoveries in the country to 61,273 cases or 84.3% of all total cases.Two deaths were recorded — one each reported in Perak and Johor — raising the total number of fatalities from Covid-19 to 382.

Negeri Sembilan today reclaimed its spot as the second worst hit state with 258 cases reported compared to Sabah's 250 cases.

About 243 cases or 18.2% are related to the clusters in temporary detention centres and prisons involving the Jalan Harapan cluster in Selangor (141 cases), the Tembok cluster (92), the PTS Sibuga cluster in Sabah (seven), the Bakti cluster in Negeri Sembilan (two), and the Rumah Merah cluster (one)," said Dr Noor Hisham

Selangor topped the list with 337 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 178 cases, while Putrajaya did not record new cases today.

Of the new cases today, three are imported cases in which the infections occurred abroad while the remaining 1,332 are contracted local transmissions," he said in a statement.The Klang Valley — comprising Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya — made up a total of 515 cases, or 38.6% of the daily new cases.

The Health Ministry reported 1,335 new Covid-19 infections today, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 72,694.Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the current number of active cases which carry high transmission risks climbed to 11,039, from 10,775 reported yesterday.

On the other hand, a total of 201 clusters have been declared ended including the three clusters today, namely the Palma cluster and the Merpati cluster in Selangor, as well as the Makekar cluster in Terengganu and Selangor, as no new cases were reported in 28 days.Malaysia logged 1,335 new Covid-19 cases, bringing total infections to 72,694.Meanwhile, 1,069 recoveries were recorded today, bringing the number of recoveries in the country to 61,273 or 84.3% of all total cases.
The ministry also announced two new deaths, raising the total number of fatalities from Covid-19 to 382 cases.

For the Pulau Berhala cluster, the index case was found positive for the virus on Nov 20 as a result of community screenings.A total of 208 individuals were screened, of which 24 of them tested positive for Covid-19.Meanwhile, the index case of the Jalan Tampoi cluster was found positive for Covid-19 on Dec 1 through symptomatic screening. A total of 212 people have been screened, with 17 testing positive.About 388 Covid-19 clusters have been reported by the Health Ministry.

According to Dr Noor Hisham's statement, the Ceram cluster reported 171 positive cases as of today, from 450 individuals who went for Covid-19 screening.The index case of the cluster tested positive for Covid-19 on Nov 30 through symptomatic screening.

The Health Ministry today detected three new Covid-19 clusters in the country over the last 24 hours, with 212 total infections.Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said they are the Ceram cluster in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan; the Pulau Berhala cluster in Sandakan, Sabah; and the Jalan Tampoi cluster in Johor Bahru, Johor.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said Budget 2021 is not the usual scheme as announced in previous years because the Budget this time involves a combination of solutions to support citizens’ livelihoods and the country’s economic growth as it fights against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harian Metro quoted Tengku Zafrul as saying in an interview that Budget 2021, to be tabled by him in Parliament at 4pm tomorrow (Nov 6), will have to strike a balance between supporting the people’s livelihoods and the country’s economic growth.
Across Bursa today, top gainers included semiconductor manufacturers Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd (MPI) and Unisem (M) Bhd after their share prices rose to record intraday highs at RM24.28 and RM6.16 respectively.
Both Bursa Technology index constituents pared gains when markets closed. At 5pm, leading gainer MPI ended at RM24.10 while Unisem finished at RM6.11 as investors took cue from US stocks' overnight performance.
Reuters reported that US growth stocks, currently comprising a large portion of names in areas such as tech, surged 4.31% as investors expected them to keep outperforming value stocks as they have in recent months.
It was reported that value names, which closed flat, are currently comprised of mostly cyclical stocks such as banks and energy.

KLCI up 36.88 points, Bursa gainers top 1,000 on US election, Budget 2021 bets
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): The FBM KLCI closed 36.88 points or 2.52% higher at 1,501.49 while Bursa Malaysia’s indices for technology stocks and small market capitalisation (small cap) companies rose by a larger quantum as investors speculated on the outcome of the closely-watched US presidential election and as they looked ahead to the tabling of Malaysia’s Budget 2021 tomorrow. There were more than 1,000 gainers across Bursa today.
At 5pm today, the KLCI closed at its intraday high while Bursa’s Technology Index ended up 5.36% to become the largest-percentage gainer among the exchange’s indices. The Small Cap Index finished up 4.01%.
Bursa saw 6.92 billion securities worth RM3.89 billion traded across the exchange. There were 1,096 gainers versus 204 decliners as global stock markets rose ahead of a conclusive outcome from the US presidential election.
It was reported that stocks and currencies in Asia's emerging markets rose on Thursday as Democrat Joe Biden pulled ahead of Republican rival Donald Trump and was within striking distance of clinching a nail-biting US presidential election.
It was reported that the Democratic candidate is widely seen as likely to be less combative on trade policy and in relations with the region's growth engine China, and investors hope that it may clear the way for Asia's stronger recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
"Biden is a seasoned politician and will revert the United States to a trajectory of more conventional foreign policies and geopolitical manoeuvring, which is somewhat good for China and emerging economies at large,” Reuters quoted Mahesh Sethuraman, country head of global sales trading at Saxo Capital Markets, Singapore as saying.
In Malaysia, MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd research head Imran Yassin Yusof told theedgemarkets.com today that "investor sentiment has improved on a possible Biden win."
Imran said that a Biden win is expected to reduce market uncertainties as Biden will likely be less confrontational on global trade affairs.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Budget 2021 is also a crucial highlight this event-heavy week which also saw Bank Negara Malaysia maintaining the Overnight Policy Rate at 1.75% on Tuesday (Nov 3).

Muhyiddin: Microsoft, Amazon and Google keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub
JOHOR BARU, Aug 15 — Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded You Tube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 23): The Small and Medium Enterprise Association Malaysia (Samenta) welcomes the Federal Government’s initiative of introducing the Targeted Wage Subsidy Programme to assist employers and employees economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Samenta president, Koay Chiew Guan told Bernama that the wage subsidy programme would strongly aid the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to mitigate the economic impact from the pandemic.
“It is a good move from the Federal Government as the wage subsidy programme would definitely help boost the recovery of SMEs nationwide,” he said.
He also urged the SMEs to apply for the wage subsidy when the application is open from Oct 1 to Dec 31 this year.
Earlier today, the Government announced several initiatives and additional assistance under the RM10 billion PRIHATIN Supplementary Initiative Package (Kita Prihatin) in order to boost economic recovery.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that one of the several initiatives was the Targeted Wage Subsidy Programme, estimated to involve RM2.4 billion and expected to benefit 1.3 million workers
He said the wage subsidy would be given to employers still affected by the pandemic, namely companies facing lower revenues by at least 30% compared to last year, since the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) came into force.
The wage subsidy will be given for up to three months at a rate of RM600 per month for each employee, with a maximum of 200 employees per company.

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 24): Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in collaboration with developer of analytics software, SAS Institute, is launching the SAS Software Certified Young Professionals (SCYP) programme for students in Malaysia, the first in Southeast Asia.
SAS SCYP programme will aim to equip at least 500 students this year with in-demand analytics knowledge and expertise in a Covid-19 impacted employment market, while helping to meet the growing demand for data science and analytics professionals across industries in the region.
Digital adoption in Malaysia has accelerated tremendously over the past several months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the government through MDEC has identified technology as the key enabler to respond to the new normal and to address the economic situation.
MDEC has been actively promoting the #SayaDigital movement and the Government’s PENJANA programmes that will create industry-ready digitally-skilled Malaysians.
SAS has a deep-rooted history in academia. Launching a programme to empower Malaysian students with SAS analytics knowledge and expertise helps in answering the rising demand for technology professionals in Southeast Asia.
Business organisations need people who can make sense of data, manage and analyse it, build models and determine what information delivers the most value. Students with an analytical skillset will be highly sought after.
MDEC chief executive officer Surina Shukri said the strategic partnership with SAS aligns perfectly with MDEC’s commitment to ensuring delivery of technology relevant programmes to Malaysian students and help Malaysians make the digital leap into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
We see our public-private partnership initiatives such as SAS contributing to Malaysia’s overall growth of the data science skills required in the workforce to support the digitally-driven economy, which is also critical to meet the demand of the current and future job market, she said.
Surina said the SAS SCYP programme will enable students to work towards SAS certification in programming, machine learning and visual analytics through e-learning courses at their own pace.

China needs first mover advantage in digitial-currency race
SHANGHAI (Sept 21): China needs to become the first nation to issue a digital currency in its push to internationalise the yuan and reduce its dependence on the global dollar-payment system, a commentary published by the country's central bank said.
An article published in China Finance, a magazine run by the People's Bank of China (PBOC), said the rights to issue and control a digital currency would become a "new battlefield" of competition among sovereign countries.
Issuance and circulation of the digital currency would bring great changes to existing international finance, it said.
"China has many advantages and opportunities in issuing [first] digital currencies, so it should accelerate the pace to seize the first track," the article, which was published over the weekend, said.
Local media last month reported some of China's major state-run commercial banks had already started conducting large-scale internal testing of a digital wallet, moving a step closer to the official launch of the home-grown digital currency.
The China Finance article argued that the improved data feedback from a digital currency would help enhance monetary-policy transmission, which supports an economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
China also needs to establish a new payment-system network to break the dollar monopoly as a key part of the yuan internationalisation, the article said.
It added that a PBOC digital-currency-research unit had filed 130 patent applications related to cryptocurrency ranging from issuance, circulation to application as of end-April. Those functions would form a complete supply chain to support for the launch of a digital currency.
In April, the PBOC's digital-currency institute told Reuters it was conducting internal trials of a digital-currency electronic-payment system in four cities and that it intended to pilot the system at future Winter Olympics venues.
The PBOC set up the research team six years ago to explore the possibility of launching a digital currency to cut the cost of circulating paper money and boost policymakers' control of money supply.

FedEx wrings out profit as pandemic-fueled e-commerce deliveries surge
LOS ANGELES(Sept 16): US delivery firm FedEx Corp reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday, after price hikes, lower fuel costs and efficiency gains countered negative impacts associated with a pandemic-fueled surge in e-commerce shipments.
Shares in the Memphis-based company jumped 7.6% to US$254.66 in extended trading. Average daily package volume for FedEx Ground, which handles e-commerce deliveries for retailers like Walmart, jumped 31% to 11.6 million during the fiscal first quarter ended Aug 31.
Bonds remain relevant amid uncertain times
As the number of reported Covid-19 cases worldwide breaches the 26 million mark and deaths total close to 900,000 (at the point of writing), the trade-off between economic cost and reducing the spread of the pandemic through lockdowns is starting to weigh on global growth...
Home deliveries traditionally have been more expensive because they involved fewer packages and far-flung stops. Rising volumes and investments in things like automated sorting centres and route optimisation are bringing those costs down.
"Minor improvements can make a big difference whenever you're moving this many packages a day. The worst of the pressures on profitability are probably behind the company," Edward Jones analyst Matt Arnold said.
FedEx spent US$565 million on fuel across the company during the quarter, 35% less than a year earlier. FedEx did not provide an earnings forecast for fiscal 2021, citing continued uncertainty but said it expects annual capital spending of US$5.1 billion, above analysts' average estimate of US$4.96 billion, according to Refinitiv data.
Fiscal first quarter adjusted net income at FedEx jumped 60% to US$1.28 billion or US$4.87 per share. Revenue rose 13.5% to US$19.3 billion. Analysts expected earnings of US$2.69 per share and revenue of US$17.55 billion.

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 17): Sabah is the biggest beneficiary of the infrastructure development project under the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative with an estimated cost of RM2.45 billion, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
He said the implementation of the initiative would turn the broadband facilities and services for the people of Sabah to be on par with those provided in other States in Malaysia.
“The people of Sabah will have wider broadband access starting at the end of this year until 2022. A total of 419 new towers will be built and 1,972 existing transmitters will be upgraded to 4G.
“Besides, the fixed line fibre optic coverage will also be expanded to cover 251,166 premises across Sabah,” he said at the launch of Gerbang Sabah, which is the largest component of JENDELA to strengthen the construction of the national digital infrastructure, here today.
Also present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek, and Telekom Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh.
Muhyiddin said Gerbang Sabah is the Internet connection point between Sabah and the rest of the world, and is believed to be able to boost the State’s development and progress, besides preparing the people to face the future based on innovation and technology.
It is hoped that the initiative would also improve the level of connectivity as well as the quality of communication services experience nationwide through the development of faster and more comprehensive digital infrastructure.
“Gerbang Sabah will be the starting point to increase the digital capacity of the people in Sabah and open the opportunity for everyone to progress to greater heights in the future,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government through the MCMC had also set up 133 Community Internet Centres to provide digital guidance to the people of Sabah, including to generate income through e-commerce activities.
As the youths are the most active group among broadband facility users, the Government and service provider companies will work together to create special broadband access packages for them, such as through low cost services and attractive terms to help them meet the learning and communication needs of the new normal era, he said.
“All aspirations towards the development of a digital society and a sustainable digital economy for Sabah people begin at Gerbang Sabah. The broadband connection capacity here will be channelled to the infrastructure such as fibre optic exchanges and telecommunication towers statewide,” he said.
Muhyiddin also expressed hope that the initiative would close the digital gap among the States in Malaysia apart from improving Sabah’s reputation in the eyes of the world.
Meanwhile, he said the capacity of the Malaysian People’s Cable System (SKRM) in Tanjung Aru had also been increased from 4 Terabit per second to 7.3 Terabit per second.
The Prime Minister said Telekom Malaysia had also upgraded and doubled the SKRM capacity by three times to achieve at least 12.8 Terabit per second in the next three to four years.
“This will involve an additional allocation of RM100 million to the original investment of RM575.5 million by the MCMC and Telekom Malaysia,” he said, adding that the SKRM capacity was vital to accommodate the increasing use of the Internet by the Sabah people and to support JENDELA objectives.
In a similar development, Muhyiddin said 96.9 percent of the populated areas in the country will be covered by 4G services by 2022 before the Government could upgrade it to 5G.
“I would like to repeat the Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) commitment to transform the JENDELA action plan and the launch of Gerbang Sabah is an important part of the initiave,” he said.

Correct upload speed for 500Mbps package is 100Mbps, not 200Mbps — TM
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21): Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) has clarified that the correct upload speed configuration for its 500Mbps package is 100Mbps and not 200Mbps as stated in the earlier version of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), unifi Portal and leaflets.
TM also reiterated that there has been no change to the upload speed configuration for the new unifi 500Mbps package.
TM said this clarification was in response to the statement made by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) titled “MCMC Siasat Aduan Pengurangan Kelajuan Pakej unifi Berbanding Tawaran Awal”, adding it would like to assure all its customers and stakeholders of its commitment to consumer rights and protection.
TM said it continues to be transparent in informing its customers on this, and are tightening its processes to ensure this does not recur.
“In the meantime, we will give our full cooperation to the MCMC in their investigation.
“We wish to update that all customers are still within the 30-day Try Me period as we just introduced the package less than one month ago on Aug 24, 2020.
“Hence, customers can opt not to continue with us without any penalty,” it said.
TM will be calling customers who had signed up for the 500Mbps package since Aug 24, to inform them of the error and on the options available to them, starting from Monday Sept 21.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure our customers that all of our channels, including our website and marketing materials, have been updated to reflect the correct information,” it said.

Hospital launches virtual follow-up care
Monday, 20 Jul 2020
Brown says the hospital’s digital platform will enable patients to seek medical attention more promptly from the comfort of home.
RAMSAY Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) has introduced a digital platform that enables its existing patients to take part in virtual consultations with the company’s health practitioners while at home.
Named “Telehealth Plus”, it also caters to those requiring general health screening with the aim to provide easy access to over a million local and international patients.
In Malaysia, RSDH facilities — Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Ara Damansara Medical Centre and ParkCity Medical Centre — started virtual clinics via this platform last month.
Patients can now receive follow-up care from healthcare professionals ranging from cardiologists, oncologists and neurosurgeons to paediatricians and physicians.
Appointments can also be made with allied health professionals like occupational and rehabilitation therapists.
Accessible via web browsers on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, the platform leverages innovative technology and ease of use, enabling patients with concerns about Covid-19 to still obtain timely medical care.
RSDH group chief executive officer Greg Brown, said, “We invested in the digital platform to offer comprehensive services, including video consultation for patients who prefer less frequent hospital visits for now.
“With its availability, we believe patients will be less prone to neglecting their health and seek medical attention more promptly from the comfort of their homes.”
However, he said that virtual consultation was only available for follow-up patients who have already had at least one in-person consultation.
“Patients can also upload test results and reports for doctors to review and due to this, virtual health screening can be done easily, with shorter waiting time for patients and consultations handled conveniently with a video call.
“Integrating digital services is a timely move. We currently have individual health service platforms for our hospitals in Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Our medium-term plan is to have one integrated platform, including our patient management system which includes electronic medical records for our group of hospitals in order to provide seamless services, ” said Brown.
Patients can make follow-up appointments and e-payments, while keeping track of consultation history with e-appointment cards. Medicine can also be prescribed via this service for self-pickup or home delivery.
The group is also looking into medication delivery for international patients.

Bursa to temporarily suspend PN17 and GN3 classifications
KUALA LUMPUR: In view of the current trying time, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar announced that Bursa Malaysia will temporarily suspend Practice Note 17 (PN17) or Guidance Note 3 (GN3) classification on companies which financial positions slip into the status.
“We have already allowed PN17 and GN3 companies up to 24 months to regularise their financials.
“So, moving forward, in addition to this, after a discussion with Bursa, Bursa will provide companies listed on the Main Market, temporary relief from the PN17 classification in relation to certain criteria,” said Syed Zaid. The temporary relief also applied to GN3 for ACE Market-listed companies.
Currently, there are 25 Main Market-listed PN17 companies and three GN3 companies on ACE Market which need to regularise their financial positions.
The 28 companies now have more time to work out their regularisation plan considering they contend with challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said Syed Zaid.
“These measures will allow companies more time to regularise their financial positions. The period for this relaxation will be effective from April 17 this year until June 30, 2021,” he said during a virtual media briefing in conjunction with the release of the SC’s 2019 annual report yesterday.
Noting that extraordinary times call for extraordinary responses, Syed Zaid said “this is not business as usual” given the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that the SC is deploying a wide range of regulatory tools to support the market and its participants.
While the SC is doing what it can to support the businesses, we remain steadfast in ensuring investor interest is protected during this challenging time. We continue to raise investor awareness on scams, as scammers tend to target people during times of uncertainty.
The SC will take a targeted approach to protect vulnerable investors and minority shareholders. I would also like to remind our intermediaries to remain vigilant and for PLCs (public limited companies) to remember their obligations to shareholders and to make timely disclosures,” he said.
The regulator also assured investors that the Malaysian capital market remains fundamentally strong and is functioning in an orderly manner, supported by deep domestic liquidity and complemented by the government’s stimulus packages.
As the financial system adjusts to the impact of Covid-19, Syed Zaid said the SC will continue to monitor the evolving situation in global and domestic markets, calibrate its responses and update the public accordingly.

Bursa to temporarily suspend PN17 and GN3 classifications
KUALA LUMPUR: In view of the current trying time, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar announced that Bursa Malaysia will temporarily suspend Practice Note 17 (PN17) or Guidance Note 3 (GN3) classification on companies which financial positions slip into the status.
“We have already allowed PN17 and GN3 companies up to 24 months to regularise their financials.
“So, moving forward, in addition to this, after a discussion with Bursa, Bursa will provide companies listed on the Main Market, temporary relief from the PN17 classification in relation to certain criteria,” said Syed Zaid. The temporary relief also applied to GN3 for ACE Market-listed companies.
Currently, there are 25 Main Market-listed PN17 companies and three GN3 companies on ACE Market which need to regularise their financial positions.
The 28 companies now have more time to work out their regularisation plan considering they contend with challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said Syed Zaid.
“These measures will allow companies more time to regularise their financial positions. The period for this relaxation will be effective from April 17 this year until June 30, 2021,” he said during a virtual media briefing in conjunction with the release of the SC’s 2019 annual report yesterday.
Noting that extraordinary times call for extraordinary responses, Syed Zaid said “this is not business as usual” given the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that the SC is deploying a wide range of regulatory tools to support the market and its participants.
While the SC is doing what it can to support the businesses, we remain steadfast in ensuring investor interest is protected during this challenging time. We continue to raise investor awareness on scams, as scammers tend to target people during times of uncertainty.
The SC will take a targeted approach to protect vulnerable investors and minority shareholders. I would also like to remind our intermediaries to remain vigilant and for PLCs (public limited companies) to remember their obligations to shareholders and to make timely disclosures,” he said.
The regulator also assured investors that the Malaysian capital market remains fundamentally strong and is functioning in an orderly manner, supported by deep domestic liquidity and complemented by the government’s stimulus packages.
As the financial system adjusts to the impact of Covid-19, Syed Zaid said the SC will continue to monitor the evolving situation in global and domestic markets, calibrate its responses and update the public accordingly.

Muhyiddin: Microsoft, Amazon and Google keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub
JOHOR BARU, Aug 15 — Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded You Tube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Global tech giants keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub — PM
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 15): Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology (IT), says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
“I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
“But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded YouTube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Global tech giants keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub — PM
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 15): Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology (IT), says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
“I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
“But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded YouTube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Global tech giants keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub — PM
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 15): Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology (IT), says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
“I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
“But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded YouTube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Global tech giants keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub — PM
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 15): Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology (IT), says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
“I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
“But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded YouTube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Global tech giants keen to develop Malaysia into regional IT hub — PM
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 15): Global technology giants Microsoft, Amazon and Google have shown interest in together developing Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology (IT), says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said representatives of the major tech firms expressed their interest at a meeting with him recently.
“I think many have shown their interest in helping Malaysia. Recently the leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Google met with me expressing their readiness to be involved in the process of developing Malaysia in the IT and other fields to make Malaysia a regional centre.
“But first, to make sure, does our country have the best connectivity? The main issue usually raised is lack of access. Our Internet is not efficient,” he said at a town hall session with state and federal civil servants in Johor here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, also said Malaysia has not achieved a competitive level of Internet connectivity, citing the example of a schoolgirl in Sabah who had to climb a tree to get good Internet access.
He said while the government’s commitment to improving its Internet connectivity is already there, the time has come to step forward to expand access.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Veveonah Mosibin, 18, of Kampung Sapatalang in Pitas, Sabah uploaded YouTube videos of her spending the night in a tree to get better Internet access for her online university examinations.
The videos have since been viewed over 150,000 times.

Continue bumiputera agenda to ensure prosperity is shared fairly — MTEM
KUALA LUMPUR (June 24): Bumiputera agenda efforts need to be continued to ensure prosperity and development are equitably and fairly enjoyed, Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) chief executive officer Ahmad Yazid Othman said today.
He said strategic economic development eforts should be intensified to create long-term impact, besides short-term impact programmes, to improve the economic standing of the Malays and Bumiputeras.
“The reform and revitalise phases mooted by the Ministry of Finance need to be brought into action within the narrative of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030).
“We should not waste the opportunity to close the wealth and economic gap between the Bumiputeras and other races, while at the same we should ensure there is rapid economic development for all people regardless of race and region,” he said in a statement.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the importance for the Government to use the existing policy space in the effort to bring optimal social impact.
“Today, the Malaysian Government is recognised by the world for successful managing the outbreak, and we can be proud of it.
“The Government should also adopt the same attitude and strategy to develop the country’s economy through meaningful reforms,” he said.