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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Gives Up Earlier Gains To End Mixed

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia gave up earlier gains to end mixed today, amid a higher regional market showing, as property, construction, and healthcare counters attracted buying interests, while plantation, banking, and telecommunication stocks saw some profit-taking, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.70 points to close at 1,602.34 from yesterday’s close of 1,604.04. The benchmark index, which opened 0.86 of-a-point lower at 1,603.18, moved between 1,601.02 and 1,608.88 during the trading session. However, the broader market was mixed to higher, with gainers leading decliners by 565 to 438 while 502 counters remained unchanged, 961 untraded, and 14 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 2.83 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion versus 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.23 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the benchmark index remained range-bound and it required a dec
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Malaysia's RON95 Subsidy and Fiscal Outlook

The Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has issued a cautionary report regarding Malaysia's need to rationalize its RON95 petrol subsidies in 2025, especially following a significant salary hike for civil servants. Here are the key points from the report:


Fiscal Burden and Subsidy Context

  • Current Subsidy Situation: While the subsidy burden for RON95 has decreased compared to previous years, it remains at a high level. The government's recent decision to increase civil servants' salaries—by at least 13%, effective December 1, 2024—will add approximately RM10 billion to operational expenditures.
  • Government Revenue Trends: Malaysia's revenue contracted by 6.3% in the first half of 2024 year-on-year, while expenditures grew by 1.3% during the same period.

Recommendations for Subsidy Rationalization

  • Urgent Need for Change: ANZ emphasizes that the blanket subsidy on RON95 needs to be removed to prevent escalating fiscal pressures. This follows the recent removal of diesel subsidies, with similar rationalization for RON95 expected.
  • Impact on Inflation and Monetary Policy: Any inflationary impact resulting from subsidy changes is anticipated to be perceived as a one-time adjustment by Bank Negara Malaysia, which is unlikely to prompt any changes in policy rates. The current overnight policy rate is expected to remain at 3.00% through the end of 2024.

Economic Growth and Budget Deficit

  • Growth Prospects: Despite these challenges, the government is on track to reduce its budget deficit as a percentage of GDP to 4.3% in 2024 from 5.0% in 2023, aided by strong economic growth and lower crude oil prices.

Conclusion

The call for subsidy rationalization highlights a critical juncture for Malaysia's fiscal policy, balancing the need for sustainable financial management against public sector wage increases. As the government navigates these challenges, it must ensure that adjustments do not adversely impact economic stability or consumer sentiment.

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