KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed flat to settle at slightly below the 1,500-mark on Monday as investors balanced persistent global uncertainties with signs of underlying domestic resilience, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) inched up 0.07 of-a-point to 1,499.47 compared to Friday’s close of 1,499.40. The benchmark index opened 2.68 points higher at an intraday high of 1,502.08 and hit an intraday low of 1,494.27 during the early afternoon session. In the broader market, decliners outpaced gainers 512 to 308, while 463 counters were unchanged, 1,142 untraded, and 39 others suspended. Turnover dwindled to 1.53 billion units valued at RM1.19 billion against Friday’s 1.69 billion units valued at RM1.24 billion.
Malaysia is stepping up efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties across Southeast Asia as new U.S. tariffs take effect.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan met with leaders from the EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC) and US-Asean Business Council (US-ABC) on Tuesday to explore fresh initiatives to attract investors and grow regional trade.
“The meetings were productive. We discussed new ideas that could help increase intra-Asean trade,” Amir told Bernama after the bilateral sessions.
Tackling Tariff Challenges
Beyond new trade initiatives, Malaysia also sought US-ABC’s support to navigate the impact of the latest U.S. tariffs. These discussions are part of the country’s efforts to protect and sustain business growth under changing global trade policies.
Amir expressed hope that Asean countries would reach a unified stance on trade issues during three key meetings scheduled Wednesday with the EU-ABC, US-ABC, and Asean Business Advisory Council.
“We’re looking for ways to better connect industries across borders and support mutual growth,” Amir said.
Eyes on Regional Growth
The high-level meetings will focus on financial strategies to keep Southeast Asia attractive for global investors, especially as countries adjust to the ripple effects of the new U.S. trade barriers.
With the chairmanship of these meetings in Amir’s hands, Malaysia aims to lead the conversation on cross-border trade, regional cooperation, and smart economic solutions.
“I look forward to positive outcomes and mutual agreements that will benefit all parties,” he added.
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