KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- Selected blue-chip counters trading at attractive valuations helped Bursa Malaysia close higher on Friday, despite cautious market sentiment driven by developments in West Asia, volatility in crude oil prices and uncertainty over the global interest rate outlook. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 4.10 points or 0.24 per cent to 1,683.63 compared with Thursday's close of 1,679.53. The key index opened 5.34 points stronger at 1,684.87 earlier today and moved between 1,679.72 and 1,685.39 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 533 to 479, while 561 counters were unchanged, 1,130 untraded and 33 suspended. Turnover fell to 2.79 billion units worth RM2.31 billion from 3.32 billion units worth RM2.88 billion yesterday.
A Landmark Tender Attracts Heavyweights and Rising Contenders
Malaysia’s first-ever grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) tender — known as MyBeST — has sparked intense interest, drawing over 20 bidders across more than 30 proposals. The ambitious programme aims to develop four 100MW/400MWh battery assets to support solar integration and address peak power demands in Peninsular Malaysia.
Heavyweights such as Tenaga Nasional, YTL Power, and Malakoff have thrown their hats into the ring, alongside emerging players and EPCC specialists. Notably, some companies submitted multiple bids via subsidiaries or consortiums, underscoring the sector’s lucrative long-term potential.
Front Runners: Tenaga’s Track Record and Consortium Advantage
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is seen as a likely frontrunner, given its experience with a similar-capacity battery project in Dungun, Terengganu. Meanwhile, YTL Power and Malakoff-linked entities bring scale and proven expertise in energy infrastructure.
Gamuda Bhd, Petronas (via Gentari and PetGas), and Mega First also submitted bids — signalling diversified interest from both traditional energy giants and solar-transitioning conglomerates.
Specialist & Solar EPCCs Join Forces
The competitive landscape is further widened by niche BESS players like BM Greentech and Seal Incorporated (via MSR Green Energy). MSR is notably constructing Sabah’s inaugural battery project — another 100MW/400MWh system — expected to complete this year.
Solar-focused companies Solarvest, Samaiden, and Pekat Group are also in the race, mainly serving as EPCC partners for bidding consortia, leveraging their project delivery capabilities in renewable energy.
Key Tender Specifications: Capacity, Longevity, and Compliance
According to the RFP:
Each BESS must operate 15 years, starting by April 30, 2027
Performance must be maintained at ≥75% state of health or ≥300MWh output by year 15
Batteries must meet BloombergNEF Tier-1 criteria, ensuring project bankability
The design standard of 100MW for four hours (400MWh) sets the benchmark for Malaysia’s energy transition ambitions.
Revenue Model Mirrors Conventional PPAs
Unlike solar plants that earn via fixed tariffs based on actual output, BESS developers will be paid on:
Capacity charges – paid regardless of utilisation
Service tariffs – based on actual dispatch events
This two-part revenue structure resembles traditional power purchase agreements (PPAs) and is expected to incentivise reliability and availability.
Why BESS Matters: The Grid’s Critical Safety Valve
Malaysia’s solar capacity is projected to expand by 6GW+ in coming years, atop the 4GW already installed. However, solar power’s daytime spike often goes unused due to insufficient storage — causing inefficiencies and potential grid stress during evening peak loads.
With solar generation peaking at 3.78GW at noon (18% of peak demand), battery storage is becoming the missing linkto optimise renewable energy utilisation and ensure grid stability.
Timeline and Implications for Investors
Shortlist announcement: As early as October 2025
Operations target: By 2027, with capex per project estimated at RM270–300 million
This landmark programme lays the foundation for long-term growth in Malaysia’s energy storage ecosystem, with opportunities across infrastructure, technology, and financing verticals.
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