Quick Summary
Bursa Malaysia says lower free float approvals for large IPOs follow clear, rule-based criteria
No concerns raised by MSCI over Malaysia’s index standing
Indonesia’s MSCI warning is country-specific, not a regional issue
Bursa plans to boost market quality, disclosures and investor confidence
What Bursa Malaysia Said
Bursa Malaysia Bhd clarified that approvals for large IPOs with free float below 25% are governed by transparent regulatory parameters and have not triggered concerns from MSCI Inc..
CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed stressed that such approvals are selective and uncommon, typically granted to mega-listings where liquidity remains sufficient.
Recent Examples of Lower Free Float IPOs
Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd – approved with 18% free float
Other mega IPOs previously granted flexibility:
MR DIY Group (M) Bhd
99 Speed Mart Holdings Bhd
Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd
Key point: These cases were assessed individually and did not pose systemic liquidity or transparency risks.
No Spillover From Indonesia’s Market Turmoil
Fad’l emphasised that MSCI’s recent warning on Indonesia is specific to Indonesia, where:
Minimum free float was 7.5% (now being raised to 15%)
Concerns centred on tightly held ownership and transparency
By comparison:
Malaysia’s minimum free float is 25%, in line with Hong Kong and India
Thailand’s minimum stands at 15%
MSCI has not indicated any review or reassessment of Malaysia’s free-float rules.
What MSCI Actually Looks At
Beyond free float, MSCI evaluates:
Liquidity
Adjusted market capitalisation
Market accessibility
Disclosure and transparency standards
According to Bursa, Malaysia continues to score well across these criteria.
Strengthening Market Quality
Separately, Bursa is working with the Securities Commission on a corporate value-up programme, focusing on:
Improving corporate disclosures
Strengthening investor relations
Raising overall market vibrancy
New initiatives include:
Bursa Malaysia Quality 50 Index
Bursa Malaysia Quality 50 Shariah Index
These aim to spotlight companies with stronger profitability, capital structure and earnings quality.

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