KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.
Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) exports are on course to surpass the record RM601.2 billion in 2024 , underpinned by strong semiconductor demand, despite uncertainties over potential US tariffs of up to 100% on chip imports. From Jan–July 2025 , E&E exports rose 17.3% YoY to RM391 billion, with July alone contributing RM63 billion, up 23% YoY. Semiconductors accounted for RM437.5 billion of 2024’s exports, with RM56.2 billion bound for the US. Industry Views: AI Boom vs Policy Uncertainty Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri SH Wong noted that exports could beat 2024 levels, barring policy shocks: “The sector could do better than 2024… However, the threat of 100% tariffs on semiconductors from countries without US chip production plans has introduced uncertainty.” The AI-driven boom is expected to fuel 11.2% global semiconductor growth in 2025 , benefiting Malaysia as a key suppl...