KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday, even as utilities, healthcare, and financial services sectors saw increased buying interest following the release of Malaysia’s second-quarter (2Q) gross domestic product (GDP) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 7.32 points to 1,727.39 compared with Thursday’s close of 1,734.71. The benchmark index opened 0.01 of a point higher at 1,734.72 and fluctuated between 1,726.77 and 1,734.72 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers trounced gainers 619 to 538, while 554 counters were unchanged, 1,117 untraded and 29 suspended. Turnover eased to 3.50 billion units valued at RM2.59 billion from 3.51 billion units valued at RM3.05 billion on Thursday. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said FBM KLCI closed lower despite Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected 6.0 per cent GDP growth in 2Q 2026, underscoring the market’s forward-looki...
Malaysia’s real estate investment trust (REIT) sector may avoid a tax shock , with Kenanga Investment Bank expecting the 10% withholding tax on REIT dividends to be fully renewed , despite the concession expiring at end-2025. Why Renewal Looks Likely Kenanga believes the government has little incentive to change the current structure , given the limited fiscal benefit. Annual REIT net earnings: ~ RM2.8bn Contribution to 2026 estimated tax revenue: <0.2% Any policy shift would offer immaterial fiscal upside , but meaningful downside to the sector Key point: The cost to REIT valuations outweighs the tax gain to the government. What’s at Stake for Investors The concessionary 10% withholding tax , in place since 2016 and renewed annually, has been a key pillar supporting REIT yields. Investors already face an additional 2% dividend tax on income above RM100,000 Effective dividend tax for lar...