News by Choy Nyen Yiau

The decline in net profit was attributed to the better gross margin previously amid the finalisation of development costs of Garden Terrace and South Tower in the group's Emerald Hills project in Cheras, and increased construction costs due to material price hikes.

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (CLMT) reported a 54.4% jump in its net property income (NPI) for the fourth quarter of its 2023 financial year (4QFY2023) to RM63.02 million from RM40.8 million in the corresponding quarter in FY2022, as it reported stronger revenue.

MRT Corp is currently focusing on the land acquisition process, which involves over 1,000 lots of land, the majority of which are private lots.

KLCC Property Holdings Bhd (KLCCP) is buying the remaining 40% equity interest in Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, which owns and manages Suria KLCC Mall here, for RM1.95 billion.

Berjaya Land Bhd's (BLand) and Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd's (MRCB) shares reached a record high during Friday's morning trading session, following a report by The Edge that the two construction outfits are teaming up, alongside IJM Corp Bhd and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), to bid for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.

RHB Investment Bank Research (RHB IB) has maintained its "overweight" rating on the real estate sector, identifying UEM Sunrise Bhd as the top proxy for the segment, with potential benefits extending to Sunway Bhd, IOI Properties and Eco World Development Group Bhd if significant railway infrastructure projects materialise in Johor.

Sime Darby Property Bhd's (SimeProp) deal with Lagenda Properties to venture into the affordable homes sector could allow the group to explore the viability of the segment, potentially leading to future developments in other states, said Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB).

Axis Real Estate Investment Trust's (Axis REIT) net property income (NPI) for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 (4QFY2023) increased by 6.3% to RM66.16 million from RM62.22 million a year ago, on the back of higher revenue.

Voon, 66, will replace Datuk Ho Hon Sang, who has been at the helm since 2016 and cited retirement as the reason for his resignation.

The significant earnings contraction was primarily due to impairments including investment loss of RM9.57 million, RM2.88 million for stock, RM3.1 million for retrenchment benefits, among others.