|
|
| daily menu » rate the banner | guess the city | one on one |
February 21st, 2012, 06:45 PM
|
#2281 | ||
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brisbane
Posts: 10,431
Likes (Received): 430
|
Modest growth in FDI despite a surge in domestic investments. Official FDI data is out. (Full Article)
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
|
||
|
|
| Sponsored Links | |||
|
|
February 21st, 2012, 07:31 PM
|
#2282 | |||
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|||
|
|
|
February 21st, 2012, 07:40 PM
|
#2283 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
'Malaysia to continue to attract good investments'
By Rupa DamodaranPublished: 2012/02/22 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1n2jUoBrK KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia expects to attract the same level of foreign direct investments in 2012 as it did last year, on the back of growing optimism of global FDIs. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said there were several investments in the pipeline in the fourth quarter of 2011 and these were not yet in the system. In 2011, Malaysia attracted RM32.9 billion in FDIs, an increase of 12.3 per cent compared with RM29.3 billion in 2010. "We believe that Malaysia will continue to attract good investments and grow in tandem with the US$1.9 trillion (RM5.74 trillion) FDI inflows announced by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)," he said at the annual Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) media conference. Investments will also continue to flow from the Asean region, China, Japan, India and the Middle East. He said momentum for private investments would continue as implementation of projects under key initiatives such as the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) would also continue from last year. Domestic direct investments have spearheaded the ETP and also formed the lion's share of the total approved investments in the services sector. Realised private investments this year will rise to RM110 billion from RM94 billion last year. The oil and gas sector is a significant contributor to private investments. "The oil and gas sector is doing well and will be important in the next few years," he said, adding that 40 per cent of private investments would come from this sector. The solar industry, on the other hand, has been sluggish the past year. It faced an excess capacity and withdrawal of support from some European governments, even as prices for solar panels and other products slumped. Some companies had also informed Mida that they had either placed their projects on hold or were slowing expansion of projects. The recent announcement from Bosch to postpone the construction of its euro520 million (RM2 billion) solar production facility was not unexpected but Mustapa said the company remained committed to investing in the country. On his trade and investment visit to Thailand and Myanmar today, Mustapa said he hoped to tap the outward-looking Thai investors. Malaysian investments are largely in the banking and the automotive sectors.
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 22nd, 2012, 02:39 AM
|
#2284 | |||||||
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brisbane
Posts: 10,431
Likes (Received): 430
|
Quote:
***************** Penang State, Silicon Economy of Malaysia - Year 2012 Have been lying on my hard disk for a while, let's take a look at one of Malaysia's most industrialised state - Penang. Georgetown or commonly referred to Penang Island is the capital of Penang State. Collectively, it is often referred as Malaysia's largest metro outside KL. From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
Last edited by patchay; February 22nd, 2012 at 02:47 AM. |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
February 22nd, 2012, 03:04 AM
|
#2285 | |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 425
Likes (Received): 117
|
Quote:
Ranking Negara 117. Cambodia 122. Malaysia 125. Brunei 135. Singapore 137. Thailand 140. Filipina 146. Indonesia 165. Laos 169. Myanmar 172. Vietnam http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-inde...2012,1043.html |
|
|
|
|
|
February 22nd, 2012, 05:41 PM
|
#2286 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Oil & Gas capex may reach US$500b
Published: 2012/02/22 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1n86CtBCw The capital expenditure (capex) in the oil and gas industry worldwide is expected reach a record level at half a trillion US dollars this year. Group Analyst of Acteon Group Ltd, Will Rowley, said the estimates were based on the assumption that oil prices will stay at a comfortable level for expansion and reinvestment. Acteon is a group of specialist engineering companies serving the global offshore oil and gas industry. "This year would be a good year (for the industry). All activities are increasing, supported by cash-rich operators. There's no shortage of work, margin has improved although cost has been up a little bit," he told Bernama on the sidelines of Offshore Asia Conference 2012, in Kuala Lumpur today. Rowley said the industry would see structural changes that would lead to more deepwater exploration and subsea activity and in more diverse geographical areas. Asia is well-positioned to tap into this potential area on projection that the region maintains its number one market share in terms of volume in the fixed platforms in the next five years, he added. "We think there's a lot of potential not just in deepwater, however, it's not just growth potential but working with our partner to develop the expertise that can be used regionally," Rowley said. He said many national oil majors were exploring areas beyond their country's borders and significant increase of offshore licensing is underway for a notable number of new areas. Geographical diversity is a key opportunity although it heightened the pressure on logistics and project management including people. "There is a need for greater cooperation and innovation. We also have problems to get the right skill and quality and yet the industry is getting more spread out and technically demanding," he said. Commenting on oil price outlook, Rowley said there could be a strong possibility it could increase, in the face of the situation in Iran. "Some of the increase has been factored in by a lot of traders but it's a very fickle market where it can go higher but could settle down very quickly," he said, adding many operators had made statements that they were more comfortable if the price was lower. "Ultimately, what you want is an industry that is sustainable rather than boom to bust scenario," he said. Oil price rises above US$106 a barrel today, the highest level since May 2011 on concerns of a disruption to Europe's oil supplies. -- Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2012, 07:23 AM
|
#2287 | |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Quote:
Wednesday February 22, 2012 http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...7&sec=business PUTRAJAYA: Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd will invest RM3.18bil under its expansion plan to further improve the port’s capacity, executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam said. He said the expansion plan includes the 160 ha (400 acres) land reclamation project expected to be completed by next year and the construction of four container terminals slated for completion in 2016. “We already have five container terminals now. The sixth terminal is under construction and we will move to seventh (terminal) next year, eighth and ninth (terminal). We have four more terminals to complete. “Now, we are handling 6.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and it will increase to 11 million TEUs by 2016,” he told reporters after signing a RM318mil facilitation fund agreement with the government, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia and Westports for a land reclamation project in Port Klang. The agreement signed by the Prime Minister’s Department Public Private Partnership Unit director-general Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa and Gnanalingan will provide RM318mil facilitation fund to Westports for the project. The signing was witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Public Private Partnership Unit Fund Section director Raja Muhammad Azhan Shah Raja Muhammad. Nor Mohamed said the facilitation fund was important to expand Westports as about 80% of the nation’s exports and imports used the port’s facilities. “This is a success that all of us should be proud of. We should not be satisfied (with what we’ve achieved so far), instead we should strive to do more using our strategic assets that we have to scale greater heights in this transport hub. “To do this, we have to reclaim land, make dredging and etc. “With government assistance, facilities at Westports can be expanded and we can get revenue from ships using the facilities,” he added. — Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2012, 07:24 AM
|
#2288 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Foreign direct investments hit RM33bil, surpassing pre-crisis level
By CHOONG EN HAN Wednesday February 22, 2012 http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...2&sec=business  Mustapa: Manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share of FDI inflows last year. PETALING JAYA: Despite prevailing global economic uncertainties, Malaysia's total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows sprung a surprise and climbed to RM32.9bil last year, eclipsing the pre-crisis level of RM29.1bil achieved in 2007. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share of FDI inflows, comprising 50.1%, followed by the services sector with 27.3%, and mining and quarrying at 22.2%. Brazil's Vale Group, the world's second-largest mining company, Agilent Technologies Inc and Infineon Technologies are among the foreign companies that expanded their operations in Malaysia last year. About 72% of FDI came from Asian countries, with Japan topping the list with RM10.1bil, followed by South Korea at RM5.1bil and Singapore RM2.47bil, while US contributed RM2.5bil, and Saudi Arabia RM2.17bil. With the intensified efforts to attract investments, he hoped the country could achieve similar numbers this year. Data released by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) showed total investments approved in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors leaping by 40.7% to RM148.6bil on the back of 4,964 projects, compared with RM105.6bil (4,368 projects) in 2010. Mustapa also said the domestic investments in 2011 continued to dominate the approved investments, accounting for 55.4% or RM82.3bil of the total approved investments, while foreign investments totalled RM66.3bil. The manufacturing sector accumulated a total of 846 projects valued at RM56.1bil, an increase of 18.8% from RM47.2bil recorded in 2010, while the services sector recorded investments totalling RM64.4bil, surging by 75.5% from RM36.7bil previously. Sarawak attracted the most approved investments at RM14.35bil, followed by Penang with RM14.04bil and Sabah at RM13.68bil. Meanwhile, he said the country had surpassed targets for realised private investments by achieving RM94bil in realised investments in 2011, exceeding the RM83bil target set previously. He said he hoped the country could achieve the target of RM115bil in annual average realised private investments set under the 10th Malaysia Plan. Bank Islam chief economist Azrul Azwar Ahmad Tajudin said it was a good thing to see a revival in private investments with the country surpassing targets set. “However, the private investment share to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio is still at low levels despite the revival of private invesments,” he said. He said before the Asian financial crisis, share of private investment to GDP took between 20% to 30%, and just before the crisis hit, it was at a peak of 35%, however currently it was hovering at about 11% only. “Although the data presented is very clear, I would like to see data that shows FDI inflows by state,” he said. RAM Holdings Group chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng also echoed the same sentiments and said the fresh data should help boost investors' sentiments given that FDI inflows were still present despite the perceived economic slowdown. “This points to Malaysia's ability to attract foreign investments, however we still have to see in relation to the overall FDI inflows of other countries, and compare the share with them,” he said.
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2012, 07:34 AM
|
#2289 | |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Quote:
Wednesday February 22, 2012 http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...633&sec=nation PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has moved up 19 places on the 2011/2012 World Press Freedom Index and is now ranked at 122 compared to 141 in 2010. The annual index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, involved 178 countries. It placed Malaysia ahead of other Asean countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philip*pines. “This year’s index sees many changes; changes that reflect a year that was incredibly rich in developments, especially in the Arab world,” Reporters Without Borders said, adding that the past year also highlighted the role played by Netizens in producing and disseminating news. It said the international media had paid dearly for its coverage of democratic aspirations or opposition movements as totalitarian and repres*sive regimes continued to control news and information. Finland, Norway and the Nether*lands topped the index again while Iran, Syria, and North Korea remained at the bottom of the list. In the Asia-Pacific region, the report stated that the countries that traditionally performed well did not shine last year. “With New Zealand’s fall to the 13th position, no country in the Asia-Pacific region figured among the top 10 in the index,” it said, adding that an army crackdown in West Papua, Indonesia, where at least two journalists were killed, five kidnapped and 18 assaulted last year, was the main reason for the country’s fall to the 146th position in the index from 117 in 2010. Rais: Improved ranking proves press freedom exists in Malaysia Published: Wednesday February 22, 2012 MYT 10:23:00 PM KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's improved ranking in the 2011/2012 Press Freedom Index proves to the world that the country is open to freedom of speech and people making known their views, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. He said although Malaysia was in a better position in the rankings, there was still a need for a benchmark concerning press freedom so that media practitioners respected the laws of the country. "We cannot be blindsided by what is deemed as freedom of the press in the West. "What we need is to follow the United Nation's charter concerning the freedom to state one's views and opinions," he told reporters here Wednesday. He was asked to comment on Malaysia moving up 19 notches, from 141 in 2010 to 122 in the 2011/2012 index released by Reporters Without Borders. The latest rankings showed Malaysia to be better than its neighbours like Singappore (135), Thailand (137), the Philippines (140) and Indonesia (146). Meanwhile, Dr Rais urged advertisers of products and services using "rojak" Malay to quickly revert to proper use of the national language. "Maybe we use 'rojak' language at home, but for the general public, we must use the correct version of the national language. "I hope no one will be offended by this. If it is costly to make the change, we (ministry) can help out," he said. - Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2012, 07:42 AM
|
#2290 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
PM: IMF recognises Malaysia for prudent economic management
By R S N MURALI Published: Friday February 24, 2012 MYT 12:25:00 PM http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...046&sec=nation MALACCA: International Monetary Fund has recognised Malaysia for its prudent economic management said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday. He said that such recognition was considered prestigious as not many other nations in this region received such accolades from an International body. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of offer letters to potential owners of Sg Putat affordable apartments in Batu Berendam here, Najib also refuted claim by certain quarters that the country had borrowed heavily from World Bank and IMF to spearhead projects under 1Malaysia banner.
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 25th, 2012, 07:11 PM
|
#2291 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
M’sians must know how nation came about — Ex-top cop
Posted on February 23, 2012, Thursday http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02...ut-ex-top-cop/ KUALA LUMPUR: It is imperative that the current and future generations of Malaysians know how the nation has evolved to where it is today. In spite of inherent and distinctive diversities among its people, they still could unite to win the war against communist terrorists (CTs). Former top cop Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng said, this was particulary so, during the time when the CTs were still unprepared to openly give up violence and their armed struggle as a means to achieve political power. “Even after retirement, I still continue to play my part to ensure that the incumbent government, whatever the political party, continues to administer the nation fairly and justly in the interests of all communities and especially, the needs of all communities,” he said in a special interview with Bernama recently. He explained that all efforts must be carried out according to the Federal Constitution and must be appreciated by everyone. Nevertheless, Yuen expressed sadness that some politicians spit venom when making thoughtless statements, in relation to the CTs, especially in trying to turn one into a hero when the nation’s security forces had fought for four decades and died for the integrity of the country and its independence. Yuen, who has penned his opinions in a letter published by a local newspaper recently, said: “Till now, tell me that I have not truly been a freedom fighter when I had been shot twice. “I have been carrying a terrorist slug lodged in my chest since 1951. I had been hunted for assassination even after retirement in 1984. I did not accept a government offer to be relocated overseas to a safer location. “I stayed back because not everyone who has served the nation selflessly and honestly, can afford to migrate or wants to migrate because this is still a great country,” said the man who cuts an iconic figure in the history of the police force, given his vast experience in fighting the CTs, among others. Yuen is saddened that things have become too political, and that creeping racial and religious polarisation have threatened the unity, harmony, economy and above all, the once-lauded communal goodwill in this nation which was the legacy of our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. “I know the country should, hopefully sooner than later, reconcile and forget all the hurt and pain of the past, in what was a civil war of ideologies.” Yuen, who served as chief police officer in Perak and Sarawak, believes that the only way to ensure that the threat of communist revivalism was nipped in the bud was to teach history in the right perspective among school and university students. “Many things are being uttered wrongly because of our weak education system. History, as it should be, is not being taught properly,” he said. Yuen has written two books about his struggles with the CTs, first in 1998 called ‘Operation Ginger’, and the other in 2008, ‘Nation Before Self’. He is scheduled to deliver a talk on his struggles against the communists at the Malaysia Historical Forum (Kolokium Sejarah Malaysia) on Feb 25. — Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2012, 07:35 AM
|
#2292 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Malaya was never fully colonised, says historian
Posted on February 26, 2012, Sunday http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02...ays-historian/ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaya was never fully colonised by the British who instead, merely controlled its administration, said historian Datuk Prof Ramlah Adam. She said, as proof, the institution of the monarchy was not abolished but played a role in Islamic affairs and Malay customs. “Although the British administered Malaya before independence, they did not get rid of the role of the Malay kings because they recognised their role as an important element in the adminstration of the country…what they did away with were the chief minister (bendahara) and defence minister (temenggong). “Some parties say Malaya was fully colonised by the British. But, if we refer to history, Malaya was never fully colonised because the Malays prevailed in certain matters,” she said in her speech as a panelist in the Malaysian Historical Colloquium at University Malaya here yesterday. At the colloquium, Ramlah touched on the issue of the struggle for independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman’s struggles and independence, history of the Federation of Malaya and the struggle against the Malayan Union. “All historians play a role in the struggle for independence in various aspects. So, in order to become a nation of a Malaysian race which thoroughly understands history, we need to refer to the original struggles of past figures. “But, we must remember that among them were those who were successful and those who were not, as some were straight-forward while there were those who twisted and turned,” she noted. At the first session of the colloquium, Ramlah also touched on Tunku Abdul Rahman’s struggle as the Father of Independence who was picked as the first leader by all communities. She said the tradition of discussion and give-and-take was the main recipe for success in winning the trust and power to rule from the people. “Actually, there is no difference between the past and present struggle. Violence is not the correct modus operandi to gain power in a country. “In the past, we had the leftist and rightist party, now we have the government party and the opposition and, not excluding, in both cases, supporters who are subversive. “There is no difference. So, I hope history will not be used for personal interests.” Ramlah has written books, carried out historical researches and served as lecturer at the Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknology Mara. — Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2012, 04:55 PM
|
#2293 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Govt to implement build-and-sell concept by 2015: Pemudah
Published: Monday February 27, 2012 MYT 10:26:00 PM http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...104&sec=nation KUALA LUMPUR: The government is to implement the build-and-sell concept by 2015 to stem the problem pf abandoned housing projects, according to the 2012 annual report of the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah). The report, which was issued Monday, said the concept would be implemented through the financing of houses based on Syariah to buyers. The government also imposed tighter laws through an amendment to the Housing Development Act (Control and Licensing) 1966 (Act 118), it said. Among others, the deposit was increased from RM200,000 to three percent of the cost of physical development, including professional fees for the Housing Development Account, and a maximum penalty of RM50,000 has been set, compared to RM20,000 previously for offences under any provision of Act 118. The amendment, passed by Parliament, also gave buyers more rights on matters of house buying, including the choice to cancel the sale-and-purchase agreement if there is no progress at the site six months after the date of agreement. The scope of the House Buyers Claims Tribunal was also expanded to enable buyers to seek compensation from unlicenced housing developers. A list of developers who were blacklisted and problematic housing projects were also displayed on the website of the Housing and Local Government Ministry. According to the report, 32 abandoned housing projects had been revived by the Special Task force for Revival of Abandoned Housing Projects last year. "The remaining 62 abandoned projects with 26,486 units and 17,400 buyers, are at various stages of revival while 22 other projects are in the planning stage to be revived by developers identified by the government," said the report. - Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2012, 07:16 PM
|
#2294 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
CIMB posts recordnet profit of RM4b
By: GOH THEAN EUPublished: 2012/02/28 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1nbiu0CFt CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC: Lender expects profit growth to be slightly lower this year than the 15.1pc achieved recorded in 2011 CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, the country's second largest bank by assets, reported a 29.8 per cent growth in its fourth quarter net profit, partly helped by improved cost control and lower credit charges. It also confirmed that it is in talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to buy some of the latter's assets in Asia, as part of its plans to build a bigger presence in the region. "We are in discussion with RBS on a potential acquisition of some of its Asia Pacific investment banking and securities businesses," said CIMB group chief executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak. It also hopes that talks with brewer San Miguel Corp for a stake in the Philippines' Bank of Commerce can be concluded by the end of the first quarter of the year. CIMB posted a record full year net profit growth of 15.1 per cent at RM4.03 billion while revenue for the full year ended December 31 2011 rose by 2.1 per cent to RM12.12 billion. During the year, it posted a net return on equity (ROE) of 16.4 per cent. The lender's full-year revenue and profits were within most analysts' expectations. Based on earnings and revenue estimates compiled by Bloomberg, the bank had been expected to post a net profit of RM3.94 billion and revenue of RM12.16 billion. "We delivered record profits and ROE in a year when revenue growth was subdued due to the high 2010 non-interest income base and a more cautious approach to asset growth," said Nazir. He is "cautiously optimistic" on the bank's outlook for this year, adding that 2012 could surprise on the upside as most of the downside risks were already quite visible and quantifiable. "On our part, we believe recent changes to our business model and processes have made us more competitive in our regional wholesale business and our 2012 deal pipeline is very good. "Despite the anticipated slower credit growth environment for retail loans in Malaysia, we believe we can build on the huge advances that we made in consumer banking. "We expect CIMB Niaga to continue its high growth rates in line with robust Indonesia markets and CIMB Thai's transformation to pick up momentum following the commissioning of our new core banking system in March or April. "We are cautiously optimistic and have set a ROE target of 16.4 per cent for the year," said Nazir. He also expected net profit growth to be slightly lower than the 15.1 per cent growth it recorded in 2011. An analyst said the ROE target set by CIMB was somewhat "conservative". "If they are able to achieve 16.4 per cent on a challenging year, I don't see why they could not achieve that this year, especially when loans for the corporate and small- and medium-sized enterprises are expected to gain momentum," he said. Currently, 10 analysts are recommending a "Buy" on CIMB stock, 12 recommending "Hold" and five placing a "Sell" call on the stock. The bank also announced a second interim dividend of 10 sen amounting to a net payment of RM743 million. This brings the total 2011 dividends to RM1.6 billion, or 22 sen, translating to a dividend payout ratio of 40.6 per cent of 2011 profits. Last year, the group's Malaysian Consumer Bank pre-tax profit increased by 86 per cent to RM1.33 billion, driven by lower credit charges and lower overhead costs. CIMB Niaga was the largest contributor to the group's pre-tax profit at 29 per cent, compared with 34 per cent in 2010.
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
February 28th, 2012, 10:51 AM
|
#2295 |
|
"W"
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 5,114
Likes (Received): 146
|
KL a hot place for visitors
21/2/2012 By Syed Nadzri ONE little known fact about Kuala Lumpur surfaced last week, about the same time it was reported that the city had dubiously sky-rocketed in the ranks of the most expensive in the world. "Did you know that KL is the sixth most visited city by international visitors on the planet?" my friend Sam asked the other day. I only stared blankly, half believing at first, but he being a big shot in the tourism industry, I gave Sam the benefit of the doubt. More so since he promised to refer me to certain authoritative websites to back what he had just told me. True enough, upon checking the next day there was the humdinger that I'm sure would bring a big smile to Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen: Kuala Lumpur is indeed the sixth most visited city by "estimated number of international visitors" last year, according to the World Tourism Organisation. The city recorded 8.9 million international visitors in that period, half a million more than Hong Kong (in seventh place) and 1.7 million more than even Bangkok (ninth). And all these while, I thought for some specific reasons, no place else could beat Bangkok in terms of attracting visitors. Top of that most-visited list is Paris with 15.2 million international visitors, followed by London (14.7 million), New York (9.7 million), Antalya, Turkey (9.2 million) and Singapore (9.2 million). Apparently, the index is based on certain fixed criteria including airport arrivals and hotel guest registration. But one notable fact is that the Kuala Lumpur figure did not even have to include Singaporean visitors arriving by road. If we were to include this, I thought, the "Singaporean brains and white collar troops" heading to Kuala Lumpur en route to their balik kampung destinations in the peninsula would definitely cause the figure to double. And even discounting the question as to why Mecca is not in that list, I still find it very interesting that Kuala Lumpur is a hot place for visitors. Could it be the F1 attraction? The lure of KLIA? Or the number of foreign students making their way to the universities and colleges (do they count as visitors in the first place)? Or could it simply be the number of foreign workers we employ? You see them everywhere and especially when they take your orders in restaurants, from five-foot (way) to five-star. But whatever it is, Kuala Lumpur is losing its attraction as a place offering competitive prices and cheap bargains for goods and services. It has now plunged 12 notches in the world's most expensive city list to be on 74th place as against 86th in June last year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. On closer look, that's not much of a surprise actually, considering how steep costs have climbed of late that no other town in the country comes close in this respect. For example, the price of a simple plate of pasembor is now RM4.50 as against RM1.20 in Kodiang which serves the best pasembor anywhere. But seriously, even if Kuala Lumpur is still way behind the world's most expensive cities of Zurich, Tokyo, Osaka and Geneva, it is certainly fast catching up. Maybe we should blame it on the road tolls and taxi drivers for contributing to Kuala Lumpur climbing the ranks. The taxi drivers are charging ridiculous rates -- like RM30 from KLCC to Pavilion in Bukit Bintang? And nobody is seriously doing anything about it. Even if they are seen to be acting -- like reviewing the coupon system -- the menace would always persist. When it comes to taxi rogues and public transport, it is good to note that the city's mass rapid transit (MRT) will be in service in about four years. A lot of effort and planning has gone into the project which would eventually solve Kuala Lumpur's traffic congestion and public transport woes. And drive the rogue cabbies out of business. On the same note, hopefully Kuala Lumpur will not by then follow the path of Shah Alam and Bangi in disallowing cinemas to operate. I only have one thing to say about the latest cinema prohibition in Bangi: it's stupid. And the cinema actors association and local film producers are not doing anything about it. Read more: KL a hot place for visitors - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/column...#ixzz1nfYVbhVt |
|
|
|
|
February 29th, 2012, 07:07 AM
|
#2296 |
|
Authorized User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bdr. Baru Bangi, Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 3,685
Likes (Received): 173
|
 we re lucky hv singapore as neighbor. most tourists yg lawat singapore akan singgah KL nk bergambar kat PTT..
|
|
|
|
|
March 1st, 2012, 04:57 AM
|
#2297 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 425
Likes (Received): 117
|
Found this in Malaysian statistics website
 http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/...rrent_Q411.pdf  http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/...stant_Q411.pdf Look at the yearly column, is that our total GPD in million.. For current price 2011 = RM 852,734 = USD 275,075 For constant price 2011 = RM 588,297 = USD 189,773 If this is really our GDP then our nomial GDP per capita will be more than USD 9000. And next year it will be possible to reach USD 10000 Last edited by Brown_Eastern; March 1st, 2012 at 07:07 AM. |
|
|
|
|
March 1st, 2012, 07:42 AM
|
#2298 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Forbes: Malaysia’s 40 richest worth US$64.4b
Published: 2012/03/01 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1nqRZFIdT INGAPORE: Malaysia’s 40 richest are worth a total of US$64.4 billion, up US$2.3 billion from the year before, according to the latest Forbes list. Most of the country’s biggest fortunes didn’t change much over the past year. Robert Kuok retains his title as Malaysia’s richest person with a net worth of US$12.4 billion, down slightly from US$12.5 billion the year before. Kuok, 88, has held the top position since 2006 when Forbes Asia began ranking the 40 richest Malaysians, with his vast empire spanning sugar, palm oil, shipping and property. In second place is Ananda Krishnan, 73, who saw his net worth rise US$400 million to US$9.9 billion. He is shopping around his entire power portfolio in Malaysia, South Asia and the Middle East in a deal that could raise US$2 billion. His Maxis Communications, the country’s biggest cellphone service provider, recently inked a 10-year deal to share its 3G network with rival UMobile. In third place is Lee Kim Hua, whose net worth fell just 1.5 per cent to US$6.5 billion. The family behind the Genting gambling empire is making news with its high-profile attempts to expand operations in the US. Lee’s son, Lim Kok Thay, who runs the Genting Group, saw his fortune slip nine per cent to US$605 million. Lee Shin Cheng, who built IOI Group into one of the world’s biggest palm oil producers, retains his spot at No. 4 with a net worth of US$5.2 billion, up by US$200 million from last year. Malaysia now has 11 billionaires, up from 10 last year, as brothers Lee Oi Han and Lee Hau Hian, who control palm oil and chemical company Batu Kawan, saw their net worth climb into the ten-figure ranks. Their fortune jumped 22 per cent as shares in Batu Kawan rose on higher palm oil prices. Three newcomers debuted on the list, notably Ninian Mogan Lourdenadin, a doctor turned retail magnate who is ranked at No. 22 with a US$500 million net worth. He is Group CEO of MBF Holdings and runs a property, retail, leisure and medical services business empire that stretch from Malaysia to Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Another newcomer to the list is Gooi Seong Lim who heads Crescendo, a property development and construction company. He is ranked No. 34 with a net worth of US$220 million. Ng Joo Siang, also made it to the list for the first time at No. 37 with a networth of US$185 million. The 52-year old took over Pacific Andes International Holdings, a family business from his father. In addition to the three new entries, two members returned to the list: Kua Sian Kooi, Executive Chairman of auto insurer Kumia Asia with a net worth of US$160 million; and Khoo Kay Peng, Chairman of Malayan United Industries, with a net worth of US$155 million. Overall, 21 of the tycoons on the list saw their fortune rise, while 12 suffered a drop and two remained even. This year, a minimum net worth of US$155 million was needed to qualify for the list, up from US$125 million last year. Unlike the billionaire rankings, the Malaysian list includes fortunes that are shared among extended families. The list was compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts and the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Net worths are based on stock prices and exchange rates as of Feb 14, 2012. -- Bernama
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
|
March 1st, 2012, 01:46 PM
|
#2299 | |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 425
Likes (Received): 117
|
Quote:
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 1st, 2012, 02:56 PM
|
#2300 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 72,620
Likes (Received): 294
|
Innovation to drive nation forward
Bring research and development to the market, says Najib By NANCY NAIS 01 March 2012 | last updated at 10:59am http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/...#ixzz1nsCX99Qg  Nor Aleya Natasha Hisham, 8, receiving a Jalur Gemilang from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak after she sang the 1Malaysia song during the launch of the Proton Green Challenge 2012 yesterday. With them are Proton Holdings managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Mohamed Tahir (left) and Proton Holdings chairman Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh (second from left). Pic by Iswadi Ismail PUTRAJAYA: RESEARCH and development (R&D) will have to be supported by innovations to move the country towards becoming an innovative economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday. Speaking at the launch of Proton Green Mobility Challenge 2012 (PGMC 2012), Najib said each organisation, be it private, university or government agency, needed to play more active roles. He said the PGMC was a good example of how the three main components of advanced societies -- industry, academia and government -- could work closely together to achieve ambitious goals for the benefit of the nation. "Innovation cannot happen in isolation. Each organisation has its strengths and weaknesses. "If we as a nation were to accelerate innovation and be competitive in the global market, organisations need to find ways to collaborate closely towards a common goal." He added that without R&D and creative innovation, the nation's oil palm and rubber industries would not have been as successful as they are now. "Imagine the impact innovation has given to the people. "Let us make sure that innovation will not stay in laboratories, but be brought to the market." PGMC 2012 is organised in line with the national green technology policy and national automotive policy in promoting hybrid and electric vehicles. The challenge is open to university students, with participating teams required to transform a regular Proton Saga into a full electric vehicle. Each university is awarded a standard Proton Saga, a battery and other equipment, together with RM20,000 as development fund.
__________________
Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - | Kuala Lumpur | Penang | Malacca | Putrajaya | Cyberjaya | Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! |
|
|
|
 |
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
|
|
All times are GMT +2. The time now is 08:54 AM.