by Faiz Riziq | Jan 8, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
The Malaysian telecoms sector is expected to see significant profit growth this year, with core net profit forecasted to rise by 26%, compared to just 5% last year, according to analysts. This growth is attributed to improvements in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), expected to grow by 3% in 2023 and 4% in 2024.
CelcomDigi Leads the Charge
CelcomDigi Bhd is anticipated to lead the sector’s growth, with its net profit projected to surge by 50% this year. This increase is driven by the company’s successful merger synergies, aligned with its RM8 billion net present value synergy guidance.
CelcomDigi’s contribution to sectorial earnings is further amplified through Axiata Group Bhd’s associate income line. Analysts at Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB Research) have identified CelcomDigi as their top pick, with a “buy” recommendation and a target price of RM4.50 per share.
Challenges Persist Despite Growth
Despite the positive outlook for CelcomDigi, the overall telecoms sector faces ongoing challenges:
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Concerns surrounding Malaysia’s second 5G network remain unresolved, adding capital expenditure risks for mobile operators.
- Intense Competition: Elevated competition in the fixed broadband market continues to pressure profits.
These risks have already influenced share prices for mobile telcos, with Maybank IB Research maintaining a “neutral” stance on the sector.
Other Key Players
Maybank IB Research also issued “buy” ratings for:
- Axiata Group Bhd: Anticipating earnings recovery and improved balance sheet strength.
- Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM): Recognised for cost optimisation efforts and potential gains from its data-centre ventures.
Both TM and TIME Dotcom Bhd (TDC) remain strong in fixed broadband subscriber acquisitions, but intense competition could erode average revenue per user (ARPU), potentially reducing net profit forecasts for TM by 19% and TDC by 9%.
The Future of Malaysia’s Telecom Industry
The telecoms sector is likely to face sustained challenges as competition intensifies and regulatory demands grow. Revenue stagnation may push telcos to focus on cost optimisation and mergers to preserve earnings.
Companies positioned to optimise costs include:
- TM: With potential savings in high staff costs.
- Axiata: By managing holding company and finance costs.
- CelcomDigi: By realising further merger synergies.
Conclusion
While the sector faces a challenging landscape, CelcomDigi’s strong performance and potential from data-centre ventures provide some optimism. However, navigating competition, regulatory uncertainties, and cost pressures will be critical for the long-term success of Malaysia’s telecom players.
by Faiz Riziq | Jan 8, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Private hospitals in Malaysia are experiencing strong growth, with operators expected to see double-digit earnings increases this year, according to BIMB Securities Research. This growth is driven by higher numbers of inpatient and outpatient visits, as well as a steady recovery in hospital admissions. Demand for private healthcare remains strong, fueled by both local and international patients.
Highlights of 2024 Performance
In the first nine months of 2024, major hospital groups IHH Healthcare Bhd and KPJ Healthcare Bhd reported significant growth in both revenue and earnings. Key factors contributing to this growth include:
- Health Tourism: Although it currently contributes less than 15% of revenue for these companies, health tourism is growing. This is supported by:
- Modernised facilities
- Increased digital healthcare adoption
- Rising chronic disease cases
- Higher healthcare spending by Malaysians, which now averages RM2,022 per person annually, a 17% increase from 2020.
- Chronic and Specialised Care: The demand for medications and treatments for chronic conditions is increasing, boosting pharmaceutical demand. Companies like Pharmaniaga Bhd are advancing with innovations such as Wosulin, a recombinant human insulin.
Industry Outlook
BIMB Securities Research maintains an “overweight” rating for the private healthcare sector due to its positive outlook. Key factors include:
- Expansion of hospital capacity
- Increased demand for elective surgeries
- Growth in health tourism revenue
- A rising ageing population
The research house has issued a “buy” recommendation for IHH Healthcare, with a target price of RM8.60 per share, citing strong activity and growth potential. For KPJ Healthcare, it suggests a “hold” call with a target price of RM2.52, as current market expectations are already reflected in its valuation.
Impact of Inflation
Inflation has had minimal impact on private hospital demand. Healthcare providers are passing on rising costs to consumers, with middle- and high-income groups continuing to drive demand.
- Healthcare Costs:
- Malaysia’s health consumer price index has steadily risen, driven by:
- Advanced medical technologies
- Ageing population
- Demand for quality care
- Stable Inflation:
- Medical products and equipment costs remain stable, with inflation below 2% in recent months.
- Health services inflation has risen by around 4% since mid-2024 due to growing demand, averaging 0.6% annually since 2017.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth in private healthcare aligns with global trends, affordability remains a concern. Efforts to balance high-quality care with reasonable costs will be critical for sustaining demand. Malaysia’s private healthcare sector is poised for continued growth, supported by strong fundamentals, technological advancements, and a growing focus on patient-centered care.
by Faiz Riziq | Jan 7, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Malaysia is gearing up to showcase its vibrant culture and natural beauty to the world with the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. The event unveiled a logo, mascot, theme song, and even aircraft liveries, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark year for the country’s tourism industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his hopes that VM2026 would establish Malaysia as a premier global travel destination. “The theme song, Surreal Experiences, reflects the inclusiveness of VM2026, highlighting the unique strengths of every district and state across the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak,” he said during the launch at the MAB Engineering Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Driving Tourism with Meaningful and Sustainable Experiences
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasized the campaign’s focus on two critical pillars: high-yield tourism and sustainability.
“To achieve these goals, we’ve developed three main strategies,” said Tiong:
- Boosting tourist arrivals by encouraging longer stays through enhanced cultural and ecotourism offerings.
- Empowering local communities and upgrading infrastructure.
- Promoting niche tourism experiences to encourage higher spending and create unique travel memories.
A Symbol of Conservation and Collaboration
The Malayan sun bear, an endangered species, has been chosen as the official icon of VM2026, symbolizing Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The campaign also gained significant momentum through partnerships with major industry players. Key collaborators include Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Huawei, Mastercard, Marriott International, and more. Aircraft liveries showcasing the VM2026 logo were unveiled on Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia planes, further amplifying the campaign’s visibility.
Building Up to the Big Year
In the lead-up to 2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 will take place on February 8 at the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This event is expected to draw over 20,000 participants, celebrating Malaysia’s culture in a lively and interactive setting.
With its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, VM2026 is poised to captivate global audiences and redefine the travel experience in Malaysia.
by Faiz Riziq | Jan 7, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Johor’s businesses are facing tough times, with orders falling by at least half compared to pre-pandemic levels, as they grapple with the proposed minimum wage hike to RM1,700 per month.
The South Johor Foundry and Engineering Industries Association president, Lim Kok Kiong, has called on the government to delay implementing the increase, originally set for February 1. Lim explained that many businesses anticipated economic recovery after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and invested in new machinery in preparation for growth. However, orders have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, even after more than three years.
The manufacturing sector, including industries like plastics, electronics, and metal parts, relies heavily on foreign labor—making up as much as 80% of the workforce in some cases. While the association supports better wages for workers, Lim stated, “It is not the right time for this increase.” He highlighted that many local workers already earn over RM1,700 in basic pay but that employers also bear the costs of accommodation, meals, and transportation for foreign workers, pushing their monthly expenses to over RM2,000 per worker.
Training Challenges and Workforce Turnover
Johor Baru Traders and Hawkers Association president Roland Lim voiced similar concerns, stating that a minimum wage of RM1,700 for unskilled workers is unfair to employers. He noted that many new foreign workers lack the skills or experience needed for their roles, requiring significant investment in training.
“Business owners spend time and money training them, but many workers struggle to adapt. Some threaten to quit or complain to their agents if reprimanded for mistakes,” said Roland. He added that by the time these workers are fully trained, their two-year permits often expire, forcing them to return to their home countries.
Roland proposed extending foreign worker permits to three to five years to address this issue. “At this rate, Malaysia is becoming a ‘training ground’ for skilled workers who then contribute to their home or other countries’ economies,” he said.
A Snowball Effect on Costs
Business groups fear that raising the minimum wage will create a domino effect, increasing the cost of goods and services. “This increase will add more pressure on businesses already struggling with rising expenses,” said Roland.
The Johor Baru Traders and Hawkers Association plans to bring these concerns to the Human Resources Ministry, urging reconsideration of the wage hike.
Government’s Position
The wage increase to RM1,700 per month was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Budget 2025. Employers with fewer than five employees have been granted a six-month grace period, with the new rate taking effect on August 1 for these businesses.
While the intention behind the minimum wage hike is to improve workers’ livelihoods, businesses in Johor argue that timing is crucial. For now, they hope for a balanced approach that addresses both workers’ needs and the economic realities faced by employers.
by Faiz Riziq | Nov 15, 2024 | Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Ekonomi Malaysia menunjukkan prestasi memberangsangkan pada suku ketiga 2024 dengan pertambahan signifikan dalam jumlah peluang pekerjaan di pasaran kerja. Data terkini dari Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) mendedahkan terdapat 9.01 juta jawatan yang tersedia, dengan 8.82 juta daripadanya telah diisi oleh pekerja. Perkembangan ini tidak hanya mencerminkan pertumbuhan ekonomi, tetapi juga meningkatkan prospek pekerjaan bagi rakyat Malaysia, khususnya dalam sektor perkhidmatan.
Pecahan Kumpulan Kemahiran Pekerja
Berdasarkan statistik DOSM, pekerja separuh mahir mendominasi pasaran pekerjaan dengan menyumbang 62.5% daripada jawatan yang diisi, bersamaan dengan 5.528 juta pekerja. Sementara itu, kategori pekerja berkemahiran rendah diwakili oleh 1.08 juta individu, dan pekerja mahir pula seramai 2.2 juta. Walaupun ini menunjukkan peningkatan jumlah pekerja dalam pelbagai tahap kemahiran, ia juga menekankan kepentingan pembangunan tenaga kerja yang seimbang agar setiap sektor dapat memperoleh manfaat daripada tenaga kerja berkualiti.
Pekerjaan dalam Sektor-sektor Utama
Peluang pekerjaan yang bertambah ini kebanyakannya datang daripada sektor perkhidmatan yang menyumbang 51.8% daripada jumlah keseluruhan pekerjaan. Diikuti oleh sektor pembuatan sebanyak 27.8%, pembinaan (14.1%), pertanian (5.6%), dan perlombongan serta pengkuarian (0.9%). Sektor perkhidmatan yang terus berkembang secara berterusan memberi peluang pekerjaan dalam pelbagai bidang, termasuk teknologi, kesihatan, dan pendidikan.
Cabaran Terhadap Penyediaan Pekerjaan Berkualiti
Walaupun pertambahan peluang pekerjaan menunjukkan perkembangan yang positif, terdapat isu serius yang perlu diberikan perhatian. Ketika ini, terdapat 1.95 juta pekerja di Malaysia yang memiliki kemahiran dan kelayakan tinggi, namun terpaksa bekerja dalam jawatan yang tidak setara dengan tahap kemahiran mereka. Kumpulan ini menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 0.7% pada September yang lalu. Fenomena ini menggambarkan bahawa walaupun banyak pekerjaan disediakan, kekurangan pekerjaan berkualiti yang menawarkan gaji setimpal bagi graduan berkemahiran tinggi masih menjadi isu yang perlu diselesaikan.
Strategi untuk Mengatasi Ketidakseimbangan Upah dan Kemahiran
Keadaan ini memerlukan perhatian serius daripada pihak pentadbiran dan pihak berkepentingan untuk menyediakan peluang pekerjaan yang lebih setara dengan kemahiran dan kelayakan yang dimiliki. Beberapa langkah strategik yang boleh dipertimbangkan termasuk:
- Peningkatan Gaji Minimum: Menaikkan gaji minimum adalah salah satu usaha penting untuk memastikan bahawa semua pekerja, terutamanya yang berkemahiran tinggi, dapat menerima gaji yang setimpal dengan kos sara hidup. Langkah ini juga boleh membantu mengurangkan jurang upah antara pekerja mahir dan separa mahir.
- Insentif Tunai Berkala: Selain gaji minimum, pemberian insentif tunai berkala boleh menggalakkan motivasi dalam kalangan pekerja, terutama yang terlibat dalam sektor-sektor kritikal seperti teknologi dan pembuatan. Insentif sebegini boleh membantu menarik minat pekerja berkemahiran tinggi untuk kekal dalam industri yang mereka ceburi.
- Pembentukan Rangkaian Industri dan Akademik: Kerjasama antara sektor industri dan institusi pendidikan boleh membantu menyesuaikan kurikulum dengan keperluan pasaran kerja semasa, seterusnya mengurangkan ketidaksesuaian kemahiran di kalangan graduan. Pendekatan ini boleh menghasilkan pekerja yang lebih bersedia untuk menempuh cabaran dunia pekerjaan dan lebih relevan dengan keperluan industri.
- Peningkatan Peluang Latihan dan Peningkatan Kemahiran: Program peningkatan kemahiran dan latihan yang disokong oleh kerajaan dan pihak swasta boleh membantu pekerja yang ingin beralih ke kerjaya yang lebih selaras dengan kemahiran mereka. Peluang latihan sepanjang hayat ini penting untuk memastikan pekerja sentiasa relevan dengan keperluan industri.
Kesimpulan
Walaupun Malaysia menyaksikan pertumbuhan yang positif dalam sektor pekerjaan, isu ketidakseimbangan antara kemahiran dan upah yang ditawarkan masih menjadi cabaran besar. Langkah yang lebih proaktif dan menyeluruh diperlukan untuk memastikan bahawa pertumbuhan ekonomi ini dapat dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya oleh rakyat Malaysia. Dengan strategi yang tepat, Malaysia dapat mencapai keseimbangan tenaga kerja yang lebih stabil dan memastikan setiap individu memperoleh pekerjaan yang sesuai dengan kemahiran mereka, sekali gus meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat serta mengekalkan daya saing ekonomi negara.
by Faiz Riziq | Oct 25, 2024 | Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Paras gaji menengah di Malaysia terus menunjukkan perkembangan positif merentasi semua sektor ekonomi pada pertengahan tahun 2024. Setakat Jun tahun ini, paras gaji menengah meningkat sebanyak 5.6%, kini mencecah RM2,745 sebulan berbanding tahun lalu. Peningkatan ini, berdasarkan data Statistik Upah sektor formal yang dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM), mencerminkan trend positif yang menyokong pertumbuhan dalam penawaran gaji di sektor formal di negara ini.
Peningkatan Gaji Lelaki dan Wanita dalam Sektor Formal
Menurut DOSM, gaji menengah bagi pekerja lelaki kini berada pada RM2,782, dengan tenaga kerja lelaki membentuk 55.3% atau kira-kira 3.72 juta pekerja sektor formal di Malaysia. Bagi pekerja wanita yang merangkumi 3.01 juta pekerja formal, gaji menengah mereka pula mencatat RM2,700. Kedua-dua kategori ini menunjukkan peningkatan gaji yang ketara, di mana lelaki mencatat peningkatan sebanyak 5.2% manakala wanita meningkat sebanyak 6.8% berbanding setahun lalu. Ini menandakan trend peningkatan pendapatan yang memberangsangkan dalam kalangan pekerja di Malaysia.
Taburan Gaji Menengah Mengikut Negeri
Dari segi taburan geografi, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, dan Pulau Pinang mencatatkan paras gaji menengah yang tertinggi di negara ini. Kuala Lumpur mendahului dengan gaji menengah tertinggi sebanyak RM3,982, diikuti oleh Selangor pada RM3,000 dan Pulau Pinang pada RM2,800. Sebaliknya, Kelantan, Perlis, dan Sabah merekodkan paras gaji menengah yang lebih rendah, dengan Kelantan pada RM1,645, Perlis RM1,682, dan Sabah RM1,864. Jurang ini menunjukkan bahawa terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam penawaran gaji antara kawasan maju dan kawasan yang kurang membangun di Malaysia.
Cabaran Jurang Pendapatan dan Golongan Berpendapatan Rendah
Meskipun terdapat peningkatan dalam paras gaji menengah secara keseluruhan, masih terdapat cabaran besar yang perlu dihadapi dalam menangani isu ketidaksamaan pendapatan. Sebanyak 32.2% daripada 6.73 juta pekerja formal di Malaysia masih menerima gaji bulanan di bawah RM2,000, menjadikan mereka tergolong dalam kumpulan berpendapatan rendah. Lebih membimbangkan, 10% pekerja formal dilaporkan menerima gaji bulanan sebanyak RM1,500 atau kurang, menunjukkan wujudnya kelompok yang masih bergelut dengan kos sara hidup yang tinggi.
Di sebalik cabaran ini, terdapat peningkatan dalam kalangan golongan berpendapatan tinggi di negara ini. Statistik menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 3.5% dalam kalangan mereka yang memperoleh gaji sebanyak RM8,800 sebulan atau lebih. Namun, jurang ini menggambarkan perbezaan yang ketara antara penerima gaji tertinggi dan terendah, di mana kumpulan tertinggi memperoleh hampir enam kali ganda berbanding golongan berpendapatan terendah di pasaran kerja Malaysia.
Kesimpulan
Secara keseluruhannya, peningkatan paras gaji menengah dalam pelbagai sektor di Malaysia memberikan petanda positif bagi pertumbuhan ekonomi negara. Namun begitu, isu jurang pendapatan yang ketara antara negeri dan antara kumpulan pekerja menandakan perlunya langkah strategik untuk merapatkan jurang ini. Dasar dan inisiatif ekonomi yang lebih inklusif diperlukan bagi memastikan kemakmuran ekonomi dapat dinikmati oleh semua lapisan masyarakat, sekaligus mengurangkan ketidaksamaan dalam pendapatan rakyat Malaysia.
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