Merdeka 118 and the Maybank Logo Controversy: A Clash of Branding and National Pride Standing tall at 678.9 metres, Merdeka 118 is the world’s second-tallest building, behind only Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The tower has been celebrated as a new symbol of Malaysia’s ambition, architectural prowess, and national pride. But recently, this global icon has found itself at the centre of a heated debate—not...

Malaysia Secures RM8.54 Billion BRICS Investments in 1Q 2025 Malaysia’s participation in BRICS — the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with newer partners such as the UAE — is already paying dividends. In the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia recorded RM8.54 billion in approved investments from BRICS countries, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and...

Lifestyle Migration, MM2H, and the Future of Malaysia’s Property Market Lifestyle Migration on the Rise Across the globe, lifestyle migration—moving abroad for better weather, lower costs, or a more relaxed life—is accelerating. Countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Southern Europe now offer long-term visas tailored to retirees, property investors, and digital nomads. Malaysia, long a...

LRT Mutiara Line: RM16.8 Billion Ceiling Price and What It Means for Property Malaysia’s long-anticipated LRT Mutiara Line in Penang has officially been assigned a higher ceiling price of RM16.8 billion, a figure that sparked debate in Parliament and the public domain. MRT Corp, the project developer and asset owner, has clarified that the ceiling reflects inflationary pressures, expanded project scope,...

Sarawak’s MM2H Programme Records 90% Surge, Boosting Property and Tourism Sarawak has strengthened its position as a destination for international investors and long-term residents, with the Sarawak–Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Programme recording a 90% increase in applications since the state government took over full management from the federal authorities. This surge reflects Sarawak’s...

NCT Alliance Makes RM490m Move into Industrial Park Development In a landmark shift that underscores the rising importance of industrial real estate in Malaysia, NCT Alliance Bhd (KL:NCT) has announced its plan to acquire NCT World Sdn Bhd, the developer of two major industrial parks, in a deal valued at RM490.26 million. The move will significantly expand NCT Alliance’s portfolio beyond its traditional...

The Light Waterfront Penang: Transforming the Eastern Shoreline into a Global Destination The Light Waterfront Penang is one of Malaysia’s most ambitious mixed-use waterfront developments, strategically located along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Gelugor. Developed by IJM Land Bhd in partnership with Perennial Holdings, the 152-acre freehold precinct represents a long-term vision to reimagine...

Kuala Lumpur’s Rental Hotspots: Where Yields Reach Up to 11.1% Kuala Lumpur’s property market is showing renewed strength, and one of the clearest signals comes from its rental performance. According to the latest market report by the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), apartments and condominiums in the central region are now delivering yields from 1.5% up to 11.1%. For foreign buyers and...

S P Setia Partners ALP to Develop Next-Gen Smart Warehouses in Klang S P Setia Bhd is expanding its industrial property portfolio with a landmark partnership with Taiwan-based Ally Logistic Property Co Ltd (ALP). Together, the two developers will create a build-to-lease warehouse project in Setia Alaman Industrial Park, Klang, setting the stage for Malaysia’s next-generation logistics...

Penang’s Silicon Island Reaches Major Reclamation Milestone Penang’s Silicon Island, the state’s most ambitious land reclamation project to date, has passed the 80-hectare mark in reclamation works. This achievement signals strong progress for the 930.78-hectare project, which is being positioned as a cornerstone of Penang’s long-term growth strategy. Developed by the Penang government through...