Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by premier239

Where to park idle cash now? KDI 4% no more

premier239 — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:12:45 +0800

Where to park idle cash now? KDI 4% no more

lazy do missions this n that, seems like only left with tngo or versa at around 3%

Goldman Sach: all in SpaceX IPO, revenue will 100x

premier239 — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:06:17 +0800

June 4 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs ⁠expects revenue from SpaceX's AI division to surge to $322 billion ⁠by 2030, up from $3.2 billion in 2025, according to the Wall ‌Street bank's forecasts shared with a potential investor, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

The investment bank has estimated SpaceX's total revenue to reach $474 billion in 2030 from $18.7 billion last year, the report added.

Goldman has forecast ⁠revenue at SpaceX's AI segment ⁠to soar 388% from a year earlier to $15.6 billion in 2026, and ⁠reach $34.5 ‌billion in 2027, according to the report, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to ⁠a Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not independently confirm the report.

The ‌investment bank is serving as lead underwriter of the offering. Other ⁠underwriters for SpaceX’s massive share sale include Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, Citigroup and J.P. Morgan.

Elon Musk's company aims to raise $75 billion, the most ever for an IPO, ⁠with a valuation of $1.75 trillion, immediately placing it among the top 10 most valuable U.S.-listed firms.

The company publicly set a $135 price for shares in its IPO on Wednesday and kicked off its ⁠roadshow today, with pricing expected on June 11. Trading in shares will begin on the Nasdaq the next day.

Despite the lofty valuations, investors are expected to scrambleto secure a position in the deal, drawn by Elon Musk's track record.

However, Morningstar analysts pegged SpaceX's ⁠valuation at $780 billion, less than half the company's IPO target.

Prospects for the company's AI business, which includes xAI and ‌social media platform X, were uncertain given unclear economics and competition from OpenAI and Anthropic, according to Morningstar.

RT Pastry IPO, market cap RM61m, 12 PE, kym?

premier239 — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:48:23 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR (June 5): RT Pastry Holdings Bhd, which runs a chain of eponymous bakeries, on Friday began taking orders from investors for its ACE Market listing at 18 sen per share.

The initial public offering (IPO) is expected to raise RM16.5 million for the company’s operations and expansions, according to the official prospectus. There is no accompanying offer for sale, meaning that existing shareholders are not cashing out under the IPO.

Applications will close on June 15, and listing has been scheduled for June 29.

RT Pastry is founded and headed by Lu Chun-Neng, a 47-year-old Taiwanese who set up the first store in 2003 with his wife’s family. Lu enrolled in a short baking course in 1994 while working at a bakery in Taiwan.

He went on to work at various bakeries, including as the head chef of Singapore-based BreadTalk before relocating to Malaysia. The company, based in Seri Kembangan, now operates 17 outlets, and all of them are in the Klang Valley.

The company will be using 46% of the proceeds to open another four outlets in the Klang Valley and two in Pahang over the next two years. The plan also calls for new equipment, such as depositors and cake-cutting machines, involving about 5% of the IPO proceeds.

The remaining 48% of the funds raised will go towards repayment of bank borrowings and to cover listing expenses.

For the year ended Dec 31, 2025, RT Pastry made a net profit of RM6 million on revenue of RM60 million. Based on the IPO price, the company will have a market capitalisation of RM61 million upon listing and is valued at about 10 times its latest earnings.

Post-IPO, Lu will continue to run the company as its chief executive officer and hold about 26% in RT Pastry. Lu’s father-in-law, Lian Ming Wah, and his three uncles will remain as shareholders without any executive role. The senior management of RT Pastry are all unrelated to the major shareholders.

KAF Investment Bank is the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent for the IPO.

Hnnghh.. motobodo, he is still a kid only!

premier239 — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:29:22 +0800

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Bitcoin laosai $62k, Michael Saylor start selling

premier239 — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:19:21 +0800

Bitcoin sank to its lowest level since the outset of the Iran conflict as renewed clashes in the Middle East weighed on wider market sentiment.

The original cryptocurrency fell more than 5% to below $62,000 in early Singapore trading on Thursday, its lowest level since Feb. 6. The losses extend a bruising week that has seen the token shed about 16% of its value, a slide that began after Michael Saylor’s Strategy Inc. sold about $2.5 million of its giant Bitcoin holdings.

Over the past few years, Strategy has become one of the largest purchasers of Bitcoin, making its stock a proxy for the token through a so-called digital asset treasury model in which it buys and holds crypto. The market took it as a negative sign when Saylor decided to sell some of the company’s billions of dollars in holdings, even after the executive signaled last month the possibility that the company could start to sell.

“Bitcoin price is down this week as Strategy broke its ‘never sell’ vow that shattered the confidence of the market,” said Josh Du, chief investment officer at Animoca Brands. “With oil climbing into a tightening macroeconomic situation, we see real risk that Bitcoin may fall below the $62,000 floor that’s held since the Iran war.”

The selloff underscored Bitcoin’s divergence from technology stocks, which hit records as the token retreated. Bitcoin has lost more than half its value since hitting an all-time high above $126,000 last October.

The token remains vulnerable to macro risks, falling further in the wake of overnight strikes that have threatened US-Iran talks for an interim peace deal. Asian stocks and US equity-index futures fell alongside Bitcoin on Thursday morning in Singapore.

Small tokens are also under pressure. Ether, the second-largest digital asset, slumped to its lowest level since April 2025.

About $1.5 billion of bullish bets were wiped out in the last 24 hours, nearly half of them in the last four hours, with Bitcoin leading the way, according to CoinGlass.

Investors have pulled nearly $4 billion from US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds over the past 12 sessions — a record streak of consecutive outflows — according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Vincent Tan sold Berjaya share, cash out RM115m

premier239 — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:16:06 +0800

Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan sold 115 million ringgit ($29 million) worth of shares in conglomerate Berjaya Corp. Bhd., extending a series of disposals that have reduced his holding in the company to about 15%.

The founder of Berjaya offloaded 461.65 million shares through seven transactions on May 28, cutting his direct stake to 4.1% and his deemed interest to about 11%, according to a filing to Bursa Malaysia late Wednesday. Berjaya shares closed at 24.5 sen on the day of the trades and were unchanged early Thursday.

The shares were sold through nominee accounts including Alliancegroup Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd., MBSB Investment Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd. and CGS International Nominees Malaysia (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd.

The latest transactions reduced Tan’s total interest in Berjaya from roughly 23% previously, based on the company’s 5.9 billion outstanding shares and Bloomberg calculations.

Separate filings also show Tan is no longer a substantial shareholder in six listed companies, including Salcon Bhd., REDtone Digital Bhd. and Sports Toto Bhd., after his deemed interests through Berjaya were reduced. The tycoon, however, remains a substantial shareholder in 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd., Berjaya Food Bhd. and Berjaya Assets Bhd., albeit with smaller holdings.

The move marks the latest in a series of disposals by Tan after an Malaysian Tycoon Vincent Tan Sells 5.25% of Berjaya for MYR79.6M of a 5.25% stake in Berjaya in March. Bloomberg previously reported that he is considering selling his remaining 30% stake in Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd. after disposing of a 19% holding earlier this year.

Johor BMW vs Mercedes accident, face reveal

premier239 — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:06:17 +0800

[fbv]989125030153019[/fbv]

QUOTE

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Vincent Tan to fully sell RM20b Prudential share

premier239 — Fri, 29 May 2026 13:45:30 +0800

Billionaire Vincent Tan is considering selling his 30% stake in Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd., people with knowledge of the matter said, after already offloading a 19% holding earlier this year.

Tan is talking to advisers about a possible divestment, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. He may seek to sell at a price that values the entire business at 20 billion ringgit ($5 billion) or more, one of the people said.

Deliberations are at an early stage and might not result in a sale, while the amount sought could also change, the people said.

Tan’s Detik Ria Sdn., which is also linked to the royal family of Malaysia’s Johor state, and Prudential Plc Prudential Says Settlement Reached in Malaysian Dividend Dispute a long-running legal dispute last year that resulted in the sale of a 19% stake to the UK insurer. The agreement valued the Malaysian unit at about 8 billion ringgit and left Detik Ria with a 30% holding and Prudential with Prudential Agrees to Boost Malaysia Unit Stake for $375m, the limit under Malaysian rules for foreign investors in local insurers. A buyer for Tan’s stake would need to be Malaysian.

Tan declined to comment. Prudential and the Malaysian unit didn’t respond to requests for comment.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/202...-malaysia-stake

Hnnghh.. adik malu apa stim hisap piao-piao

premier239 — Fri, 29 May 2026 10:28:13 +0800

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Panasonic MY laosai, kenapa tak laku?

premier239 — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:30:38 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR (May 25): Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd (KL:PANAMY) concluded its financial year ended March 31, 2026 (FY2026) on its weakest footing in two decades, as softer consumer demand and shipping disruptions arising from the Middle East conflict dragged both revenue and profit lower.

The home appliance manufacturer's annual net profit tumbled 26.46% to RM33.93 million in FY2026 from RM46.14 million in FY2025, its Monday filing on Bursa Malaysia showed. This marks the group's lowest annual earnings since FY2006, when it posted a net profit of RM33.09 million.

Annual revenue contracted by 16.15% to RM689.92 million — from RM822.78 million — representing its lowest top-line since FY2010's RM679.76 million.

Panasonic attributed the weaker full-year performance to subdued demand across domestic and export markets amid intensifying competition. Sales were hampered by shipping disruptions and delayed deliveries to the Middle East.

“In addition, finance income declined, primarily due to reduced cash and bank balances following softer operating performance, coupled with lower interest rates on fund placements compared to the previous year.

“The share of results from the associated company also decreased, reflecting its weaker performance in an increasingly competitive market environment," it added.

Its fourth quarter (4QFY2026) net profit plunged 56.79% to RM3.78 million from RM8.76 million in 4QFY2025, largely due to the deferred recognition of RM14.5 million in sales that were caught up in the Middle Eastern shipping bottlenecks. Revenue dropped 10.65% to RM160.47 million.

No dividend was declared with the accompanying results. Total dividends paid for FY2026 amounted to 15 sen per share, 76% lower than the 62 sen paid in FY2025.

Looking ahead, Panasonic said operating conditions are expected to remain challenging amid external headwinds and competitive pressures.

Panasonic's share price closed unchanged at RM7.25 on Monday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM440 million. Over the past one year, the stock has fallen 47%.

Indo ban Polymarket, Prabowo butthurt ppl downvote

premier239 — Tue, 26 May 2026 12:41:29 +0800

JAKARTA, May 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia has blocked predictions market Polymarket as part of its crackdown on online gambling, its communications and digital ministry said, days after the site ‌took bets on a premature end of Prabowo Subianto’s presidency.

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia and authorities have been clamping down on online betting.
Ministry official Alexander Sabar in a statement late on Friday said Polymarket was classified ⁠by Indonesia as an online gambling platform and its activities "contain betting and speculation over events that are inconclusive", therefore violating Indonesian law.
Polymarket attracted attention on social media in Indonesia last week after a bet opened on when Prabowo would be "out as president". His term expires in 2029.
The wager was launched on May 21, the day after Prabowo announced a major plan ‌to centralise ⁠control of Indonesia's most prized commodity exports, such as coal and palm oil. Prabowo's administration has been under scrutiny from investors this year over its economic policy.
Polymarket did not immediately respond to a ⁠Reuters emailed request for comment on Monday.
Indonesia's government was combing over all social media accounts affiliated with Polymarket, ministry official Sabar said.
Prediction platforms ⁠such as Polymarket allow users to profit from predictions on events such as sports and elections, in what is ⁠a multibillion-dollar industry. Some opponents, including some U.S. states, have argued prediction markets are illegal and unlicensed under their local laws.

Korean all in saving & insurance buy high now

premier239 — Mon, 25 May 2026 14:31:23 +0800

South Korean retail investors are pulling savings, fixed deposits, and life insurance funds to buy SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. Both stocks trade near record highs on AI chip demand.

Savings bank deposits fell below ₩100 trillion ($66.24 billion) for the first time in four years. Commercial bank time deposits dropped by roughly ₩12 trillion ($7.94 billion) since February as cash rotated into equities.

Older Investors Drive a Leveraged Bet on Two Stocks
Investors over 50 now hold about 62% of all margin loans at South Korea's top brokerages. Margin debt among those in their 60s doubled from ₩3.9 trillion ($2.58 billion) to ₩8 trillion ($5.29 billion) in a year. Domestic securities firms disclosed the surge.

Insurance policy surrenders at the top three life insurers jumped 16% in Q1 2026. Savings-type policies surged 23% as households cashed out for equities.

"The marginal buyer is now liquidating insurance policies, withdrawing savings, borrowing on margin, and leveraging existing assets just to stay in the rally," analayst and YouTuber Crypto Rover highlighted.

Korea's government added a ₩33 trillion ($21.86 billion) support package for the chip sector, layering policy fuel onto record retail flows.

The KOSPI dropped 19% in March before recovering, with leveraged older investors averaging roughly 20% losses during the slide.

The same risk appetite has spilled into crypto. Korean Won handles about 30% of global spot volume on Upbit and Bithumb.

Weekly RSI readings above 80 on both stocks signal overbought conditions. The next Samsung and SK Hynix earnings cycle will test the leverage holding this rally together.

Read the Original story South Koreans Liquidate Savings and Insurance to Chase SK Hynix and Samsung Rally by Lockridge Okoth at beincrypto.com

MY Cybertrooper gaji RM2k to 10k

premier239 — Mon, 25 May 2026 14:19:35 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Cybertroopers in the country are earning up to RM10,000 a month to manipulate social media algorithms, spark online controversies, and carry out coordinated character attacks on digital platforms, reports said.

In a report published by Kosmo! Ahad, these paid virtual campaigns are described as highly structured, featuring defined organisational hierarchies ranging from central coordinators down to state-level chiefs and grassroots operatives.

A man known only as Nazri, 45, was quoted as saying that while ordinary operators receive a flat monthly rate of about RM2,000, state-level leaders can earn between RM5,000 and RM10,000.

"For grassroots members, a RM2,000 salary is paid directly into their bank accounts every month," he said.

"State chiefs receive higher payouts of between RM5,000 and RM10,000.

"The more aggressive and skilled you are in manipulating public sentiment, the higher your value within the group.

"Some are paid specifically to attack certain issues until they go viral," he added.

Nazri claimed that their primary tasks include monitoring current affairs, publishing content tailored to specific agendas, and attacking political opponents on social media based on instructions.

All directives, he said, are disseminated via designated WhatsApp or Telegram groups.

Recalling his experience in political campaigns, Nazri claimed that certain political parties would brief coordinators, after which strategy discussions would take place in closed group chats.

These discussions would cover which issues to monitor, what to post, and sometimes even provide pre-written templates or scripts.

"Common comments deployed include 'the people are fed up', 'everyone can see through this scam', or 'this person is just a drama queen'," he said.

He noted that such comments are intentionally engineered to appear as spontaneous reactions from ordinary users, despite being part of a coordinated effort to sway public perception.

"Sometimes, we are instructed to repeat almost identical sentences across different accounts to make it look like a widely accepted consensus.

"When netizens see a barrage of negative comments, they are more likely to believe the narrative," Nazri said, adding that operations intensify during election seasons but continue year-round as a steady source of income.

He claimed that those involved in political cyber campaigns usually have ties to politicians, including party members, supporters, media practitioners, and individuals

from various professional backgrounds.

To execute operations without exposing their identities, he claimed that cybertroopers are provided with fully set-up fake accounts complete with unique IDs, passwords, and a base of followers.

Beyond politics, demand for cybertroopers has expanded into digital marketing, influencer promotion, and the manufacturing of gossip to keep public figures relevant.

General social media engagement tasks can net individuals between RM50 and RM200.

These tasks include leaving positive or negative comments, or artificially boosting live streams and posts on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Amir, 27, said a single live-stream session lasting one to two hours could easily earn him RM100 to RM200.

"We have a WhatsApp group of about 30 members, and tasks are handed down by controllers.

"Payments are project-based. Some tasks require a commitment of several hours, while others last for an entire campaign," Amir said.

He said during live broadcasts, they are required to remain active throughout the session by asking questions, showering praise, and generating a lively atmosphere.

"If it is a product sales campaign, we must act like real consumers. We leave comments like 'purchased' or 'I have used this and it really cleared up my acne', or ask questions about the product," he said.

Amir added that special assignments are also given to "heat up" comment sections with criticisms to make content go viral.

Liyana, 24, observed that the cybertrooper industry is increasingly popular among youths, particularly students who are already active on social media.

"We just need to understand how netizens talk and know what is currently trending. If a comment looks too formal, people will easily get suspicious," she said.

Developer mintak building 2 block 61-storey condo

premier239 — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:35:49 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: A private developer is seeking approval for a 61-storey mixed-use tower project in Kuala Lumpur's upscale Bukit Pantai enclave, a proposal that could add nearly 1,500 serviced apartment units to one of the capital's more densely developed urban corridors.

The developer, believed to be Akisama Corp Sdn Bhd, has submitted a planning application for the project on Lots 481838 and 50296 along Jalan Bukit Pantai, according to a public notice displayed at the proposed site inviting feedback from surrounding landowners.

The site is located adjacent to the headquarters of Tenaga Nasional Berhad and opposite Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, placing the proposed development within an established residential and institutional area in Bangsar-Bukit Pantai. If completed, the building could rank among the taller structures in the neighbourhood.

The public notice, displayed from May 15 to May 30, states that registered neighbouring landowners have until May 30 to submit views or objections in writing to Kuala Lumpur City Hall's City Planning Department.

Akisama officials were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Plans call for two serviced apartment towers comprising 1,494 units, alongside a retail podium with 64 shop lots. The proposal also includes a pedestrian bridge and green open space.

Given the scale of the development and its location along Jalan Bukit Pantai — a route frequently used by hospital visitors, healthcare personnel, office workers and residents — the project may prompt questions from nearby stakeholders about potential traffic implications and infrastructure capacity.

The proposed site's proximity to Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, whose access routes are located nearby, could also draw attention to whether additional traffic management measures may be required should the project proceed, particularly during peak travel periods. Any assessment of traffic impact would typically be addressed through planning and technical review processes.

The proposal reflects continued developer interest in high-density residential projects in the Klang Valley, even as concerns over infrastructure strain and housing supply persist in some parts of Kuala Lumpur.

The application marks the latest stage for a parcel that has been under development consideration for several years. Local reports in 2023 said Akisama had submitted a proposal to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and received conditional approval for an earlier concept involving a taller configuration and a similar number of residential units.

Land records reviewed at the time reportedly showed Lot 481838, a leasehold parcel with 96 years remaining, was registered under Akisama in May 2021. The title was reported to stipulate residential use, subject to conditions including prior approval from the Federal Land Commission Committee for any transfer, mortgage or charge.

Akisama is associated with large-scale residential developments, including Parklane OUG and Razak City Residences in Kuala Lumpur.
[attachmentid=11528097]

World Bank: MY lacks of high-skill/quality jobs

premier239 — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:25:18 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Skill-related underemployment is holding Malaysia back from achieving its full growth potential, but the problem runs deeper than workers being stuck in jobs below their qualifications.

Matthew Dornan, the World Bank’s senior economist for social policy, said skill-related underemployment is itself a symptom of other factors: a business environment in Malaysia that does not facilitate enough firm entry, exit, and expansion as a central bottleneck.

This includes regulatory barriers, limited competition, uneven access to finance, and slow insolvency processes.

These constraints prevent resources from flowing to more productive firms, limiting their entry and expansion, and through that, the creation of more high-quality jobs.

“It is a demand-side problem – businesses are not creating enough high-productivity jobs to absorb what is an increasingly educated workforce – though skills mismatches and capability gaps compound the challenge,” he told StarBiz.

The comments from Dornan came days after the World Bank released its latest Malaysia Economic Monitor report.

In the report, the World Bank noted that tertiary graduates in Malaysia who are underemployed faced a wage penalty of 49.3%.

This meant that tertiary-educated workers in skill-mismatched jobs earn 49.3% less than those in well-matched roles, controlling for experience, gender, sector, state, and year.

It was also mentioned that the share of tertiary-educated workers employed in jobs below their qualification level had risen from about 30% in 2015 to 36.1% in 2024.

This is despite it having moderated in recent years.

In some states, the skill-related underemployment rates were higher.

Dornan said there is a significant underutilisation of Malaysia’s human capital, and it weakens the link between rising education levels and wage growth.

Malaysia is also not creating enough quality jobs.

More than half of new job vacancies are in semi-skilled occupations and about 19% are in low-skilled roles.

Only 24.6% of new vacancies are classified as skilled.

“So even as investment flows in, particularly in sectors like electrical and electronics and data centres, the broader labour market is not generating enough high-skilled positions to absorb Malaysia’s increasingly educated workforce.

“A key reason for this is that the most productive firms in the economy – the top 10%, which pay roughly three times the wages of the median firm – are not scaling enough.

“In manufacturing, frontier firms’ employment share fell from 35% in 2010 to 33% in 2022, and their market share dropped from 80% to 71%.

“In services, frontier firms account for just 15% of employment despite generating 63% of sales.

“This matters because these are the firms that create better-paying, higher-skilled jobs,” added Dornan.

On wages, Dornan said Malaysia needs a virtuous cycle of productive firm growth and workforce capability development to achieve durable wage gains.

“This requires complementary reforms: improving the business environment so productive firms can enter, grow and create better jobs, while aligning skills development more closely with labour market demand,” according to him.

MooMoo (FUTU) share laosai, CCP crack down

premier239 — Mon, 25 May 2026 09:35:15 +0800

BEIJING: China's market regulator announced a sweeping investigation on Friday (May 22) against three major brokers running cross-border trading, as it launched a two-year crackdown on investment leaving the country.

China does not allow private individuals to directly invest in overseas markets, requiring them to trade assets only through approved third-party channels.

However, regulations differ in the semi-autonomous city Hong Kong, and some brokers have been able to legally operate there, attracting investors from mainland China to open trading accounts in the Chinese finance hub.

Authorities have sought to regulate the loophole in recent years, and in 2022, barred private Chinese investors from opening accounts with such brokers.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said on Friday it will probe and impose penalties on Hong Kong-registered brokers Futu and Longbridge, as well as New Zealand-registered Tiger Brokers.

Regulators said the brokers had conducted securities-related business in China "without obtaining the necessary approvals or licences", violating China's securities law.

The CSRC said in a separate statement on Friday that it will join forces with seven other bodies, including the Ministry of Public Security and the People's Bank of China, to carry out a two-year campaign targeting illegal cross-border securities activities.

The campaign aims to "completely eradicate the illegal cross-border operations of overseas securities, futures and fund management institutions", it said.

Futu, which owns online brokerage Moomoo, said in a filing that Chinese authorities have proposed a fine of about 1.85 billion yuan (US$271 million).

Futu "has already ceased opening accounts for applicants with mainland Chinese identities ... has consistently engaged in active dialogue with regulatory authorities and complied with their rectification requirements", it said in a statement.

Chinese investors accounted for about 13 per cent of the group's total client base, it added.

UP Fintech, a US-listed brokerage firm that owns Tiger Brokers, said CSRC fined the company 308.1 million yuan and confiscated 103.1 million yuan of illegal income.

The firm "accepts the penalty with sincerity", it added.

The two brokers' CEOs were also fined.

Chinese authorities' aim "is to gain full control of capital outflows, and to block any loopholes of these illegal activities", Kelvin Lam, a China-focused economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, told AFP.

"What China is trying to do at the moment is to make sure no overseas branches of these companies ... take funds out of Chinese investors and help them to invest overseas," Lam said.

Hong Kong cross-border brokers have operated in a regulatory grey zone until now, he said, but authorities are seeking to fully stem the flow of Chinese investment out of the country.

"Rather than worrying the fact of capital leaving China illegally, the aim of Chinese authorities is to seek full control of the situation rather than anything else," Lam said.

-------------------------------

ALL in catch the falling knife or clear your moomoo account before shits happen?

hnghh.. Iran rebuilding drone, CCP supply material

premier239 — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:21:20 +0800

Iran has already restarted some of its drone production during the six-week ceasefire that began in early April, one sign it is rapidly rebuilding certain military capabilities degraded by US-Israeli strikes, according to two sources familiar with US intelligence assessments. Four sources told CNN that US intelligence indicates Iran’s military is reconstituting much faster than initially estimated.

The rebuilding of military capabilities, including replacing missile sites, launchers and production capacity for key weapons systems destroyed during the current conflict, means that Iran remains a significant threat to regional allies should President Donald Trump restart the bombing campaign, according to the four sources familiar with the intelligence. It also calls into question claims about the extent to which US-Israeli strikes have degraded Iran’s military in the long term.

While the time to restart production of different weapons components varies, some US intelligence estimates indicate Iran could fully reconstitute its drone attack capability in as soon as six months, one of the sources, a US official, told CNN.

“The Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution,” the US official said.

Drone attacks are a particular concern for regional allies. If hostilities resume, Iran could augment its missile production capability — which has been significantly degraded — with more drone launches, to continue firing at Israel and Gulf countries that are well within range of both weapons systems.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume combat operations against Iran if the two countries fail to reach a deal to end the war, including saying publicly on Tuesday that he’d been an hour from restarting bombing, meaning these military capabilities could come into play.

Iran has been able to rebuild much faster than expected due to a combination of factors, ranging from support it is receiving from Russia and China to the fact that the US and Israel did not inflict as much damage as the two countries had hoped, one of the sources told CNN. For example, China has continued to provide Iran with components during the conflict that can be used to build missiles, two sources familiar with US intelligence assessments told CNN, though that has likely been curtailed by the ongoing US blockade.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS last week that China is giving Iran “components of missile manufacturing” but declined to elaborate further.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied the allegation during a press conference, calling it “not based on facts.”

Meanwhile, Iran also still maintains ballistic-missile, drone-attack and anti-air capability despite the serious damage inflicted by US-Israeli strikes, according to recent US intelligence assessments, meaning the quick rebuilding of military production capacity isn’t starting from scratch.

A spokesperson for US Central Command declined to comment, saying the command does not discuss matters related to intelligence.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CNN in a statement that “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing.”

“We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,” Parnell added.

CNN reported in April that US intelligence assessed that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers had survived US strikes. A recent report increased that figure to two thirds partially due to the ongoing ceasefire providing Iran with time to dig out launchers that might have been buried in previous strikes, according to sources familiar with the intelligence.

The US intelligence assessment total may include launchers that are currently inaccessible, such as those buried underground by strikes but not destroyed.

Thousands of Iranian drones still exist — roughly 50% of the country’s drone capabilities — two sources previously told CNN the intelligence indicated.

The intelligence also showed a large percentage of Iran’s coastal defense cruise missiles were intact, consistent with the US not focusing its air campaign on coastal military assets though they have been hitting ships. Those missiles serve as a key capability allowing Iran to threaten shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Taken together, recent US intelligence reports overwhelmingly suggest that the war has degraded Iran’s military capabilities, but not destroyed them, with the Iranians demonstrating they can effectively limit the long-term impact of the war by quickly reconstituting after those strikes.

CNN Explains the power dynamics behind a regime change in Iran

That includes rebuilding its defense industrial base, which CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said on Tuesday has been largely eliminated.

“Operation Epic Fury significantly degraded Iran’s ballistic missiles and drones while destroying 90% of their defense industrial base, ensuring Iran cannot reconstitute for years,” Cooper testified during Tuesday’s hearing before the House Armed Services Committee.

But Cooper’s testimony stands in stark contrast to US intelligence assessments examining Iran’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities and the timeline in which they are able to do so, with two sources telling CNN the intelligence is inconsistent with the descriptions provided by the CENTCOM commander.

One of the sources familiar with recent US intelligence assessments told CNN that the damage to Iran’s defense industrial base has likely set its ability to reconstitute back by a matter of months, not years. And some of Iran’s defense industrial base remains intact, which could further accelerate the timeline for reconstituting certain capabilities, the source noted.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/21/politics...ilitary-rebuild

MCMC demand Tiktok explain pic king makan vavi

premier239 — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:37:31 +0800

Malaysia demands TikTok explain failure to block fake account using AI to insult king

Among the ‘grossly offensive’ posts were false claims that the king ate pork and images with his face superimposed onto animal bodies

Malaysia’s internet regulator issued a statutory demand to TikTok on Thursday after a fake account allegedly used artificial intelligence to insult the country’s king, including posts falsely claiming he ate pork and manipulated images pairing his face with animal bodies.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement that TikTok had failed to take “sufficient and timely action” against offensive and defamatory content targeting the country’s royal institution.

The account, which purported to be linked to King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, carried material that was “grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting in nature”, including AI-generated videos and manipulated images, the MCMC said.

It said the posts could breach Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as other Malaysian laws.

The MCMC demand also requires TikTok to take immediate remedial steps, strengthen content moderation and provide a formal explanation for its moderation failures.

“Social media service providers are expected to act responsibly and expeditiously in addressing content that is unlawful, harmful or threatens public order,” the regulator said.

This Week in Asia found that the TikTok account was no longer visible on the platform as of Thursday. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Johor Royal Press Office said on Wednesday that the fake account, operating under the name “Sultan Ibrahim Ismail”, appeared to use AI to spread insulting material against the king.

Among the posts was a video falsely alleging that Sultan Ibrahim “favours eating pork”, a claim the royal office described as untrue and deeply sensitive given that the king was a Malay ruler and Muslim head of state. Consuming pork is strictly forbidden in Islam.

Malaysia’s king vows to eradicate corruption at all levels amid military scandal

It called another image, in which the king’s face was superimposed onto an animal’s body, “clearly offensive and irresponsible”.

Johor chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi condemned the account on Thursday, saying the false allegations and manipulated images amounted to “a very serious insult”.

“Freedom of speech cannot be used as an excuse to spread slander, hatred and insults against the royal institution,” Onn Hafiz said in a statement, urging police and the MCMC to act against those involved, including the people behind the fake account.

Royal red line

The case lands squarely in the Muslim-majority country’s so-called 3R zone – referring to highly sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty. The MCMC said such content risked undermining public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions.

Malaysia has tightened scrutiny of social media platforms under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with officials saying online harm has spread across scams, cyberbullying, illegal gambling and 3R content.

Between January 2022 and July 1, 2025, social media platforms removed 37,845 pieces of false information and 7,846 posts linked to 3R issues after requests by the MCMC, state news agency Bernama reported.

Anwar’s critics have accused his administration of retreating from free-speech pledges, while authorities insist the push is aimed at harmful and unlawful content. Malaysian law also prohibits seditious remarks and insults against the monarchy, a powerful institution in the country’s constitutional system.

Since January 1, major internet messaging and social media services with at least 8 million users in Malaysia – including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram and WeChat – are required to hold a licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act, placing them more firmly within the MCMC’s regulatory reach.

[fb]https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1383225853853463[/fb]

MY no layoff issue, only 2.9% unemployment, kek

premier239 — Fri, 22 May 2026 13:55:07 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's labour market remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026, with the labour force participation rate (LPFR) rising to 70.9 per cent.

An LPFR of 70.9 per cent means about 71 out of every 100 working-age Malaysians were participating in the labour market.

Unemployment rate, meanwhile, eased to 2.9 per cent, according to the latest labour market review released by the Statistics Department today.

The report showed that Malaysia's labour force expanded by 0.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 17.23 million in the first quarter compared to 17.09 million from the previous year.

Concurrently, the number of unemployed persons declined by 3.1 per cent to 506,500 from 522,500 previously.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Malaysia's economy continued to demonstrate resilience despite ongoing global uncertainties, supported by strong domestic demand and diversified economic activities.

The labour market also showed improvements in underemployment indicators during the quarter.

The number of persons working less than 30 hours per week fell 4.1 per cent YoY to 231,600 persons, while time-related underemployment dropped 15 per cent to 123,300 persons.

Skills-related underemployment declined 0.9 per cent to 1.93 million persons, with the rate easing to 35.2 per cent from 35.7 per cent a year earlier.

On labour demand, the statistics department reported that the total number of jobs increased 1.8 per cent YoY, to 9.23 million in the first quarter.

Filled jobs also rose 1.8 per cent to 9.03 million, while job vacancies edged up 0.4 per cent to 194,800 vacancies.

The vacancy rate stood at 2.1 per cent during the quarter, reflecting continued labour demand expansion in line with economic growth.

Additionally, Malaysia's labour productivity measured by value added per employment increased 4.3 per cent YoY to RM26,171 per person, while value added per hour worked rose 4.8 per cent to RM45.5 per hour.

Total hours worked increased marginally by 0.5 per cent to 9.63 billion hours.

Mohd Uzir said Malaysia's labour market remains supported by stable economic conditions despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and cost-of-living pressures arising from higher global food and energy prices.

Do you all ever question if EPF is a ponzi?

premier239 — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:53:50 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR (May 21): Shares of Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd (KL:SUNMED) slipped in early trade on Thursday after the hospital operator’s first-quarter earnings came in short, delivering only 15% of the full-year estimates.

Still, most analysts considered the results to be within expectations, pointing to seasonal factors as a key reason.

The stock fell as much as 2% in early trading. The stock later pared losses to trade at RM1.82 at 10.00am — down 1.1% with more than eight million shares changing hands.

Maybank Investment Bank said the softer quarter was mainly due to festive and holiday-related disruptions, as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and school holidays typically led patients to postpone non-urgent treatments.

Still, analysts expect earnings to improve in the coming quarters, supported by stronger operating leverage at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Penang and improving contributions from SMC Damansara and SMC Ipoh.

what kind of shit is this?

local pension, glc, institutions circle jerking at bursa ?