Malaysia Shares Trade at Near 3-Week High

Malaysia’s FKLCI rose 10 points, or 0.6%, to 1,712 by midday Tuesday, extending gains for a fourth straight session to a near three-week peak. Sentiment was buoyed by stronger U.S. equity futures amid hopes for progress toward resolving Middle East tensions, even as U.S.–Iran frictions persisted. Optimism also grew over Malaysia’s 2026 trade outlook, supported by nine consecutive months of export growth in March and resilient domestic demand. Analysts noted Malaysia’s position as a net energy exporter, particularly LNG, could further bolster prospects. Meanwhile, state oil firm Petronas recently said that fuel supply at all its stations is secured until the end of June. Sector gains were led by consumer services, utilities, and financials, though declines in energy minerals, process industries, and healthcare capped upside momentum. Among notable movers were Genting Bhd. (4.2%), YTL Power Intl. (3.3%), CIMB Group (2.9%), and Tenaga Nasional Bhd. (1.5%).