Malaysia: Export Pickup in December 2009

The Statistics Department stated that Malaysian industrial production grew by 8.9 per cent in December compared to the same period in 2008. This is the strongest annual increase since February 2008 led by a pick up in exports.The rise in factory output in December was also in line with the 9 pct gain as reflected in the Reuters poll.

From the data released today of industrial production-a measure of manufacturing, mining and electricity output-it was up 4.6 per cent from a month ago.

Standard Chartered Bank’s economist Alvin Liew said that “output expanded more than expected.”

“Going forward, we think the favourable base effect and the gradual external demand recovery should bode well for industrial production in the first half of the year. The domestic economy is also set to benefit from the impact of the government’s stimulus packages and the recovery in global demand.

“Given the improvement in economic conditions, we are likely to see the central bank on track to normalise interest rates, starting with a 25 basis points hike in the next policy meeting in March."

Let us hear the rate increase from Bank Negara Malaysia then.

MRCB: More than 50% Turnover by 2011

Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) is definitely seeing its stars shining these days. Possibly brighter than before the current rights issue offer.

MRCB expects turnover from its property division to exceed 50 per cent by next year as the construction of KL Sentral project gains momentum.

According to OSK Research, MRCB's property turnover to group's profits is between 30 and 40 per cent currently. Its on-going projects in KL Sentral are progressing as planned with some ahead of schedule.

"Other than the on-going projects and an improving outlook for the property sector, MRCB is expected to launch its luxury condominium project later this year with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of more than RM800 million," it said.

The research house said MRCB has indicated that its joint venture partner, CMY Capital Sdn Bhd, had reaffirmed its commitment to kick-start the St. Regis Hotel & Residences project soon with an estimated GDV of RM1.5 billion.

In order to continue its legacy in the property sector, OSK Research said MRCB was eyeing several land parcels belonging to the Federal government as part of its landbank replenishment strategy.

It said the company's recent rights issue could be an indication that MRCB was close to sealing the deal.[Are the writings already on the wall?]

"Although there is no firm timeframe on the deal, we believe the potential land acquisition could be a positive catalyst for the stock price," the research house said.

MRCB had hinted earlier it may acquire small parcels of federal land in the Kuala Lumpur city centre including the Brickfields area.

Will MRCB be the wonder kid of the block?

Let us see what are its potential brand new land bank acquisitions.

This will tell if the stars will shine ever brightly for the group after the rights issue close.

Native Expressions 3: Good To Know

Here are some more gems from De Mente's book.

1.Beat one brains out:

Odd but common expression meaning to tire oneself out using all of one’s energy to remember or figure something out.

E.g.

You have been beating your brains out all day long trying to remember where you first met her.
I sat there for an hour or so beating my brains out to no avail.
Rather than continue beating your brains out, take a break and then come back.

2.Below the belt:

This saying may have developed from the sports of boxing where it is illegal to hit an opponent below the belt t oavoid the danger of serious injury. In today's parlance,it refers to a comment or action that is unfair, cowardly or mean-spirited.

E.g.

Some opponents love nothing better than to hit their opponents below the belt.
Her comments were definitely below the belt but I ignored it.
he was not above hitting below the belt if an opportunity arises.

3.Birthday suit:

It refers to a state of complete nakedness,to be nude, in reference to new-born babies.

E.g.

The neighbour's boy running on the beach in his birthday suit.
When you go to the pool party tonight,all you need is your birthday suit.
She startled everyone at the party by walking out in her birthday suit.

4.Bottom out:

It refers to something that has been going down reaching its lowest point,beyond which it cannot go.It is commonly used in the stock market,after which the market will start to rise.

E.g.

Many people started to enter the buy shares when the stock bottomed out.
I am waiting until the market bottoms out.
The market for crude oil bottomed out,and then began rising.

5.Butter up:

This saying means to get to someone's good side by catering to them,praising them. The phrase is drawn from the analogy of spreading butter on toast or something else to make it more desirable or palatable.]

E.g.

No matter how much you butter the boss he is not going to give you a promotion.
She has him so buttered up that he does not know what is going on.
Will you agree if I butter you up?