Malaysia

Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) plans to launch a new financing facility using sharia-based principles by the second quarter of this year.

Commerce Asset-Holding Bhd Group (CAHB) has registered a 10.3% increase in its operating profit to RM1.17bil for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2001.

MAYBANK Group has come up with an all-in-one financing package for industrialists requiring financing from scratch for their businesses.

In January-June 2000 the six largest listed Malaysian banks recorded new non-performing loans at an annualised rate of 11% on outstanding loans, with the same trend continuing into July. A more normal rate is considered to be in the area of 3%.

Although the rate of economic growth in Malaysia is one of the fastest in the south east Asian region and is predicted to accelerate next year, analysts are concerned that a lack of foreign direct investment in the country could put a brake on the

After the regional financial crisis of 1997 the Malaysian market is finally beginning to turn around.

According to MBF Capital's Chief Executive Officer Datuk Loy Teik Ngan, sales by MBf Factoring are looking better than last year. Overall, MBF Capital reported a pre-tax loss of RM284m for its financial year ended Dec 31, 1999.