Communications and multimedia industry market capitalisation declined 4.2% in August 2020

By ANIS FARHANAH MALEK
anisfarhanah@dagangnews.com

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Sept. - The communications and multimedia (C&M) industry market capitalisation declined 4.2% to RM127.34 billion as at end of August 2020 compared with July 2020 (RM132.87 billion), as investors concern over companies’ earnings outlook and dividend commitments.

As at end August 2020, the C&M industry represents 7.6% of total Bursa Malaysia’s market capitalisation with RM1,676.23 billion. 

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said, Maxis and Digi captured the largest share of market capitalisation for telecommunications sector at 2.33% and 1.83% respectively.

“Telecommunications sector also continues to lead the industry with RM120.08 billion followed by broadcasting at RM4.49 billion in market capitalisation. 

“Postal and Courier sector recorded a healthy growth of 41% in market capitalisation since April 2020, driven by the increase in demand from e-Commerce and online marketplaces,” said MCMC in its monthly bulletin for August 2020.

The jump is driven by the continuous growth in demand from e-Commerce and online marketplaces. 

MCMC added, the industry players are observing a higher than usual courier volume even after the easing of movement restrictions. This trend is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year. 

“In second quarter of 2020 (2Q 2020), monthly web visits for top three merchants in Malaysia (Shopee, Lazada, and PG Mall) rose by 42%, compared to first quarter 2020 (1Q 2020).

“In general, most economic sectors recorded a weak growth amid the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO), followed by the Conditional and Recovery MCO. On sectoral basis, the services sector contracted by 16.2% in 2Q 2020 (1Q 2020: 3.1%),” MCMC noted. 

According to BNM, the impact of COVID-19 on the information and communication sub-sector has so far been modest, cushioned by the continued high demand for data communication services especially during this period of remote working arrangements.  

Given its highly essential nature, telecommunications will continue to be perceived to possess long-term sustainability and as a supplement to economic recovery in the medium-term, it added. - DagangNews.com