KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 7): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday:

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has further increased its stake in IJM Corporation Bhd (KL:IJM) to 20.4%, solidifying its position as the largest shareholder in the construction outfit. The retirement fund said it acquired 4.07 million IJM shares in three tranches on Feb 3, raising its total shareholding to 714.91 million shares. No transaction price was disclosed, but the EPF is estimated to have spent around RM11.11 million on that day based on the closing price of RM2.73 per share. — EPF lifts stake in IJM to 20.4% 

In a separate development, IJM chairman Tan Sri Krishnan Tan was released on Friday after being detained overnight to assist investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Without naming Tan, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the company's top official was released within 24 hours due to his health condition. The MACC had previously disclosed it is investigating allegations of money laundering involving IJM. — IJM Corp chairman released after questioning, says MACC chief 

Plenitude Bhd’s (KL:PLENITU) net profit fell 25.95% to RM26.25 million for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2025 (2QFY2026), from RM35.46 million a year ago, owing to lower contributions from its property division. Revenue dropped 18.6% to RM139.24 million from RM171.07 million. No dividend was declared. — Plenitude's 2Q profit drops 26% on weaker property performance

GDB Holdings Bhd (KL:GDB) announced a series of boardroom changes following significant shifts in its substantial shareholding structure. Non-executive chairman Datuk Seri Chia Lui Meng, who served for more than eight years, has resigned citing personal commitments. He is succeeded by Clement Wong Teck Hoo, an independent director appointed on Dec 15, 2025. Separately, GDB appointed Dasmand Wong Wei Ming as executive director. — GDB revamps board amid shareholding reshuffle 

AWC Bhd (KL:AWC) has secured three projects involving automated pneumatic waste collection systems in Malaysia and Singapore, with a combined contract value of RM26.6 million. The projects, which commenced from January 2026 and are anticipated to be completed by August 2029, comprise installations for private residential developments and public facilities. — AWC bags RM26.6m automated waste collection system jobs in Malaysia, Singapore

Sapura Industrial Bhd (KL:SAPIND) said its 51%-owned unit, SIB ZZT Sdn Bhd, has entered into a deal to supply components used to produce prismatic lithium batteries. The precision structural components will be supplied to EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a manufacturer of batteries, synthetic materials and metal materials. The value of the deal was not disclosed. SIB ZZT will supply the components to EVE Energy’s new prismatic lithium battery manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah. — Sapura Industrial to supply lithium battery components to Kulim manufacturer 

Greentronics Technology Bhd (KL:GREENTEC) said it is not aware of any reason for the plunge in its share price on Friday that had one stage wiped out 79% of its market capitalisation Replying to an unusual market activity query from Bursa Malaysia, Greentronics said it does not know of any corporate development, or rumour or report concerning the business and affairs of the company, that may account for the trading activity. Greentronics’ share price dropped as much as 19 sen to five sen on Friday morning, leaving the company with a market value of only RM45 million. The stock pared its losses later to close 5.5 sen, or 22.92%, lower at 18.5 sen for a market capitalisation of RM166.22 million. — Greentronics says not aware of reason for sharp price slump 

Plantation company Matang Bhd’s (KL:MATANG) unit is expanding its durian plantation footprint through the acquisition of 10 adjacent parcels of agricultural land in Tangkak, Johor, for RM18.2 million in cash. Upon completion, Matang’s total plantation land bank will increase to 1,170.02 hectares from 1,150.38 hectares, representing an addition of 19.64 hectares, or about 1.71%. The land parcels are planted with durian varieties including Musang King, Black Thorn, IOI and Kampung, with trees ranging from one to nine years. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, mainly comprising oil palm and fruit tree cultivation. — Matang expands durian footprint with RM18.2 mil land acquisition in Tangkak

WCT Holdings Bhd (KL:WCT) has proposed a sukuk wakalah programme of up to RM5 billion to fund working capital and refinancing of borrowings. The sukuk programme carries a perpetual tenure, with each issuance to have a maturity of more than one year, determined prior to issuance. WCT also has the option to issue sustainability sukuk or sustainability-linked sukuk under the programme. MARC Ratings Bhd has assigned preliminary ratings of A+IS and A-IS, both with a positive outlook. — WCT plans RM5b sukuk wakalah to fund working capital, debt refinancing

PLS Plantations Bhd (KL:PLS) has signed agreements for partnership and research with Nippon Paper to explore development of large-scale eucalyptus farming in Malaysia. The three-year collaboration aims to assess the commercial feasibility of planting 20,000 to 30,000 hectares of eucalyptus — used for its medicinal, industrial and aromatic properties — combining PLS’ operational capabilities with Nippon Paper’s expertise in forestry management. — PLS Plantations partners Nippon Paper to explore large-scale eucalyptus farming in Malaysia