MARC has affirmed Priceworth Wood Products Berhad’s (Priceworth) short and long term ratings of MARC-2/A respectively on its RM160.0 million Commercial Papers/Medium-Term Notes; reflecting the Group’s improving financials underpinned by growing timber extraction activity/contracting services coupled with expansion of its manufacturing facilities and better outlook of timber prices. The Group�...

MARC has placed Mithril Bhd’s (“Mithril”) RM59 million Redeemable Convertible Secured Loan Stocks (“RCSLS”) on MARCWatch with a Negative Outlook, with the likelihood of suspension if the relevant information is not provided within two weeks of this announcement. The initial rating of BBB was assigned in October 2003 and affirmed in December 2004. The action is due to Mithril’s failure...

MARC has placed Antara Steel Mills Sdn Bhd’s (“Antara”) RM500 million Bai’ Bithaman Ajil Islamic debt securities (BaIDS) on MARCWatch with Negative Outlook. Antara’s initial rating of A+ ID was assigned in August 2005. This action is based on Antara’s disclosure to MARC on 3 April 2006 on the shutdown of the groups HBI plant in Labuan since 31 October 2005 and the failure on the part o...

The long and short term ratings of AID/MARC-2ID assigned to Maxtral Industry Berhad’s (Maxtral) RM80 million Al-Bai’ Bithaman Ajil Islamic Debt Securities (BaIDS) Facility and RM20 million Murabahah Underwritten Notes Issuance Facility/Murabahah Medium Term Notes Issuance Facility (MUNIF/MMTN) are underpinned by Maxtral Industry Berhad and its subsidiaries’ (Group) operating track record sup...

MARC has affirmed Tracoma Holdings Berhad’s (“Tracoma”) RM100 million Al- Bai’ Bithaman Ajil Islamic Debt Securities (“BaIDS”) at AID, underpinned by Tracoma Group’s proven track record as a Tier-1 local automotive component manufacturer coupled with its on-going expansion plans. Nonetheless, moderating factors to the rating include the Group’s exposure towards the automakers’ pe...

MARC has placed M-Trex Corporation Sdn Bhd’s (“M-Trex”)’s RM60.0 million Murabahah Commercial Paper on MARCWatch with a Negative Outlook. The initial rating at MARC-2 ID was assigned in September 2004. The action is based upon M-Trex’s failure, despite numerous requests, to provide the necessary information for MARC to carry out its first annual surveillance review. M-Trex is an investm...

MARC has affirmed the rating of Malaysian Newsprint Industries Sdn Bhd’s (MNI) RM923 million Bai’ Bi Al-Taqsit nominal value fixed rate serial bonds programme (BBAT) at BBB+ID(s). The affirmation reflects the company’s dominant position as the sole newsprint producer in Malaysia; improvement in newsprint price since mid-2003; and the protection derived from the anti-dumping duties imposed by...

The affirmation of Leader Universal Holdings Berhad’s (LEADER) rating of AID reflects the Group’s leading position in the cable and wire manufacturing industry as well as the stable revenue contribution from its power generation business in Cambodia. The rating, however, is moderated by thin margins from its cable and wire products; the large number of players relative to major consumers in th...

The affirmation of AAAID and AAAID(s) assigned to Optimal Olefins (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s (“Olefins”), Optimal Glycols (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Optimal Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s (“G&C”) debt issuance respectively reflect the Optimal Group of companies’ (“Optimal Group”) competitive edge in the petrochemical industry, stemming from its large-scale vertical operational integration;...

The rating reaffirmation of Merbok Hilir Berhad’s (Merbok) RM150.0 million Al-Bai’ Bithaman Ajil Serial Bonds (BBA Bonds) at AID is reflective of Merbok Group’s proven track record in the MDF industry and its fairly robust financial position. Moderating factors, however, include the inherent risks of such commodity-based industry, high capital requirements driven by rapidly evolving technolo...