Manufacturers’ calls for wider SME tax concessions are proposals for the government to consider—not new tax relief that firms can already claim. In an Oct 25 statement reported by The Borneo Post, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing asked for a further review of SME corporate tax rates and wider income bands qualifying for preferential treatment. It also sought the removal of the RM2.5 million paid-up capital criterion for SME tax treatment. For growing manufacturers, including those in Sarawak, the issue is whether increasing capital or expanding operations causes support to fall away before a company can comfortably fund its next stage. FMM wants a revised manufacturing SME definition covering turnover of up to RM100 million or up to 300 employees, paired with graduated support beyond SME status. The federation also reiterated a proposed RM1.5 billion smart manufacturing package for 2027–2030: RM500 million for automation, RM750 million for digitalisation and RM250 million for artificial intelligence adoption. These figures describe its requested package, not an approved funding allocation. The distinction for business planning is important: a proposed wider definition or tax band does not itself change eligibility. FMM said it would continue engaging the government on the National Budget 2027 initiatives.

Kelington Technologies Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kelington Group Bhd, was awarded a contract worth about RM133 million for major structural-steel works tied to an advanced data-storage manufacturing facility project in Kuching. The Star reported the award on October 5, citing a Bursa Malaysia filing. The customer is described as a manufacturing company in Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone, but its name was not disclosed. The article says earlier awards to Kelington’s unit for the same project totalled about RM283 million; with the latest contract, the awards now add up to about RM416 million. The RM133 million covers a construction scope, not the value of the entire facility. The report gives no completion date, production capacity or job estimate, so the contract update does not establish when the facility will begin operating or how many local positions it may create.

Carimin Petroleum’s 90%-owned subsidiary Sri Borneo Energy has proposed to buy a 7.246-hectare leasehold property in Sejingkat, Kuching, for RM21.12 million. The site includes factory and fabrication facilities, and the company plans to restart metal fabrication and galvanising there. The deal is not yet complete. The title currently restricts the land to dockyard use, and the transfer requires written consent from the Sarawak minister responsible for land. Carimin expects completion within 12 months, subject to approval. The proposed return of industrial capacity is the local point; no production restart date or employment numbers have been announced. A signed sale agreement should not be read as a completed transfer or a confirmed opening.