KL shares likely to extend downtrend

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia are likely to consolidate further next week with external factors influencing the direction of the market, dealers said. TA Securities Head of Research, Kaladher Govindan said investors would most probably remain on the sideline, therefore the market would extend downwards first half of the week. "We expect to see the market to continue the downtrend first half of next week. However in the second half, it would most likely rebound," he said today. Kaladher estimates the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) to move in between 1,510 and 1,535 points level next week, with amid an absence of leads on the local front. Meanwhile, Affin Investment Bank's head of retail research, Dr Nazri Khan expects local techonology stocks to rise and gain from the spillover of the upbeat US and European corporate earnings that propelled world stocks this week. Corporate earnings of technology companies such as Apple Inc, Generel Electrics, Intel Corp, United Technologies Corp and Yahoo Inc have helped to bolster optimism about the economic recovery. He also said the recent announcements such as the Capital Market Master Plan 2, as well as listings, debt issuances and a stronger ringgit, would most likely boost the capital market and create more vibrancy. The ringgit yesterday notched a new 13-year high closing at 3.0050/0064 to the US dollar. "Speculation that Bank Negara is expected not to increase interest rate at the next monetary policy committee meeting would also influence the equity market next week," he said. However, he said worries about rising inflation, the euro zone debt crisis and problems of Japan stayed in the background. Throughout the week, the market saw a wave of selling with the benchmark FBM KLCI traded mixed with only two-days of gain. On a weekly basis, the key index increased by 0.81 points to close at 1,522.75 from 1,521.94 the previous Friday. The Finance Index gained 12.05 points to 13,932.73, the Industrial Index declined 27.67 points to 2,757.08 and the Plantation Index eased 33.16 points to 7,588.42. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Index increased to 10,518.13 from 10,491.96, FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index increased to 11,336.38 from 11,303.23 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia Ace Index rose to 4,408.25 from 4,204.58. Weekly volume increased to 5.873 billion shares worth RM7.408 billion from 5.613 billion shares valued at RM8.476 billion, last week. Main Market turnover declined to 4.056 billion shares valued at RM5.316 billion from 4.421 billion units valued at RM8.231 billion, last Friday. Volume on the ACE Market increased to 1.390 billion shares worth RM279.745 million from 533.719 million shares worth RM100.267 million previously. Warrants decreased to 417.454 million units worth RM87.691 million from 645.351 million units valued at RM142.779 million, last Friday. -- Bernama

'Nasi Lemak not main source of obesity'

KUALA LUMPUR: Nasi lemak is the not the main source of obesity among school children as it can be due to uncontrolled intake of high calorie diet, said Nutrition Society of Malaysia president Dr Tee E Siong.

"We must be wise in controlling our daily food intake," he told reporters at the launch of Nutrition Month Malaysia 2011 with the theme "Healthy Children, Healthy Nation-Start Early" at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, here today.


In this aspect, parents should instill healthy food habits in children from as young as three years-old as it will be difficult when they reach adolescence.
Dr Tee said preschool and primary school children are the most at risk of malnutrition as it will impact their physical, mental, emotional and social development.

"Overweight and nutritional deficiencies not only impact growth but bring undesirable effects to children as they will have high risk of hypertension and diabetes," he added. - BERNAMA

Set up a wealth of knowledge at home

"The rich in Malaysia should set up their own library filled with valuable
books and upon their death, donate the books to the public libraries."
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that wealthy Malaysians set up their own library at home stocked with valuable works and books.

He said this was the practice in western countries where the rich set up

their own library stacked with various old books and later donating them to
public libraries after their death.
"The rich in Malaysia should set up their own library filled with valuable
books and upon their death, donate the books to the public libraries," he told
reporters when attending the International Book Fair, here.


In conjunction with the International Book Fair beginning today at the Putra
World Trade Centre, Dr Mahathir also spent time signing his book, 'A Doctor in
the House', which were purchased by patrons. - Bernama