MALAYSIAN NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - SEPT 10, 2008.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

BUSINESS TIMES:

- Dutch insurer ING has emerged as the front-runner to buy the Menara Standard Chartered on Jalan Sultan Ismail for almost RM300 million, sources said.

- Two providers of wireless Internet coverage have submitted proposals to the Penang state government to wire up the state with broadband services.

- Bereavement care provider NV Multi Corp Bhd expects a 10 per cent rise in net profit in the current year ending December 31 2008, helped by an overwhelming response to its Tang Villa Columbarium in Shah Alam.

- Privately-owned OTEC Kemajuan Sdn Bhd has partnered a British company to provide repair services for Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas).

- Domestic motorcycles sales are expected to slow down next year, halting the momentum that should see industry volume hit a record high in 2008, an industry chief said.

THE STAR:

- A global policy framework for renewable energy is needed in the world today and sustainable initiatives that focus on carbon tax should be developed.

- UEM Builders Bhd shareholders have several options before the shares of UEM World Bhd go ex on Sept 11, according to a local brokerage.

- The introduction of the thin capitalisation provision in taxation rules will have a negative impact on the competitiveness of Malaysia's corporate sector, say tax experts.

- Lower steel prices are not seen as having a serious impact on the earnings of steelmakers, given that input costs are likely to fall too.

- HLG Unit Trust Bhd and Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) recently launched the GEM Resources Strategic Fund to leverage on the current inflationary situation.

- CSC Steel Holdings Bhd, formerly Ornasteel Holdings Bhd, aims to enhance the spinning-value of steel-related industries in Malaysia.

ASIA PULSE 10-09 1250