Malaysian shares ended in the green on Monday, extending gains of the previous three sessions. The index closed higher amid a mixed regional performance.
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, the main gauge of Malaysian stocks, gained 0.83 points to end 0.3% higher at 1,725.73.
In economic news, Malaysia's manufacturing activity maintained its expansion rate in July, with the headline S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) unchanged at 50.7. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion in sector performance, while a figure below signals a contraction.
The sustained momentum indicates that official data on GDP and manufacturing production will continue to show robust expansions moving into the third quarter, according to S&P.
In corporate news, shares of Sunway Construction Group (KLSE:SUNCON) slid over 2% on close after its unit Sunway Construction secured a 1.02 billion ringgit contract from a U.S.-headquartered multinational technology company to carry out mechanical, electrical and plumbing fit-out works for a data center in Johor, Malaysia.
Malayan Banking (KLSE:MAYBANK) agreed to acquire the remaining 30.95% stake in Maybank Ageas from Belgium-based joint venture partner Ageas for 4.83 billion ringgit. Shares closed flat on Monday.