The stock market ended the trading session on a mixed note, with strong buying interest in semiconductor and technology-linked counters offset by weakness in plantation, industrial metals, and energy-related stocks.
At the closing bell, sentiment remained stock-specific as investors rotated into selected technology names and mid-cap industrial counters, while profit-taking in plantation and heavyweight commodity-linked stocks capped broader market momentum.
Leading the gainers was Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, which surged RM2.12 to RM49.00 on 386,600 shares traded, supported by strong momentum in semiconductor-related stocks. Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd followed, rising 78 sen to RM28.18 on 121,400 shares, as defensive consumer buying continued.
Venture and testing-related technology counters also performed strongly, with Vitrox Corp Bhd climbing 50 sen to RM7.85 on heavy turnover of 5,032,900 shares. Kelington Group Bhd advanced 40 sen to RM7.94 on 8,573,900 shares, while UMS Integration Ltd gained 33 sen to RM8.50 on 96,500 shares.
On the downside, United Plantations Bhd led the decliners, falling RM1.32 to RM32.30 on 317,800 shares, as plantation stocks came under pressure. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd dropped 50 sen to RM7.79 on exceptionally heavy turnover of 31,192,300 shares, reflecting broad selling in industrial metals.
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd eased 38 sen to RM21.22 on 317,700 shares, while MISC Bhd declined 31 sen to RM7.79 on 4,210,100 shares. Petronas Dagangan Bhd slipped 24 sen to RM18.40 on 1,103,100 shares, tracking weakness in energy-linked counters.
Market analysts noted that the session reflected continued rotation into technology and selected consumer names, while plantation and commodity-related stocks faced sustained profit-taking. Overall market breadth remained mixed, with elevated activity in semiconductor and industrial counters.
