The stock market ended the trading session on a firmer but selective note. Semiconductor and technology-related counters led gains, while weakness in consumer staples, plantations, and healthcare-linked stocks capped broader upside.
At the closing bell, sentiment remained stock-specific. Investors rotated into technology names, especially semiconductor counters. At the same time, profit-taking in defensive and index-heavy stocks weighed on overall market breadth.
Leading the gainers was Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd (MPI), which surged RM2.10 to RM49.10 on 277,900 shares traded, supported by sustained momentum in chip-related stocks. Vitrox Corp Bhd followed, rising 29 sen to RM7.53 on 3,065,400 shares, reflecting strong buying interest across the electronics manufacturing services segment.
Allianz Malaysia Bhd added 26 sen to RM21.30 on 2,440 shares, while Unisem (M) Bhd climbed 25 sen to RM4.77 on 3,193,900 shares, extending gains in semiconductor-related counters. SAM Engineering & Equipment (SAM) also advanced, rising 23 sen to RM5.10 on 1,030,000 shares.
On the downside, Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd led the decliners, falling RM2.42 to RM93.42 on 1,124 shares, as profit-taking hit defensive consumer stocks. Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) eased 34 sen to RM20.96 on 398,200 shares, tracking weakness in plantation counters.
Hong Leong Bank Bhd slipped 28 sen to RM21.40 on 495,400 shares, reflecting mild selling pressure in financial heavyweights. Hartanah Kenyalang Bhd declined 17.5 sen to 55.5 sen on exceptionally heavy turnover of 15,083,600 shares, highlighting volatility in lower-priced counters. IHH Healthcare Bhd also fell 14 sen to RM8.40 on 7,951,000 shares.
Market analysts noted that the session was driven by continued strength in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing stocks.
On the other end, defensive consumer, plantation, and healthcare names saw profit-taking. Overall market breadth remained mixed, with activity concentrated in tech-linked counters.
