Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keulen
PETALING JAYA: Heineken Malaysia Bhd
remains focused on strengthening its core business, improving operational efficiency, and executing strategic commercial initiatives to sustain performance amid a challenging operating environment.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the brewery said macroeconomic headwinds, cost pressures, and the excise duty increase for alcohol products (effective Nov 1, 2025) are expected to weigh on consumer sentiment and operating costs.
“Nevertheless, the group continues to adapt its strategies with agility to navigate evolving market conditions.
“These efforts are underpinned by ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, and agile working practices, which enhance the group’s competitiveness and resilience.
For the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2025, Heineken Malaysia’s net profit rose marginally to RM112.95mil from RM112.29mil in the previous corresponding period, supported by the utilisation of reinvestment allowance, resulting in a lower effective tax rate.
Revenue in the third quarter climbed to RM656.05mil from RM618.99mil a year earlier.
“Overall, the third-quarter performance signals stability and reinforces confidence despite challenges in the operating environment,” said the company.
For the nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2025, Heineken Malaysia’s dipped to RM318.1mil from RM325.9mil, while revenue stood at RM1.96bil compared with RM1.97bil a year earlier.
“The board of directors does not recommend any dividend in respect of the quarter ended Sept 30, 2025,” it said.
Commenting on the results, Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keulen said he was pleased with the group’s strong third-quarter performance, which reflected the resilience of the company’s business fundamentals amid ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.
“While the trading environment remains volatile—particularly in light of the excise duty increase effective Nov 1, we are proactively implementing strategic measures to safeguard profitability and our value growth ambition as we enter the final quarter of the year”.
Van Keulen noted that Malaysia already has one of the highest beer excise rates, adding that this hike could widen the price gap with illicit beer, potentially fuelling illegal trade and putting Government revenue and consumer safety at risk.
“Despite these challenges, the group will continue working closely with authorities to tackle illicit beer.”
