PETALING JAYA: I-Bhd
’s property investment segment has registered a 30% year-on-year increase in pre-tax profit to RM20mil for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2026 (9M26) – showing the growing importance of recurring income for the group.
In a statement released, I-Bhd said the better results was on the back of stable income from the Mercu Maybank, full occupancy of the its data centre, contributions from car park operations and a higher share of results from Central i-City Mall, in which I-Bhd holds a 40% interest.
“The segment’s recurring income streams also benefit from relatively low incremental operating costs, supporting earnings resilience as the group continues to optimise its investment properties,” the group said.
The group recorded revenue of RM 130.6mil for the 9M26 and pre-tax profit of RM 37.7mil versus a revenue and pre-tax profit of RM205.6mil and RM53.4mil respectively in the corresponding period last year.
The lower overall earnings primarily reflected the current phase of the group’s property development cycle, with contributions mainly from the sale of remaining completed inventories.
I-Bhd’s property investment segment accounted for two-thirds of the group’s shareholders fund.
The company noted the improved performance underscores the earnings potential of its established asset base and the group’s strategy of enhancing long-term shareholder value through active asset management.
I-Bhd added it is collaborating with Savills Malaysia to reposition CityWalk as an artificial intelligence or AI and robotics retail and lifestyle destination.
“The initiative aims to attract new business concepts, enhance tenant mix, strengthen visitor engagement and improve rental performance.
“The repositioning is also intended to complement i-City’s emerging AI Living ecosystem, connecting its residential, commercial and lifestyle offerings within a common AI and robotics urban environment,” it noted.
Separately, I-Bhd said it has retained about RM5bil in remaining gross development value within i-City – which will provide substantial opportunities for the future.
A key milestone was the digital launch last month of i-Ris, AI Living @ i-City, a proposed 500-unit residential development targeted for completion in 2030.
Following the digital launch, the group is progressing its marketing initiatives, technology partnerships and development of the AI Companion experience, with Sale and Purchase Agreement signing targeted to commence in April 2027.
Furthermore, the company is also extending its AI initiatives into the other existing areas it is in.
I-Bhd added it plans to introduce AI Concierge, to demonstrate personalised guest assistance and facilitate access to i-City’s leisure, hospitality and lifestyle offerings.
“This will complement the AI World Experience Centre, officially launched in January 2026 which provides visitors with opportunities to experience AI and robotics in real-world settings,” the group said.
Meanwhile, I-Bhd will continue pursuing strategies that aim for recurring income as well as long-term development opportunities.
The group said immediate priorities include strengthening returns from its investment properties, progressing the commercialisation of i-Ris Residences and introducing AI-enabled services across its existing businesses.
