KUCHING: Media Chinese International Bhd will cease its media operations in Canada effective Feb 1, 2026.
The closure is expected to result in one-off expenses of no less than approximately US$4 million, mainly from staff layoff compensation. These costs will be recognised in the group’s consolidated statement of profit or loss for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2026, director Tiong Kiew Chiong said in an announcement.
“The Canadian operation has served readers and advertisers for over 32 years. However, audience behaviour has shifted significantly towards digital and online platforms in recent years. The cessation forms part of the group’s ongoing strategic review and resource optimisation.
“The board (of directors) considers that this decision will enable the group to concentrate management attention and capital on its core markets and digital initiatives, and is in the overall interests of the company and its shareholders as a whole,” added Tiong.
Meanwhile, Life Publishers Bhd (LPB), a dormant and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Media Chinese, is in the process of being wound up.
LPB convened its final meeting on Jan 8 to conclude its members’ voluntary winding-up. In accordance with Section 459(3) and (5) of the Malaysian Companies Act 2016, LPB will be dissolved upon the expiry of three months from the date of lodgement of the liquidator’s return relating to the Jan 8 meeting with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and the official receiver, the group said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia.
For the six-month period ended Sept 30, 2025, Media Chinese’s net loss widened to RM23.39 million on revenue of RM352 million, compared with a loss of RM8.1 million on revenue of RM365.2 million in the corresponding period a year earlier.
The group operates across Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and North America. In Malaysia, it owns and publishes several Chinese-language newspapers and magazines, including the widely circulated Sin Chew Daily.
For the financial year ending March 31, 2026, Media Chinese anticipates a challenging but gradually improving operating environment in the second half of the year.
The group said persistent macroeconomic headwinds — including geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and trade conflicts — are expected to continue weighing on global growth, weakening consumer sentiment and constraining advertising demand and discretionary spending.
While the media publishing and printing segment remains under pressure, the group said its travel business has continued to be a key growth driver.
