Bursa Healthcare Index jumps 1.8% on COVID-19 uptick
At midday, Bursa Malaysia’s Healthcare Index rose 1.8% to 1,681.58, led by IHH Healthcare Bhd, which gained six sen to RM5.98, according to exchange data.
Source: Bernama · July 21, 2026 at 8:31 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 21 JULY 2026 —
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Reuters) – Bursa Malaysia’s Healthcare Index surged 1.8% to 1,681.58 at midday on Friday, driven by gains in major healthcare stocks, as COVID-19 cases increased both domestically and in China.
Market Impact
The index’s advance was led by IHH Healthcare Bhd, which rose six sen to RM5.98. Other notable gainers included Top Glove, which climbed 2.5 sen to 80 sen, Hartalega, up four sen to RM2.12, Careplus, which added 2.5 sen to 47 sen, and Supermax, which gained 1.5 sen to 94 sen.
Malaysia recorded 13,050 new COVID-19 cases over the six-day period from Oct 22 to Oct 27, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous week. The highest daily count was reported on Oct 27, with 2,762 new cases. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin attributed the rise to a small wave of infections linked to the Omicron XBB sub-variant and warned of a potential increase in cases over the next few weeks.
China, meanwhile, reported a third consecutive day of over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases nationwide, prompting authorities to impose additional restrictions in cities such as Wuhan and Xining. The resurgence has raised concerns about renewed global supply chain disruptions, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated on Oct 27 that COVID-19 remains a global health emergency, citing ongoing virus mutations and persistent risks. As of the latest data, global COVID-19 cases stood at 634,610,831, with 6,589,402 deaths reported.
Market Impact in Malaysia The rally in Bursa Malaysia’s Healthcare Index reflects investor sentiment tied to pandemic-related demand for medical services and supplies. IHH Healthcare, a regional healthcare giant, remains a key bellwether for the sector, while glove manufacturers such as Top Glove and Hartalega benefit from sustained demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Analysts suggest that the uptick in cases could support short-term gains for healthcare counters, particularly those involved in diagnostics, treatment, and PPE production. However, prolonged volatility may depend on the trajectory of new variants and government responses in major markets.
Sector and Company Specifics IHH Healthcare Bhd, listed on Bursa Malaysia, operates a network of hospitals across Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, and India. Its stock performance often correlates with regional healthcare trends, including pandemic-related demand.
Top Glove Corp Bhd, the world’s largest glove manufacturer, has seen fluctuating demand since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to benefit from ongoing orders. Hartalega Holdings Bhd, another key player in the glove industry, has similarly capitalized on sustained demand for medical gloves.
Careplus Group Bhd, a healthcare services provider, and Supermax Corp Bhd, a medical device manufacturer, have also seen increased investor interest amid rising case numbers.
Outlook The near-term outlook for Malaysia’s healthcare sector remains tied to COVID-19 developments. If case numbers continue to rise, particularly with new variants, healthcare stocks may sustain their upward momentum. However, any easing of restrictions or a decline in cases could temper gains.
Global factors, including China’s response to its latest outbreak and WHO’s assessments, will also influence market sentiment. Investors are advised to monitor case trends and policy updates closely.
Related: IHH