04/01/2013 (The Star) -  CIMB Equities Research expects Malaysian refiners to record a better performance in 2013 as they benefit from the new export tax structure and higher crude palm oil (CPO) supplies.

"Potential beneficiaries include Wilmar and the integrated players in Malaysia, such as Sime Darby and Felda Global. Our key pick for exposure to the latest export tax development is Wilmar," it said on Friday.

CIMB Research said two new set of regulations on palm oil in Malaysia and China, which could set the tone for near-term CPO prices, took effect on Jan 1, 2013.

However, it expected the overall net impact to be positive for Malaysian refiners but maybe short-term neutral to slight negative for CPO price.