Robert Kuok only M’sian among Forbes’ top 200 billionaires, 14 others in rich list

PETALING JAYA: Tycoon Robert Kuok (pic) has once again topped the list as the wealthiest Malaysian, with a net worth of US$11.4bil, according to the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List.

Kuok is ranked No. 176 and is the only Malaysian in the top 200 list of billionaires.

The 100-year-old tycoon owns the Kuok group, which has interests in hotels, real estate and commodities.

Kuok’s ranking, however, dropped compared to last year which saw him coming in at No. 146 with a net worth of US$11.8bil.

Aside from Kuok, 14 other Malaysians made the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List.

The next wealthiest Malaysian is Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan of the Hong Leong Group, who is ranked No. 287 on the list with a wealth of US$8.8bil, while media and telco magnate Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan comes in at No. 624 with US$4.9bil.

Press Metal Aluminium founder Tan Sri Koon Poh Keong came in ranked 871 with a net worth of US$3.7bil.

Brothers Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and Lee Yeow Seng of plantations and property conglomerate IOI Group are next on the list with a net worth of US$3.1bil and US$2.3bil respectively.

Genting Group’s Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also made the list with a net worth of US$2.3bil.

Other Malaysians on the list are Australia-based investor Kie Chie Wong, who is a minority shareholder in Fortescue Metals Group (US$2.2bil); Sunway Group’s Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah (US$2bil) and Hap Seng Consolidated’s Tan Sri Lau Cho Kun (US$1.5bil).

Children of the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow, who founded Public Bank, were also on the list.

Diona Teh Li Shian, Lillian Teh Li Ming, Lillyn Teh Li Hua and William Teh Lee Pang each had a net worth of US$1.4bil.

Lim Chai Hock, who is the chief operating officer and director of Bayan Resources – the third-largest coal producer in Indonesia – made the list with a net worth of US$1.4bil.