40 richest Malaysians get richer

In what is perhaps an indication of an improved economy, the collective income of the country's 40 richest individuals spiked upwards by 63%.

In revealing the annual local rich list, business magazine Malaysian Business said Malaysia's 40 richest individuals are collectively worth RM156.7 billion -- much more than the RM96.3 billion they accumulated last year.

However, according to the fortnightly magazine's survey results released in a statement today, their combined wealth was still less than the RM171.9 billion recorded in 2008.