Malaysia's banks could see a softer loan growth trend in 2H due to weaker uptake by the property and construction sectors, CIMB Securities analyst Ei Leen Tan says in a note. Higher construction and financing costs and external uncertainties are weighing on these sectors, prompting developers to stay selective on new launches and limiting growth in property loans, she says. Tan maintains her 2026 loan growth forecast at 4.8% despite May's stronger-than-expected 6.0% expansion. However, banks' strong balance sheets, ample capital and liquidity, and healthy loan-loss buffers may help mitigate the risks, she adds. CIMB maintains an overweight rating on Malaysia's banking sector, and pegs Public Bank, RHB Bank and Hong Leong Bank as top picks.(yingxian.wong@wsj.com)