Saturday, October 25, 2008

Over 100 Businessmen To Attend ECER DC Briefing On Trade With Chinese Chamber

October 09, 2008 17:20 PM

Over 100 Businessmen To Attend ECER DC Briefing On Trade With Chinese Chamber

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Over 100 businessmen are keen to attend the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECER DC) briefing session on trade and investment prospects in ECER states with the Chinese chamber.

The session, covering business networking and business-match meetings, will be held at the Primula Beach Resort in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.

The 13th Dialogue of the Affiliated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang follows several of ECER DCs participation in various incoming trade missions to Kuala Lumpur, most recently from Guangdong, China, and India, said ECER DC in a statement.

It said the ECER DC recently launched special incentives to develop specific business clusters that would stimulate and promote urban and regional economic growth.

"These incentives are tailor-made especially for this region aimed at transforming ECER into a cost competitive and vibrant business hub," it said.

The ECER initiative spans five main industry clusters -- tourism, manufacturing, oil, gas and petrochemical, agriculture and education.

It aims to achieve RM112 billion investments for the initiatives by 2020 to improve income levels and enhance the regions socio-economic standing.

-- BERNAMA

Worm Fertilizer Project To Boost Agriculture Yields In ECER

September 29, 2008 13:55 PM

Worm Fertilizer Project To Boost Agriculture Yields In ECER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Worm farming for fertilizer projects to boost agriculture yields is being pioneered in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), starting with the Pahang Farmers Organisation Authority.

Some 1,000 farmers from the Kuantan Farmers Association will be involved with the initial project, ECER said in a statement today.

In addition to increasing yield and enhancing soil quality, ECER said the use of worm fertilizers reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and help growers tap into the growing demand for organic food.

Worms are also a green solution to food waste as they are efficient digesting machines that eat over half their body weight in organic matter daily, leaving behind nutrient rich worm castings (poop) which are completely natural at low cost.

According to ECER, apart from quality yield, worm fertilizer produced by earthworms will increase soil aggregate stability, aeration and reduce erosion.

Its broad base of nutrients adds beneficial organisms, nutrients and minerals sustain healthy plant life and stimulate growth, it added.

Aiza Agro Sdn Bhd, a company breeding and selling worm fertilizers in Pahang, said it has seen more fruit and vegetable farmers making a switch due to worm fertilizers' potency and lower procurement costs.

"Worm fertilizers cost less than chemical fertilizers as the growers only need a third of the normal amount of chemical fertilizers. Farmers also need to apply fertilizers less frequently," Aiza Agro managing director Zamsulidayat Ismail said.

He said worm fertilizers cost less at an average of RM3,500 per tonne compared to chemical fertilizers at RM4,000 per tonne, adding that less water is required and plants become more disease-resistant.

Zamsulidayat said the company is planning to open worm farms in Terengganu before year-end.

It has started three worm farms in Kuantan as demand for worm fertilizers is growing and more farmers in East Coast venture into organic farming.

-- BERNAMA

Kelantan Views ECER Positively

October 22, 2008 22:34 PM

Kelantan Views ECER Positively

KOTA BAHARU, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Pas-led Kelantan state government has given the thumbs up to the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) although most of the mega projects have yet to take off.

Agriculture, Rural Industries and Biotechnology committee chairman Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said the implementation of the ECER can help improve the income of the Kelantan people.

He added that the state government would give its undivided cooperation to ensure the success of the ECER.

"Projects under ECER have not started, so the people have not seen the benefit yet but the government has taken a positive approach to ensure the welfare of the Kelantan people," said Che Abdullah when answering a question by Abdul Aziz Kadir (Pas-Jelawat) at the state assembly sitting here Wednesday.

Meanwhile, chairman for Entrepreneur Development, Commerce, and Unity, Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah said 60 companies and local individuals had become fishing entrepreneurs in Tok Bali.

He said the setting up of a jetty in Tok Bali had provided a major impetus for entrepreneurs to venture into the fishing industry in a big way.

"The growth of the fishing industry in Tok Bali has also encouraged the growth of fish related products in Semerak and Tok Bali with about 80 premises already involved in the "keropok" business," said Anuar when answering a question by Wan Hassan Wan Ibrahim (Pas-Semerak).

-- BERNAMA

15-10-2008: RM30m allocated for ECER this year

15-10-2008: RM30m allocated for ECER this year
by Sharon Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM30 million has been allocated for the implementation of East Coast Economic Region (ECER) projects this year, and 78 out of the 106 programmes identified for the zone under the Ninth Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review are on track to take off this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz told Parliament that a few of the projects, especially those which provide the basic infrastructure to attract investments, are being rolled out. They include the Gambang Industrial Park, Kertih Plastic Industry Cluster Project and Kenaf Industry in Bachok.

Amirshan said the projects would bring benefits to the locals and help elevate poverty.

“The government believes that with many jobs and business opportunities created through the programmes and projects, the people’s income and quality of life would improve,” he said.

Petronas plans to build a supply base in Kelantan to facilitate the extraction of oil and gas offshore, Amirsham said. The national oil corporation is in the process of getting investors into the region, including some from the chemical industry.

He said that RM141.9 million has been committed by various companies, including Petronas, which will launch its Polymer Technology Centre at a cost of RM50 million.

Source: The Edge Daily

Sunday, October 12, 2008

IT Companies in the East Coast Region

Overview

• For the period of 2005-2010, ICT expenditure in Malaysia is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 10 per cent.
• By 2010, International Data Corporation forecasted that ICT expenditure in Malaysia will reach RM22 billion.
• The development and widespread usage of information and communication technologies (ICT) are central to the realisation of Vision 2020 of a knowledge-based economy.
• ICT usage has improved efficiencies among the Malaysian enterprises and has also directly increased Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
• Viewed favorably by multinational corporations for its competitiveness in the global arena, Malaysia was recently ranked in the top three of the services and outsourcing industry worldwide.
• Malaysia is also a preferred choice for IT off-shoring for companies in the West Asia. Progressive Government policies and efforts in offering a world-class environment and attractive incentives through special zones will continue to attract businesses from around the globe.
• The MSC Malaysia is evident of the Government’s support and encouragement towards the development of both talent and technology to stay competitive in the global arena.
• As at 31 December 2007, a total of 1,994 companies were granted MSC Status by the Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
• The companies are categorised into 6 main technologies namely creative multimedia, internet-based business, shared services and outsourcing, application software and mobility embedded hardware & software (MeSH), and institutions of higher learning.

IT COMPANIES IN ECER

KRIM NETWORK SDN BHD
No. 589-A, Jalan Nesan Empat, 20000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Tel: +609-6270320 / Fax: +609-6226059
W: http://software.krimnet.com/


KRIM Network Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status company. The company specialises in supporting socio-economic development programmes. The Software Unit provides the information technology to assist portfolio managers plan and monitor a wide range of development programmes.

The Software Unit develops and maintains web based database application systems for programmes on bridging the digital divide, poverty, community service, economic intelligence, rural economic development, human capital development and budgetary expenditure monitoring. The company is among the very few that addresses the importance of effectiveness and efficiency when implementing programmes.

KRIM Network Sdn Bhd was established in 1997 and was originally involved in the business of conducting motivational courses and industrial training. Since then, the company has grown from its conventional business activities into the information technology media. The company is presently one of the leading information technology companies in Terengganu, with projects in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Selangor.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

First B747-400 to land in Terengganu

2008/10/12

First B747-400 to land in Terengganu
By : Sean Augustin

KUALA TERENGGANU: For the first time, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 landed at the Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, bringing a load of excited passengers and good news for the state.

The debut flight yesterday signalled the beginning of direct flights to Mecca for Muslims on the east coast to perform the haj, bringing to fruit a four-year-old ambition.

This year will see 18 return flights to Jeddah beginning Nov 13 and the ferrying of about 3,000 pilgrims from Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.

In the past, pilgrims from the east coast would head for Kuala Lumpur before boarding a flight to Mecca.

The landing also signified state preparations to fly in horses beginning on Oct 17 for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in early November.

The state government also signed an agreement to finance a sum of RM4.6 million with MAS, being the excess cost for the haj this year and the WEC, including transportation cost for ground service equipment, logistics and petrol.

The cost was supposed to be borne by MAS due to the change in flight schedules from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Sultan Mahmud Airport.

"With the new facilities, the airport has reached international standard and we are working hard to get the title from the Transport Ministry," said Terengganu Men-teri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said after greeting 224 passengers, including 40 orphans and journalists, on the flight.

"It will be a gateway to the east coast," Ahmad said, adding that negotiations were also ongoing with the Department of Civil Aviation to bring in more flights from China because of the airport's convenient location.

"The airport is a long-term investment for the state and we hope to get more international flights and develop the tourism industry.

"Right now, we are looking at incentives, including an airport tax subsidy to attract more international landings."

MAS external relations senior general manager Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang captained a fly-past over the airport and the city before landing about 3pm, when it received a water salute from two fire trucks.

Over 100 Businessmen To Attend ECER DC Briefing On Trade With Chinese Chamber

October 09, 2008 17:20 PM

Over 100 Businessmen To Attend ECER DC Briefing On Trade With Chinese Chamber

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Over 100 businessmen are keen to attend the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECER DC) briefing session on trade and investment prospects in ECER states with the Chinese chamber.

The session, covering business networking and business-match meetings, will be held at the Primula Beach Resort in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.

The 13th Dialogue of the Affiliated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang follows several of ECER DCs participation in various incoming trade missions to Kuala Lumpur, most recently from Guangdong, China, and India, said ECER DC in a statement.

It said the ECER DC recently launched special incentives to develop specific business clusters that would stimulate and promote urban and regional economic growth.

"These incentives are tailor-made especially for this region aimed at transforming ECER into a cost competitive and vibrant business hub," it said.

The ECER initiative spans five main industry clusters -- tourism, manufacturing, oil, gas and petrochemical, agriculture and education.

It aims to achieve RM112 billion investments for the initiatives by 2020 to improve income levels and enhance the regions socio-economic standing.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Company Visit Schedule

List of companies visited / need to be visited.

In the Horizon
- Symphony Advance (Kenaf)
- SolarTIF (Solar Panel)
- Trentim Wood (Sawn Timber / Moulding / Wood for Garden Furniture)

January 2009
- Permint Suterasemai (Silks: Batik, Crafts etc)
- Habibah Enterprise Sdn Bhd (Songket)

December 2008
- UHR Technologies (Computer Hardware/Software, Hospital Supplies etc)
- More on the Shipbuilding Industries

10 November 2008 (tentative)
- Kay Marine Sdn Bhd (Shipbuildings)
- Tuan Haji Abdullah Muda (Wooden Traditional Boats)

22 Oct 2008
- MSET Engineering, Pulau Kambing, Terengganu - Shipbuildings
- Noor Arfa Batik, K. Trg, Terengganu - Batik

20 Oct 2008
- Ain Medicare, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan - Pharmaceuticals
- Sepatu Timur, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan - Leather footwears

25 Sept 2008
- Felda Residence (Hotel)

9 Sept 2008
- Koleksi Idaman Wanita (Mak Wan Tradional Herbal Oil)

13 August 2008
- Kilang Papan Mohd Yusof & Anak2 SB (Sawn Timber / Door)
- Vivid Business SB (Fuel Oil / LPG Cylinder Valves

12 August 2008
- PERTIMA Terengganu Sdn Bhd (Canned Food)
- Tenox Hi-Tech (M) Sdn Bhd (Automotive Cable Ties / Clips)

1 July 2008
- Amalgamated Metal Builders (Oil and Gas Equipment - Pressure Gas, Tanks, Valves etc)
- Drillex Waste Management (Waste Management Services)

30 June 2008
- Madura Industries SB (Carbonated Drinks)
- GT Herbs Industries (Coffee with Enrycoma Longifolia or Tongkat Ali)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Pertima Terengganu Sdn Bhd (Tinned Food)

A wholly owned subsidiary of Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation. Established in 1972, Pertima has become a leader in producing high quality can food products. PERTIMA's factory is fully equipped and able to produce quality canned food products such as sardines in tomato sauce, egg jam, chicken curry, beef curry and renday.

PERTIMA also has been certified as a halal facilities.

Tinning facilities. Ranging from fishes, beef, mutton and also fruits.

Example of end products.

Contact Details:
PERTIMA TERENGGANU SDN BHD
Kawasan Perindustrian Chendering
21080, Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
T: + 609 - 6171 211 / 411 / 322
F: + 609 - 6171 246
E: pertima0@streamyx.com
W: www.pertimatrg.bravehost.com

Products
- Tinned food – sardines, beefs etc under Pertima Brand
- Also offering services for halal tinning of beef / muttons etc under Qurban Aid etc

Monday, October 6, 2008

Sepatu Timur Sdn Bhd (Leather Footware)

Sepatu Timur is a manufacturer of leather footwear such as military footwear, uniform dress footwear, industrial safety footwear and ladies footwear under the proprietary brand MINOLI. The manufacturing facolity is located at its own 110,879 square feet land with annual production capacity of 375,000 pairs.

Link: http://www.sepatutimur.com/catalogue.htm

Contact Details:
Sepatu Timur Sdn. Bhd.
Lot 1316, K.P. Pengkalan Chepa II
Jalan Padang Tembak
16100 Kota Bharu
Tel : 7739617/773 1342 Fax: 7736289
Email: enquiries@sepatutimur.com

Products:
24.11.1984
‘Footwear (safety footwear, combat boot, uniform walking shoes)’
30.01.1992

Already exporting to:- Papua New Guines, Fiji, Cambodia, France and Tahiti.

Target export market: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia and Vietnam

Ladies Shoes


Military Shoes


Source: www.sepatutimur.com

Nor Arfa Batek Sdn Bhd

Noor Arfa is a pioneer of the much acclaimed batik industry in Malaysia. The Noor Arfa story has a humble beginning in 1980 in a small atelier in Kuala Terengganu when the husband and wife team of Wan Mohd. Ariffin and Noor Hijerah started designing and hand-drawing their own batik cloth. The venture, known as Noor Arfa, is an acronym derived from the combination of the names of this young and enterprising couple. It was soon destined to grow by leaps and bounds to the multi-million dollar corporation it is today.



p/s I'll post a better picture when I visit their premise in two weeks time.

But success did not come without painstaking patience and hard work. Always improvising and striving for the best in batik designs, Noor Arfa won the admiration and recognition from the local community for their meticulous design and high quality fabrics.

Already, Noor Arfa has achieved the status and rare distinction of being the largest batik producing in the country, with distribution centre spread throughout the nation. The factory itself occupies a sprawling 2.5 acres site in the Cendering Industrial Area of Kuala Terengganu.It houses not only the manufacturing facility but also one of Malaysia's largest batik showroom at (Lot 1048-K, Chendering Industrial Area, 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia).It is frequented daily by bus loads of tourist eager to see the best batik the idyllic state of Kuala Terengganu has to offer. Our showroom and marketing office in Kuala Lumpur is located at this address

Address:
No. 293 & 295, Medan Tuanku,
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
50100 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
Tel: 603-2692 4700
Fax: 603-2694 4700
W: http://www.noor-arfa.com.my/
E:batik@noor-arfa.com.my

Target Export Market: UAE, Japan, South Africa, Netherlands, USA

With a strong force of more than 200 employees Noor Arfa continues to strive for par-excellence in meeting the discerning taste of every customer. This commitment pledge from the onset has been held steadfastly through their almost 2 decades in the traditional batik industry.

The company has been manufacturing Batik for the global market for more than 28 years.

Source: www.noor-arfa.com.my

To Do List

I have been thinking last night on a few things to do on this blog.

Firstly, I will do a special sessions on the companies that I have visited in ECER. Though some have their own website, most don't maybe these companies are not too IT savvy. Maybe this will evolve in time especially the cost of maintaining a website is cheaper now and it is a great medium for reaching more audience both locally and internationally.

Secondly, I will be getting practical students in Jan next year. I am thinking to assign them each to do a special industry profile and also maintaining the websites in searching for these industries. They would also need to translate their findings in Bahasa Malaysia especially those that incorporates more information on how Malaysian firms can penetrate the global market. Three assignments for these students would be:
- Oil and Gas Sector;
- Batik and Traditional Handicrafts; and
- Food and Beverages

These students would need to post their findings in their own special blog that I will create for them which in turn will be linked to this website. Hope that the effort will go on even though I expired my three years term here in Terengganu. Amen.

Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu

I had the chance to go round the Felda Residence Hotel in Kuala Terangganu a week before Eid. Newly opened, I am impressed with the newness of it all. Just attaching a few photos as well as the contact details should anyone would like to try it out.

FELDA RESIDENCE KUALA TERENGGANU
Jalan Hiliran
21400, Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
T: 09 – 632 1111
F: 09 – 632 1122
W: www.plantationresorts.com.my

The hotel lobby. A bit deserted though with only the concierge stationed at the lift base.

View from the receptionist area at level two.

Reception lobby.

Seminar room at Level 19 - Andaman, can be converted into private dining hall. Two opposite views - The Terengganu River on one side and the City / Beach on the other side.

Side view. Can see the Crystal Mosque from afar.

Duluxe Room.

Living room for suites.

Bathroom features.

Breakkie room.

Lemongrass Producer In East Coast To Roll-out Franchise System

October 06, 2008 15:21 PM

Lemongrass Producer In East Coast To Roll-out Franchise System

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Bio Daun Plantation Sdn Bhd, one of the largest lemongrass producers in the East Coast, will roll-out a franchise system to create entrepreneurs and fast track expansion.

Lemongrass is a herb identified for agriculture development and an important source of income within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) states of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and the district of Mersing in Johor.

"Lemongrass is a high yield agriculture product which is ready for harvesting within a short period of six months," said Bio Daun director Mohd Nizam Mohamed in a statement Monday.

He said its essential oil and powder extract is lucrative because it has big commercial potential, both locally and for export.

"Worth RM1.618 billion, the market for lemongrass essential oil is escalating at 10-15 percent annually. The biggest demand comes from Europe, specifically Germany as well as the United States and Japan," he added.

Mohd Nizam also said 9,125 stumps of lemongrass plants can be grown on a hectare of land, creating an income of between RM35,000 and RM42,500 upon harvest after six months.

Lemongrass is widely used as a herb in Asian cuisine. It is also used industrially as an insect repellent, for aromatherapy, perfumes, comestics and anti-cancer products.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Education To Drive Socio-economic Development In ECER

September 26, 2008 19:45 PM

Education To Drive Socio-economic Development In ECER

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Education and training through the East Coast Economic Region's (ECER) newly established Centres of Education (COEs) will boost productivity, socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Khaled Nordin said these COEs would focus on adapting and transferring knowledge and technology tailored to the population's needs.

"The COEs will assist ECER to meet its objectives and ensure sustainability.

"They will help the ECER Development Council to identify needs, adapt appropriate technologies, and transfer such needs to the community through pilot projects or demonstration models," he said in a statement here Friday.

He said they would also provide training to the community to absorb new practices for the relevant technologies being tranferred and to continuously upgrade practices.

"For example, the COE at Universiti Teknologi Mara, Dungun has developed training modules and is currently running courses to enhance the hospitality industry," he said.

There are 12 COEs in the ECER, with each COE undertaking a specific task to facilitate economic development in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor.

They involve Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kelantan, Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia (UDM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), UiTM Terengganu, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and UiTM Pahang.

"These 12 COEs will be managed and coordinated by a joint committee comprising the ECER Development Council and the industry relations unit," Khaled said.

He said the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of the COEs would be established by the ministry and ECER Development Council to meet the needs of the council.

"The KPIs include the successful implementation of projects, adoption of new practices by the communities, and consequently the improvement of the communities' livelihoods.

"The improvement to the social being, productivity and ability to generate income of the target population are key parameters in determining the COEs' success," he said.

-- BERNAMA

China Paddy Husk Processing Technology For Kelantan

China Paddy Husk Processing Technology For Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Kelantan aims to utilise paddy husk processing technology from China to boost the animal feed industry in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The Kelantan State Agriculture, Rural Industries and Biotechnology Committee recently met a team of biotechnology experts from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanking and Technology Risk Management Company at an economic exchange conference, the ECER secretariat said in a statement.

Committee chairman Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said the conference provided an opportunity for the state government agencies to gain valuable insights into Chinas biotechnology development.

"The research team from China expressed their interest to invest here as Kelantan is a state with bountiful natural resources and minerals, hence having high potential for biotechnology industry development," he said.

Paddy husk is produced throughout the world as a waste by-product of the milling process. In Malaysia, some 350,000 tonnes of paddy husks are produced annually.

This figure represents 22 per cent of total paddy milled. The waste have traditionally been burnt in the field or trucked out and dumped.

With growing awareness for environmental conservation, these practices are becoming unacceptable.

In recent years, practical alternatives are being sought and developed to improve environmental management.

One of the major alternatives is to use paddy husk as an animal feed component.

This will help solve some of the environmental problems and simultaneously create an additional source of income for rice farmers.

Malaysia imports about RM1.1 billion worth of animal feed annually, with most of it grain-based feed due to the high cost of grain production domestically.

However, the livestock industry is still facing animal feed shortage following Indias ban on maize export.

ECER targets that by 2020, the animal feed industry cluster for forage, silage and grain-based feed will reach 100,500, 20,100 and 561,830 metric tonnes, respectively.

-- BERNAMA

Worm Fertilizer Project To Boost Agriculture Yields In ECER

September 29, 2008 13:55 PM

Worm Fertilizer Project To Boost Agriculture Yields In ECER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Worm farming for fertilizer projects to boost agriculture yields is being pioneered in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), starting with the Pahang Farmers Organisation Authority.

Some 1,000 farmers from the Kuantan Farmers Association will be involved with the initial project, ECER said in a statement today.

In addition to increasing yield and enhancing soil quality, ECER said the use of worm fertilizers reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and help growers tap into the growing demand for organic food.

Worms are also a green solution to food waste as they are efficient digesting machines that eat over half their body weight in organic matter daily, leaving behind nutrient rich worm castings (poop) which are completely natural at low cost.

According to ECER, apart from quality yield, worm fertilizer produced by earthworms will increase soil aggregate stability, aeration and reduce erosion.

Its broad base of nutrients adds beneficial organisms, nutrients and minerals sustain healthy plant life and stimulate growth, it added.

Aiza Agro Sdn Bhd, a company breeding and selling worm fertilizers in Pahang, said it has seen more fruit and vegetable farmers making a switch due to worm fertilizers' potency and lower procurement costs.

"Worm fertilizers cost less than chemical fertilizers as the growers only need a third of the normal amount of chemical fertilizers. Farmers also need to apply fertilizers less frequently," Aiza Agro managing director Zamsulidayat Ismail said.

He said worm fertilizers cost less at an average of RM3,500 per tonne compared to chemical fertilizers at RM4,000 per tonne, adding that less water is required and plants become more disease-resistant.

Zamsulidayat said the company is planning to open worm farms in Terengganu before year-end.

It has started three worm farms in Kuantan as demand for worm fertilizers is growing and more farmers in East Coast venture into organic farming.

-- BERNAMA

A money spinner in the 'rebana'

2008/10/05

A money spinner in the 'rebana'

KUALA LUMPUR: The rebana, the traditional single-headed Malay drum, is enjoying a revival in many local and international circles, and an enterprising craftsman is making sure that the trend continues.

Besut-based Hapizi Husin, 26, appears to be the only entrepreneur of his generation to be producing the instrument and his interest is paying off.

"Besides producing rebana for dikir barat shows, marhaban and weddings, I also produce small rebana as souvenirs for foreigners and for corporate events," said Hapizi.

"With guidance from my father, I hope to hone my rebana-producing skills and support my family. And God willing, I intend to develop the rebana market internationally soon."

Hapizi can expect to receive a big boost to help him realise his dream because handicraft industries which involve the production of items such batik and rebana have been linked to the tourism and manufacturing sectors in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER),

Rebana production would fall under the "wood-based cluster" in the ECER master plan.

Products worth more than RM15 billion from the country's "wood-based cluster" have been exported to more than 100 countries.

According to the master plan, one way for the rebana to reach the international market is to have a craft museum which could serve as a one-stop centre for manufacturers to market and sell their products to tourists in the ECER.

"Usually, once the products are ready, we will send them to the Besut district council to be marketed. We also take part in expos and carnivals to promote the rebana," said Hapizi, whose workshop is based in Kampung Gong Ubi Keling, Besut.

Among the major challenges of the business are the availability of raw materials and their high cost.

There are four types of rebana -- rebana pengerum, rebana ubi, rebana penganak and rebana dikir barat. The rebana ubi, which is at least 70cm in diameter, is the biggest. -- Bernama