The food processing sector accounts for about 10% of Malaysia manufacturing output. Processed foods are exported to more than 80 countries, with an annual export value of more than RM6 billion (US$1.9 billion) which amounts to two-thirds of the total Malaysian food exports of over RM10 billion.
Although the export performance of this sector has doubled over the last ten years, Malaysia continues to be a net importer of food products with annual import of more than RM15 billion (US$4.7 billion).
In terms of numbers, small and medium-sized firms dominate the food industry in Malaysia. The major groupings are the fish and fish products, livestock and livestock products, fruits and vegetables, and cocoa-based sectors.
The fish processing industry is largely export-oriented and encompasses the processing of prawns, canning of fish, and the production of surimi products. Most aquaculture farms in Malaysia are involved in prawn farming and processing and largely for export market. Some companies have moved into the production of higher value-added products including breaded and battered products, as well as food supplements.
In the livestock industry, Malaysia is an exporter of poultry meat.However, the country is still a net importer of meat products, particularly beef and mutton. The processing of chicken meat has backward linkages to the poultry sector and this represents more than 60 per cent of the total meat processed.
The fruit and vegetable processing industry in Malaysia has great potential for import substitution as well as in the export sector. Dragon fruit is becoming a popular fruit for value added activities. Other fruits that have been well received in the export market were pink guava, passion fruits and pineapple for puree and juices. Investors are encouraged to undertake commercial cultivation of fruits and vegetables to ensure consistent supply and quality control.
Malaysia is currently the largest cocoa processing country in Asia and ranked fourth in the world.Malaysia is a net exporter of cocoa products including chocolates.Malaysian cocoa products are exported to over 66 countries, including USA, Australia, France, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand.
Currently, the key areas for growth and development in the food processing industry in Malaysia are functional food, convenience food, food ingredients and halal food.
Busier lifestyle and rising disposable incomes have led to the growing popularity of convenience food.Further improvements in the preparation of convenience food with focus on health have led to the rapid growth in the demand for products such as cereals, fruit bars, and fresh ready-to-eat salads or fruits. Value-added palm oil-based specialty product to cater to demand from health conscious and vegetarian consumers is also potential for further development in Malaysia.The increasing consumer awareness and focus on nutrition and health has created a demand for minimally processed fresh food, organic food and natural food flavours from plants and seafood.Functional/health food produced in Malaysia is mainly in the form of food products that are enriched.Food ingredients such as customized formulations required by the food manufacturers, natural food additives and flavours have the potential for further growth. Currently, Malaysia imports about 70 per cent of its food ingredient requirement.
For the halal food, global market value is estimated at about US$547 billion a year.Recognising the importance and potential of the industry, Muslim and non-Muslim countries are undertaking various initiatives to capitalise on the growth prospects in the industry.The halal food industry in Malaysia provides immense opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers
Last Updated : Mon, 23 June 2008
Source: MIDA (http://www.mida.gov.my/)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Pahang to become country’s first ICT hub
Friday July 25, 2008 MYT 4:44:16 PM
Pahang to become country’s first ICT hub
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD
KUANTAN: Pahang is set to become the first information, communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure hub in the country with investments estimated between RM10bil and RM12bil.
Under the project, the state will be turned into a high-speed broadband infrastructure provider offering bandwidth between 30MB and 100MB nationwide.
According to state Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin, the project was proposed to be undertaken by a consortium that would comprise state government-linked company, Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd and several well-established companies from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Europe and the United States.
``A proposal on the project was submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) a few weeks ago.
``We are now waiting to make a presentation before the Cabinet Committee on ICT that is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,'' he told reporters Thursday after presenting prizes to winners of a debate competition organised by the state Anti-Corruption Agency and education department at a hotel here.
He added that a team consisting of technical specialists conducted a three-year research before they drafted the proposal.
To a question, Mohd Sharkar said the project would be funded by the consortium and several financial institutions and that the Government did not have to spend a single sen.
``The companies and financial institutions have given their commitment to provide financial back-up for the project,'' he added.
He said it was understood that a sum of RM10bil would be allocated by the Government to develop ICT facilities.
``If the consortium gets the nod to proceed with the project, the RM10bil allocation can be used for other people-centric projects,'' he said.
Mohd Sharkar said the project would also benefit at least 1,700 contractors who would be responsible in laying fibre optic cables to consumers' premises and homes.
On how soon the project could commence, Mohd Sharkar said it could take off any time after the approval was obtained.
It would be developed in stages with the first phase to cover populated areas and capital cities such as Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru and Kuantan, he said, adding, it would take three years to complete.
The second and third phase would include rural areas nationwide, he said.
The Star Online
Pahang to become country’s first ICT hub
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD
KUANTAN: Pahang is set to become the first information, communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure hub in the country with investments estimated between RM10bil and RM12bil.
Under the project, the state will be turned into a high-speed broadband infrastructure provider offering bandwidth between 30MB and 100MB nationwide.
According to state Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin, the project was proposed to be undertaken by a consortium that would comprise state government-linked company, Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd and several well-established companies from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Europe and the United States.
``A proposal on the project was submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) a few weeks ago.
``We are now waiting to make a presentation before the Cabinet Committee on ICT that is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,'' he told reporters Thursday after presenting prizes to winners of a debate competition organised by the state Anti-Corruption Agency and education department at a hotel here.
He added that a team consisting of technical specialists conducted a three-year research before they drafted the proposal.
To a question, Mohd Sharkar said the project would be funded by the consortium and several financial institutions and that the Government did not have to spend a single sen.
``The companies and financial institutions have given their commitment to provide financial back-up for the project,'' he added.
He said it was understood that a sum of RM10bil would be allocated by the Government to develop ICT facilities.
``If the consortium gets the nod to proceed with the project, the RM10bil allocation can be used for other people-centric projects,'' he said.
Mohd Sharkar said the project would also benefit at least 1,700 contractors who would be responsible in laying fibre optic cables to consumers' premises and homes.
On how soon the project could commence, Mohd Sharkar said it could take off any time after the approval was obtained.
It would be developed in stages with the first phase to cover populated areas and capital cities such as Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru and Kuantan, he said, adding, it would take three years to complete.
The second and third phase would include rural areas nationwide, he said.
The Star Online
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Taking beef supply by the horn
Taking beef supply by the horn
NST Online
The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah (third from right), inspecting a Brakmas bull at the the new research centre at Muadzam Shah, Rompin, yesterday.
2008/07/22
MUADZAM SHAH: The Brakmas bull may be the answer to Malaysia's perennial beef shortage.
A cross between the famed Brahman bulls from Texas and local Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cows, the species matures faster and produces calves that will provide more meat on maturity.
The Brakmas, introduced in 1999, will truly make their presence felt when the new RM2.9 million Mardi research centre near here is ready by 2010.
The centre, to have the capacity to raise more than 100 breeding bulls annually, will also supply bulls to multiplier farms where cattle could be reproduced for distribution to small breeders.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Zulkifli Idris said the bulls would breed with local cows and create calves of better quality.
"At present, the old research centre here can only produce about 40 Brakmas bulls annually," he said after the ground-breaking for the new research centre by Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang.
Also present were the Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Kalsom, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Abd Shukor Abd Rahman.
Dr Zulkifli said a Brakmas bull could mate with 25 cows at any one time, compared with the KK bull which could do so with just 10 cows.
"Within two or three years, we will have more crossbreed cattle and increased our self sufficiency level in meat production to 28 per cent compared with 23 per cent at present,"
Less than 20 per cent of the 750,000 cattle in the country are Brakmas.
Dr Zulkifili said Pahang's request to turn Rompin and Pekan into new rice bowl areas would be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan.
He said the government was focusing on the existing rice bowl areas besides developing new ones in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the ministry would need an allocation to improve the irrigation system in Rompin and Pekan before the districts could be turned into new rice bowl areas.
Earlier, Sultan Ahmad Shah and his consort spent two hours visiting the exhibition area which showcased various Mardi products, including the Brakmas cattle.
NST Online
The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah (third from right), inspecting a Brakmas bull at the the new research centre at Muadzam Shah, Rompin, yesterday.
2008/07/22
MUADZAM SHAH: The Brakmas bull may be the answer to Malaysia's perennial beef shortage.
A cross between the famed Brahman bulls from Texas and local Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cows, the species matures faster and produces calves that will provide more meat on maturity.
The Brakmas, introduced in 1999, will truly make their presence felt when the new RM2.9 million Mardi research centre near here is ready by 2010.
The centre, to have the capacity to raise more than 100 breeding bulls annually, will also supply bulls to multiplier farms where cattle could be reproduced for distribution to small breeders.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Zulkifli Idris said the bulls would breed with local cows and create calves of better quality.
"At present, the old research centre here can only produce about 40 Brakmas bulls annually," he said after the ground-breaking for the new research centre by Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang.
Also present were the Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Kalsom, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Abd Shukor Abd Rahman.
Dr Zulkifli said a Brakmas bull could mate with 25 cows at any one time, compared with the KK bull which could do so with just 10 cows.
"Within two or three years, we will have more crossbreed cattle and increased our self sufficiency level in meat production to 28 per cent compared with 23 per cent at present,"
Less than 20 per cent of the 750,000 cattle in the country are Brakmas.
Dr Zulkifili said Pahang's request to turn Rompin and Pekan into new rice bowl areas would be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan.
He said the government was focusing on the existing rice bowl areas besides developing new ones in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the ministry would need an allocation to improve the irrigation system in Rompin and Pekan before the districts could be turned into new rice bowl areas.
Earlier, Sultan Ahmad Shah and his consort spent two hours visiting the exhibition area which showcased various Mardi products, including the Brakmas cattle.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
More to qualify for SME award
Monday July 21, 2008
More to qualify for SME award
By SHAHRIL CHE WAN
The Terengganu government is confident that local entrepreneurs will qualify for the new category of SME Young Entrepreneur Award under this year's SME Recognition Award.
State Trade, Industrial and Environment committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said more robust and quality entrepreneurs had been created with the support and expertise of the state’s Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU).
“Therefore, we anticipate that there would be more locals vying for the (SME Recognition) award this year.
“We hope with the cooperation from YPU, more participants could be lured to compete for the award,” he said during the award briefing in Kuala Terengganu recently.
Toh added that the YPU as a state government agency had been successful in providing the essential thrust in creating superlative entrepreneurs.
He also noted that the state government had provided numerous incentives to local entrepreneurs including slashing the interest rate for loans to 2% from 4%.
The roadshow on the award will cover 10 other states including Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca and Johor.
Organised by the SMI Association of Malaysia, the annual award is open to all local small and medium enterprises (SME) and nominations should be submitted before Aug 31. There are 16 categories that would see a total of 88 winners including two other new categories - Social Responsibility Excellence Award and Government-Linked Enterprise Excellence Award.
STAR Online
More to qualify for SME award
By SHAHRIL CHE WAN
The Terengganu government is confident that local entrepreneurs will qualify for the new category of SME Young Entrepreneur Award under this year's SME Recognition Award.
State Trade, Industrial and Environment committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said more robust and quality entrepreneurs had been created with the support and expertise of the state’s Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU).
“Therefore, we anticipate that there would be more locals vying for the (SME Recognition) award this year.
“We hope with the cooperation from YPU, more participants could be lured to compete for the award,” he said during the award briefing in Kuala Terengganu recently.
Toh added that the YPU as a state government agency had been successful in providing the essential thrust in creating superlative entrepreneurs.
He also noted that the state government had provided numerous incentives to local entrepreneurs including slashing the interest rate for loans to 2% from 4%.
The roadshow on the award will cover 10 other states including Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca and Johor.
Organised by the SMI Association of Malaysia, the annual award is open to all local small and medium enterprises (SME) and nominations should be submitted before Aug 31. There are 16 categories that would see a total of 88 winners including two other new categories - Social Responsibility Excellence Award and Government-Linked Enterprise Excellence Award.
STAR Online
Majuikan Implements Fishery Project For Hardcore Poor In ECER
July 18, 2008 14:44 PM
Majuikan Implements Fishery Project For Hardcore Poor In ECER
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Majuikan has introduced a fishery project, Fish Protech, to increase income and provide employment for the hardcore poor in Kelantan and Pahang in the East Coast Economic Region(ECER).
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), Majuikan is the project implementer of the development programme for the hardcore poor under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
The tender process for the development of the Fish Protech site in Tok Bali, Kelantan, has begun. Site works will be complete in November with trial runs in December. Full operations start in January next year.
Kuala Pahang has been identified as the site for the Fish Protech project in Pahang. Construction work will begin soon.
LKIM Director-General, Datuk Mustafa Ahmad said, RM10 million had been allocated for each of the Tok Bali and Kuala Pahang Fish Protech sites.
"The project will benefit the hardcore poor listed under the Ministry of Rural Development and registered with the district office," he said in a statement today.
Mustafa added that the Kelantan and Pahang state governments, together with LKIM, were responsible for channeling benefits to the 300 participants at each Fish Protech site.
"The participants will receive RM500 each every month. With Fish Protech technology, the respective sites can produce 300 metric tonnes annually," Mustafa explained.
The LKIM fishery project is a shift from the conventional method of breeding fish in cages to a fully-intergrated, pollution-free water recirculation and filtering system developed in Australia.
A farm can harvest fish thrice a year.The fish bred using this method are also heavier.
"Species such as barramundi, grouper, jade perch and marbled goby fetch an average RM16.50 per kilogram," Mustafa said.
As the fish breeding is done using tanks, it is less risky with a only five percent death rate compared to 30 using the traditional cage method.
According to Mustafa, the Fish Protech project is an answer to Malaysia's aim of achieving sustainable fish production and being less dependent on imports from Indonesia and Thailand.
The Fish Protech is also planned for Kuala Nerang, Kedah and Muar in Johor.
A first batch of 20 Majuikan staff are undergoing a six-month training programme at a pilot farm in Sepang. They will be assigned to the Fish Protech locations to provide assistance.
-- BERNAMA
Majuikan Implements Fishery Project For Hardcore Poor In ECER
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Majuikan has introduced a fishery project, Fish Protech, to increase income and provide employment for the hardcore poor in Kelantan and Pahang in the East Coast Economic Region(ECER).
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), Majuikan is the project implementer of the development programme for the hardcore poor under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
The tender process for the development of the Fish Protech site in Tok Bali, Kelantan, has begun. Site works will be complete in November with trial runs in December. Full operations start in January next year.
Kuala Pahang has been identified as the site for the Fish Protech project in Pahang. Construction work will begin soon.
LKIM Director-General, Datuk Mustafa Ahmad said, RM10 million had been allocated for each of the Tok Bali and Kuala Pahang Fish Protech sites.
"The project will benefit the hardcore poor listed under the Ministry of Rural Development and registered with the district office," he said in a statement today.
Mustafa added that the Kelantan and Pahang state governments, together with LKIM, were responsible for channeling benefits to the 300 participants at each Fish Protech site.
"The participants will receive RM500 each every month. With Fish Protech technology, the respective sites can produce 300 metric tonnes annually," Mustafa explained.
The LKIM fishery project is a shift from the conventional method of breeding fish in cages to a fully-intergrated, pollution-free water recirculation and filtering system developed in Australia.
A farm can harvest fish thrice a year.The fish bred using this method are also heavier.
"Species such as barramundi, grouper, jade perch and marbled goby fetch an average RM16.50 per kilogram," Mustafa said.
As the fish breeding is done using tanks, it is less risky with a only five percent death rate compared to 30 using the traditional cage method.
According to Mustafa, the Fish Protech project is an answer to Malaysia's aim of achieving sustainable fish production and being less dependent on imports from Indonesia and Thailand.
The Fish Protech is also planned for Kuala Nerang, Kedah and Muar in Johor.
A first batch of 20 Majuikan staff are undergoing a six-month training programme at a pilot farm in Sepang. They will be assigned to the Fish Protech locations to provide assistance.
-- BERNAMA
Sarawak Business Community Urged To Utilise Matrade To Boost Overseas Trade
Sarawak Business Community Urged To Utilise Matrade To Boost Overseas Trade
KUCHING, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged the Sarawak manufacturing and Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SME) business community to reach greater heights by moving up their value chain in the global supply market and increasing their overall competitiveness.
Muhyiddin said that this could be achieved with Sarawakian companies making full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)'s various trade promotional activities, market access programmes and grants such as those for brand promotion and overseas trade missions.
"I believe that the presence of MATRADE's office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE," he said.
The minister said this when co-officiating the opening of MATRADE's office here on Thursday with the Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
He added MATRADE's office in Kuching was part of the initiatives by the government to intensify its services and deliverables to the Sarawak business community.
Muhyiddin also urged the local companies to take advantage of MATRADE's network of 34 offices worldwide.
He said only two per cent of total number of companies registered with MATRADE were from Sarawak and from January 1, 2002 to June 30 this year MATRADE only received 100 applications from Sarawakian companies for MATRADE's Market Development Grant (MDG) out of a total of 7,790 applications nationwide.
"Application for other grants such as the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) from Sarawak were negligible," he said.
The minister said Sarawak's total global trade from January to May this year amounted to RM30.6 billion, an increase of 19.9 per cent over the corresponding period in 2007. Exports expanded by 23.2 per cent to RM26.66 billion while imports increased by 1.55 per cent to RM3.93 billion.
High exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude petroleum, palm oil, plain plywood, saw logs and sawn timber contributed to the increase in exports for the first two months of 2008.
Sarawak trade surplus amounted to RM22.73 billion, an increase of 27.84 per cent over the corresponding period in 2007.
-- BERNAMA
KUCHING, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged the Sarawak manufacturing and Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SME) business community to reach greater heights by moving up their value chain in the global supply market and increasing their overall competitiveness.
Muhyiddin said that this could be achieved with Sarawakian companies making full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)'s various trade promotional activities, market access programmes and grants such as those for brand promotion and overseas trade missions.
"I believe that the presence of MATRADE's office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE," he said.
The minister said this when co-officiating the opening of MATRADE's office here on Thursday with the Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
He added MATRADE's office in Kuching was part of the initiatives by the government to intensify its services and deliverables to the Sarawak business community.
Muhyiddin also urged the local companies to take advantage of MATRADE's network of 34 offices worldwide.
He said only two per cent of total number of companies registered with MATRADE were from Sarawak and from January 1, 2002 to June 30 this year MATRADE only received 100 applications from Sarawakian companies for MATRADE's Market Development Grant (MDG) out of a total of 7,790 applications nationwide.
"Application for other grants such as the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) from Sarawak were negligible," he said.
The minister said Sarawak's total global trade from January to May this year amounted to RM30.6 billion, an increase of 19.9 per cent over the corresponding period in 2007. Exports expanded by 23.2 per cent to RM26.66 billion while imports increased by 1.55 per cent to RM3.93 billion.
High exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude petroleum, palm oil, plain plywood, saw logs and sawn timber contributed to the increase in exports for the first two months of 2008.
Sarawak trade surplus amounted to RM22.73 billion, an increase of 27.84 per cent over the corresponding period in 2007.
-- BERNAMA
Sabah & Sarawak: PKS pertingkat nilai dagangan
Sabah & Sarawak: PKS pertingkat nilai dagangan
Oleh Matzidi Dris
bhnews@bharian.com.my
KUCHING: Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (Miti) mahu semua pengilang dan pengusaha industri kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Sarawak berusaha mempertingkatkan sasaran nilai dagangan peringkat global sekali gus bersaing dengan mereka yang sudah lama maju.
Menterinya, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, berkata sasaran itu boleh dicapai sekiranya semua syarikat di Sarawak menggunakan sepenuhnya pelbagai kemudahan aktiviti perdagangan, program pemasaran dan promosi jenama serta misi perdagangan ke luar negara yang disediakan oleh Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade).
"Pembukaan pejabat Matrade di bandar raya ini, akan membantu, menggalakkan insentif kepada pengeksport dan PKS Sarawak sekali gus menggunakan semua kemudahan, program, peruntukan dan perkhidmatan yang disediakan Matrade," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian di majlis pembukaan rasmi pejabat Matrade Sarawak di Menara Grand, di sini, semalam, yang disempurnakan oleh Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.
Katanya, penubuhan pejabat Matrade di sini, sebahagian daripada inisiatif kerajaan untuk memudahkan lagi pengagihan perkhidmatan kepada masyarakat peniaga di Sarawak.
Muhyiddin juga berkata syarikat tempatan perlu merebut peluang itu kerana Matrade mempunyai 34 rangkaian pejabat di seluruh dunia.
Beliau berkata, pada masa ini hanya dua peratus daripada jumlah syarikat yang berdaftar dengan Matrade adalah dari Sarawak dari 1 Januari 2002 hingga 30 Jun lalu hanya 100 permohonan syarikat dari Sarawak untuk pembangunan pasaran Matrade daripada 7,790 permohonan di seluruh dunia.
Katanya, jumlah perdagangan global Sarawak dari Januari hingga Mei tahun ini sekitar RM30.6 bilion, meningkat 19.9 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama 2007.
Nilai eksport bertambah 23.3 peratus kepada 26.66 bilion sementara import meningkat 1.55 peratus kepada RM3.93 bilion.
Oleh Matzidi Dris
bhnews@bharian.com.my
KUCHING: Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (Miti) mahu semua pengilang dan pengusaha industri kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Sarawak berusaha mempertingkatkan sasaran nilai dagangan peringkat global sekali gus bersaing dengan mereka yang sudah lama maju.
Menterinya, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, berkata sasaran itu boleh dicapai sekiranya semua syarikat di Sarawak menggunakan sepenuhnya pelbagai kemudahan aktiviti perdagangan, program pemasaran dan promosi jenama serta misi perdagangan ke luar negara yang disediakan oleh Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade).
"Pembukaan pejabat Matrade di bandar raya ini, akan membantu, menggalakkan insentif kepada pengeksport dan PKS Sarawak sekali gus menggunakan semua kemudahan, program, peruntukan dan perkhidmatan yang disediakan Matrade," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian di majlis pembukaan rasmi pejabat Matrade Sarawak di Menara Grand, di sini, semalam, yang disempurnakan oleh Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.
Katanya, penubuhan pejabat Matrade di sini, sebahagian daripada inisiatif kerajaan untuk memudahkan lagi pengagihan perkhidmatan kepada masyarakat peniaga di Sarawak.
Muhyiddin juga berkata syarikat tempatan perlu merebut peluang itu kerana Matrade mempunyai 34 rangkaian pejabat di seluruh dunia.
Beliau berkata, pada masa ini hanya dua peratus daripada jumlah syarikat yang berdaftar dengan Matrade adalah dari Sarawak dari 1 Januari 2002 hingga 30 Jun lalu hanya 100 permohonan syarikat dari Sarawak untuk pembangunan pasaran Matrade daripada 7,790 permohonan di seluruh dunia.
Katanya, jumlah perdagangan global Sarawak dari Januari hingga Mei tahun ini sekitar RM30.6 bilion, meningkat 19.9 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama 2007.
Nilai eksport bertambah 23.3 peratus kepada 26.66 bilion sementara import meningkat 1.55 peratus kepada RM3.93 bilion.
Devt schemes not fully exploited
Devt schemes not fully exploited
Posted By rajlira On 18th July 2008 @ 00:00 In Local
State’s SMEs not quite aware of existence of grants and soft loans available to them: Muhyiddin
KUCHING: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry hopes to have better interaction with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak, particularly in matters related to available schemes, to help boost the sector.
NEW MATRADE OFFICE: Muhyiddin (left) and Taib cut the ribbon to officially open Matrade office at 10th floor Menara Grand. At right is Matrade Sarawak director Ahmad Shanizam Ab Ghani.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin believes that there is a need for this interaction given the poor response the state’s SMEs have towards these schemes compared to SMEs in Peninsular Malaysia.
“This (SMEs) is a very important sector, making up more than 96 per cent of our manufacturing sector. It employs more than 5.6 million and is a big contributor to our national Gross Domestic Product, constituting more than 30 per cent,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Investment and Trade Dialogue and Seminar on the Manufacturing and Services Sector here yesterday.
Based on such strong statistics, he said the government wanted to see SMEs develop further which they (SMEs) could do with the various grants and soft loans ready for the taking.
He said SMEs must also take note that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had already approved RM1 billion in additional funds now being managed by Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (Smidec).
He suggested that Smidec hold more seminars for the SMEs in the state. In his keynote address earlier, Muhyiddin said that as at last June 30, various grant schemes valued at RM449.92 million and soft loans amounting to RM652 million were approved.
Of these figures, RM8.4 million in various grant schemes and RM23.6 million in soft loans were approved for Sarawak, he said.
Muhyiddin also said that as a measure to reduce the impact of the fuel price hike, several facilities had been renewed for SMEs, and these included grants approved after June 1 being given 10 per cent upfront payment and payment for machinery and equipment to be made directly to the supplier.
Besides, he said the government had revised the guidelines for several soft loans schemes managed by the Malaysia Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) in order to assist SMEs to get soft loan financing, lower the costs of borrowings and encourage the use of energy efficient machinery and devices.
Also, Malaysian exporters could opt for financial assistance through the Market Development Grant (MDG), Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) offered by the government.
Muhyiddin said RM70.5 million had been approved to 2,357 companies for MDG since July 2002 and that 38 of the companies were from Sarawak.
Whereas for the BPG, 60 companies had been given grants valued at RM103.1 million since Jan 2004 while for the SEF, 319 companies had been given grants of RM19.8 million since Sept 2006, he said.
He said that under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, RM40 million had been allocated to Smidec for the implementation of Skills Upgrading Programme (SUP).
Borneo Post
Posted By rajlira On 18th July 2008 @ 00:00 In Local
State’s SMEs not quite aware of existence of grants and soft loans available to them: Muhyiddin
KUCHING: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry hopes to have better interaction with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak, particularly in matters related to available schemes, to help boost the sector.
NEW MATRADE OFFICE: Muhyiddin (left) and Taib cut the ribbon to officially open Matrade office at 10th floor Menara Grand. At right is Matrade Sarawak director Ahmad Shanizam Ab Ghani.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin believes that there is a need for this interaction given the poor response the state’s SMEs have towards these schemes compared to SMEs in Peninsular Malaysia.
“This (SMEs) is a very important sector, making up more than 96 per cent of our manufacturing sector. It employs more than 5.6 million and is a big contributor to our national Gross Domestic Product, constituting more than 30 per cent,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Investment and Trade Dialogue and Seminar on the Manufacturing and Services Sector here yesterday.
Based on such strong statistics, he said the government wanted to see SMEs develop further which they (SMEs) could do with the various grants and soft loans ready for the taking.
He said SMEs must also take note that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had already approved RM1 billion in additional funds now being managed by Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (Smidec).
He suggested that Smidec hold more seminars for the SMEs in the state. In his keynote address earlier, Muhyiddin said that as at last June 30, various grant schemes valued at RM449.92 million and soft loans amounting to RM652 million were approved.
Of these figures, RM8.4 million in various grant schemes and RM23.6 million in soft loans were approved for Sarawak, he said.
Muhyiddin also said that as a measure to reduce the impact of the fuel price hike, several facilities had been renewed for SMEs, and these included grants approved after June 1 being given 10 per cent upfront payment and payment for machinery and equipment to be made directly to the supplier.
Besides, he said the government had revised the guidelines for several soft loans schemes managed by the Malaysia Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) in order to assist SMEs to get soft loan financing, lower the costs of borrowings and encourage the use of energy efficient machinery and devices.
Also, Malaysian exporters could opt for financial assistance through the Market Development Grant (MDG), Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) offered by the government.
Muhyiddin said RM70.5 million had been approved to 2,357 companies for MDG since July 2002 and that 38 of the companies were from Sarawak.
Whereas for the BPG, 60 companies had been given grants valued at RM103.1 million since Jan 2004 while for the SEF, 319 companies had been given grants of RM19.8 million since Sept 2006, he said.
He said that under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, RM40 million had been allocated to Smidec for the implementation of Skills Upgrading Programme (SUP).
Borneo Post
Business community urged to utilise MATRADE to boost overseas trade
Business community urged to utilise MATRADE to boost overseas trade
Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin looking at a replica of a car during the opening of MATRADE's office in Sarawak yesterday. BERNAMA
KUCHING (Bernama) - The Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged the Sarawak manufacturing and Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SME) business community to reach greater heights by moving up their value chain in the global supply market and increasing their overall competitiveness.
Muhyiddin said that this could be achieved with Sarawakian companies making full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)'s various trade promotional activities, market access programmes and grants such as those for brand promotion and overseas trade missions.
"I believe that the presence of MATRADE's office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE," he said.
The minister said this when co-officiating the opening of MATRADE's office here yesterday with the Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
He added MATRADE's office in Kuching was part of the initiatives by the government to intensify its services and deliverables to the Sarawak business community.
Borneo News
Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin looking at a replica of a car during the opening of MATRADE's office in Sarawak yesterday. BERNAMA
KUCHING (Bernama) - The Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged the Sarawak manufacturing and Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SME) business community to reach greater heights by moving up their value chain in the global supply market and increasing their overall competitiveness.
Muhyiddin said that this could be achieved with Sarawakian companies making full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)'s various trade promotional activities, market access programmes and grants such as those for brand promotion and overseas trade missions.
"I believe that the presence of MATRADE's office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE," he said.
The minister said this when co-officiating the opening of MATRADE's office here yesterday with the Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
He added MATRADE's office in Kuching was part of the initiatives by the government to intensify its services and deliverables to the Sarawak business community.
Borneo News
Applications For Market Development Grant (MDG) Can Now Be Processed At MATRADE’s Sarawak Branch Office
By Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Bernama - Friday, July 18ATTENTION EDITOR, GENERAL & BUSINESS DESKS
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Applications For Market Development Grant (MDG) Can Now Be Processed At MATRADE’s Sarawak Branch Office
KUCHING, THURSDAY, July 17 - The Minister Of International Trade And Industry, YB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Has Urged Sarawak’s Manufacturing And SME Business Community To Greater Heights By Moving Up The Value Chain In The Global Supply Market And Increasing Their Overall Competitiveness.
He said that this could be achieved if Sarawakian companies made full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) various trade promotion activities, market access programmes and grants such as brand promotion and overseas trade missions. The minister said this when co-officiating the official opening of MATRADE’s office in Kuching, Sarawak today with YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Chief Minister of Sarawak.
In opening MATRADE’s Sarawak office, Tan Sri Muhyiddin stated, “I believe that the presence of MATRADE’s office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE.”
“MATRADE’s office in Kuching is part of the initiatives by the Government to intensify its services and deliverables to Sarawak’s business community. It is hoped that the establishment of MATRADE’s Sarawak office, Sarawakian companies will take advantage of the services provided by MATRADE as well as fully utilise MATRADE’s network of 34 offices worldwide,” he added.
In addition, the office, which spans 3,743 square feet, also has a display space called the MATRADE Sarawak Exhibition Centre (MSEC) where exporters can showcase samples of their products and services.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin noted that at present, only two per cent of the total number of companies registered with MATRADE were from Sarawak. Moreover, from January 1, 2002 to June 30, 2008, MATRADE only received 100 applications from Sarawakian companies for MATRADE’s Market Development Grant (MDG) out of a total of 7,790 applications nationwide. Applications for other grants such as the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) from Sarawak were negligible.
Furthermore, Tan Sri Muhyiddin added that in view of the current low uptake of the MDG scheme as well as to further enhance its service delivery, MATRADE has decided that from August 1, 2008, all MDG applications from Sarawakian companies would be processed by MATRADE’s Sarawak office.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin stressed that MATRADE’s presence in Sarawak would deliver strategic and key value-added services to Sarawak’s business community and key decision makers such as: · Access to trade leads in traditional as well as new markets; · Timely commercial intelligence and market information in printed and electronic media; · Facilitating participation of Sarawak companies in overseas trade promotion events; · Connecting the exporters to potential buyers; · Facilitating access to trade support and trade financing; and · Access to trade advisory services.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin emphasised, “I would like to use this occasion to encourage all Sarawak companies to register with MATRADE and fully utilise the services provided by us. The facilities provided by MATRADE with regards to researching trade information are useful for Sarawakian companies to formulate and implement export marketing strategies as well as gaining valuable real-time market information for the improvement and development of their respective businesses.”
“Moreover, MATRADE’s network of 34 offices worldwide will be a tremendous asset in assisting both Sarawakian exporters and foreign buyers to converge and establish mutually beneficial business networking relationships,” he pointed out.
The Minister said that the opening of MATRADE’s Sarawak office was timely in view of Sarawak’s increasing trade volume. Sarawak's total global trade for January 2008 to May 2008 amounted to RM30.6 billion, an increase of 19.9% over the corresponding period in 2007. Exports expanded by 23.2% to RM26.66 billion, while imports increased by 1.55% to RM 3.93 billion. Higher exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude petroleum, palm oil, plain plywood, saw logs and sawn timber contributed to the increase in exports for the first two months of 2008. Sarawak’s trade surplus amounted to RM22.73 billion, an increase of 27.84% over the corresponding period in 2007.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on March 1, 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Its functions are: · To promote, assist and develop Malaysia's external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services; · To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia's export; · To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia's trade; · To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters; · To enhance and protect Malaysia's international trade investment abroad; and · To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.
Source : Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
For more information, please contact: Mr. S. Jai Shankar Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) GL: 03 – 6207 7077 DL: 03 – 6207 7402 Fax: 03 – 6203 7194 Email: jai@matrade.gov.my
DATE OF RELEASE: 17 JULY 2008 RELEASED BY BERNAMA MEDIA RELATIONS & EVENT MANAGEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Applications For Market Development Grant (MDG) Can Now Be Processed At MATRADE’s Sarawak Branch Office
KUCHING, THURSDAY, July 17 - The Minister Of International Trade And Industry, YB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Has Urged Sarawak’s Manufacturing And SME Business Community To Greater Heights By Moving Up The Value Chain In The Global Supply Market And Increasing Their Overall Competitiveness.
He said that this could be achieved if Sarawakian companies made full use of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) various trade promotion activities, market access programmes and grants such as brand promotion and overseas trade missions. The minister said this when co-officiating the official opening of MATRADE’s office in Kuching, Sarawak today with YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Chief Minister of Sarawak.
In opening MATRADE’s Sarawak office, Tan Sri Muhyiddin stated, “I believe that the presence of MATRADE’s office in Kuching will further assist, encourage and incentivise Sarawakian exporters and SMEs to fully utilise the facilities, programmes, grants and services provided by MATRADE.”
“MATRADE’s office in Kuching is part of the initiatives by the Government to intensify its services and deliverables to Sarawak’s business community. It is hoped that the establishment of MATRADE’s Sarawak office, Sarawakian companies will take advantage of the services provided by MATRADE as well as fully utilise MATRADE’s network of 34 offices worldwide,” he added.
In addition, the office, which spans 3,743 square feet, also has a display space called the MATRADE Sarawak Exhibition Centre (MSEC) where exporters can showcase samples of their products and services.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin noted that at present, only two per cent of the total number of companies registered with MATRADE were from Sarawak. Moreover, from January 1, 2002 to June 30, 2008, MATRADE only received 100 applications from Sarawakian companies for MATRADE’s Market Development Grant (MDG) out of a total of 7,790 applications nationwide. Applications for other grants such as the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) and Services Export Fund (SEF) from Sarawak were negligible.
Furthermore, Tan Sri Muhyiddin added that in view of the current low uptake of the MDG scheme as well as to further enhance its service delivery, MATRADE has decided that from August 1, 2008, all MDG applications from Sarawakian companies would be processed by MATRADE’s Sarawak office.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin stressed that MATRADE’s presence in Sarawak would deliver strategic and key value-added services to Sarawak’s business community and key decision makers such as: · Access to trade leads in traditional as well as new markets; · Timely commercial intelligence and market information in printed and electronic media; · Facilitating participation of Sarawak companies in overseas trade promotion events; · Connecting the exporters to potential buyers; · Facilitating access to trade support and trade financing; and · Access to trade advisory services.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin emphasised, “I would like to use this occasion to encourage all Sarawak companies to register with MATRADE and fully utilise the services provided by us. The facilities provided by MATRADE with regards to researching trade information are useful for Sarawakian companies to formulate and implement export marketing strategies as well as gaining valuable real-time market information for the improvement and development of their respective businesses.”
“Moreover, MATRADE’s network of 34 offices worldwide will be a tremendous asset in assisting both Sarawakian exporters and foreign buyers to converge and establish mutually beneficial business networking relationships,” he pointed out.
The Minister said that the opening of MATRADE’s Sarawak office was timely in view of Sarawak’s increasing trade volume. Sarawak's total global trade for January 2008 to May 2008 amounted to RM30.6 billion, an increase of 19.9% over the corresponding period in 2007. Exports expanded by 23.2% to RM26.66 billion, while imports increased by 1.55% to RM 3.93 billion. Higher exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude petroleum, palm oil, plain plywood, saw logs and sawn timber contributed to the increase in exports for the first two months of 2008. Sarawak’s trade surplus amounted to RM22.73 billion, an increase of 27.84% over the corresponding period in 2007.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on March 1, 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Its functions are: · To promote, assist and develop Malaysia's external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services; · To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia's export; · To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia's trade; · To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters; · To enhance and protect Malaysia's international trade investment abroad; and · To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.
Source : Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
For more information, please contact: Mr. S. Jai Shankar Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) GL: 03 – 6207 7077 DL: 03 – 6207 7402 Fax: 03 – 6203 7194 Email: jai@matrade.gov.my
DATE OF RELEASE: 17 JULY 2008 RELEASED BY BERNAMA MEDIA RELATIONS & EVENT MANAGEMENT
Local businessmen to benefit from MATRADE S’wak office
Local businessmen to benefit from MATRADE S’wak office
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and Tan Sri Dato Haji Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin cutting the ribbon to officially open the MATRADE Sarawak office witnessed by Datuk Patinggi Dr. George Chan, (right) Ahmad Shanizam Abd Ghani, Director of MATRADE Sarawak and other guests. PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI
By Gerald Chung
KUCHING: Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin advised Sarawakians to make full use of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to formulate and implement export marketing strategies for the development of their respective businesses.
Muhyiddin who jointly officiated the opening of MATRADE Sarawak office with Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud at Grand Tower, yesterday said the corporation will be an asset to exporters and foreign buyers. It’s objective is to disseminate trade and business lead, to provide market information to Sarawak exporters as well as to function as a customer service centre for companies.
The office which spans 3,743 square feet has a display space called the MATRADE Sarawak Exhibition Centre (MSEC) where exporters can showcase samples of their products and services. Aside from Sarawak it also provides coverage on the West and Central Kalimantan.
Muhyiddin also announced that beginning August 1, applications for the Market Development Grant (MDG) will be handled by the Sarawak office.
MATRADE in the state would deliver value added service to the business community and key decision makers such as access to trade leads in traditional as well as new markets, timely commercial intelligence and market information in printed and electronic media.
Eastern Time
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and Tan Sri Dato Haji Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin cutting the ribbon to officially open the MATRADE Sarawak office witnessed by Datuk Patinggi Dr. George Chan, (right) Ahmad Shanizam Abd Ghani, Director of MATRADE Sarawak and other guests. PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI
By Gerald Chung
KUCHING: Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin advised Sarawakians to make full use of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to formulate and implement export marketing strategies for the development of their respective businesses.
Muhyiddin who jointly officiated the opening of MATRADE Sarawak office with Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud at Grand Tower, yesterday said the corporation will be an asset to exporters and foreign buyers. It’s objective is to disseminate trade and business lead, to provide market information to Sarawak exporters as well as to function as a customer service centre for companies.
The office which spans 3,743 square feet has a display space called the MATRADE Sarawak Exhibition Centre (MSEC) where exporters can showcase samples of their products and services. Aside from Sarawak it also provides coverage on the West and Central Kalimantan.
Muhyiddin also announced that beginning August 1, applications for the Market Development Grant (MDG) will be handled by the Sarawak office.
MATRADE in the state would deliver value added service to the business community and key decision makers such as access to trade leads in traditional as well as new markets, timely commercial intelligence and market information in printed and electronic media.
Eastern Time
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Promoting Pahang Tenun
Promoting Pahang Tenun
BY: John Tiong
There are only 78 weavers in the State. Surprisingly, these include some prisoners.
According to Kraftangan Malaysia, the market share of Tenun Pahang last year was RM403,585 out of RM73 million in revenue from sales of traditional fabrics. Batik share is RM59 million while songket amounted to RM9.7 million.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, who is from Pahang, suggested that people wear official attire made of Tenun Pahang to attend official functions. He also said that convocation robes for institutes of higher learning in Pahang should also be made of the fabric.
Najib said that with the completion of the Institut Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja in Pekan next year, the State Government and Perbadanan Kraftangan will be able to institute a more effective plan for the training of weavers, marketing and development of Pahang's traditional fabrics.
Some leading Malaysian designers joined hands for the first time in a fashion show to promote Tenun Pahang at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. They said Tenun Pahang worked well for their designs and that with proper measures taken to revive the industry, it should have a very bright future.
In fact, Datuk Bernard Chandran wondered "if the weavers can meet the demand". He said: "Tenun Pahang is limited in production and is more for luxury lines at the moment. The strong point of the fabric is that it's quite stiff and is good for structured clothes." Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, however, said the softness of Tenun Pahang cotton makes it suitable for tropical wear.
Datin Sharifah Kirana said with Tenun Pahang, she can work in lots of her favourite motifs like bunga cempaka and liven them up with gold thread and semi precious stones.
Mohd Nazari Maarus said Tenun Pahang had a good future as it can be used for all types of outfits. "I had brought the collection to London, Indonesia and Brunei and the response was very good." Weaving a family business WHEN asked how much she could earn every month, tenun weaver Hajah Rihan Hayani Haji Mohd Taib from Kampung Pulau Keladi, Pekan, just smiled.
"Not much, just enough to survive," said the soft spoken Hayani, who won the first prize of RM5,000 in the Royal Pahang Weaving Contest held in conjunction with Malam Tenun Pahang Diraja in Kuala Lumpur.
She has been weaving Tenun Pahang for more than 30 years. Her winning entry, a two metre by a quarter metre piece of fabric took her a week to produce, using RM200 worth of cotton and gold threads.
"All my family members entered the contest but I am the only one who won," she said proudly.
Weaving is a family business and Hayani has three sons and three daughters who are skilled at weaving too.
"At first, when I tried to teach them, they said it was boring but after some time, they too enjoyed doing it."
BY: John Tiong
There are only 78 weavers in the State. Surprisingly, these include some prisoners.
According to Kraftangan Malaysia, the market share of Tenun Pahang last year was RM403,585 out of RM73 million in revenue from sales of traditional fabrics. Batik share is RM59 million while songket amounted to RM9.7 million.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, who is from Pahang, suggested that people wear official attire made of Tenun Pahang to attend official functions. He also said that convocation robes for institutes of higher learning in Pahang should also be made of the fabric.
Najib said that with the completion of the Institut Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja in Pekan next year, the State Government and Perbadanan Kraftangan will be able to institute a more effective plan for the training of weavers, marketing and development of Pahang's traditional fabrics.
Some leading Malaysian designers joined hands for the first time in a fashion show to promote Tenun Pahang at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. They said Tenun Pahang worked well for their designs and that with proper measures taken to revive the industry, it should have a very bright future.
In fact, Datuk Bernard Chandran wondered "if the weavers can meet the demand". He said: "Tenun Pahang is limited in production and is more for luxury lines at the moment. The strong point of the fabric is that it's quite stiff and is good for structured clothes." Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, however, said the softness of Tenun Pahang cotton makes it suitable for tropical wear.
Datin Sharifah Kirana said with Tenun Pahang, she can work in lots of her favourite motifs like bunga cempaka and liven them up with gold thread and semi precious stones.
Mohd Nazari Maarus said Tenun Pahang had a good future as it can be used for all types of outfits. "I had brought the collection to London, Indonesia and Brunei and the response was very good." Weaving a family business WHEN asked how much she could earn every month, tenun weaver Hajah Rihan Hayani Haji Mohd Taib from Kampung Pulau Keladi, Pekan, just smiled.
"Not much, just enough to survive," said the soft spoken Hayani, who won the first prize of RM5,000 in the Royal Pahang Weaving Contest held in conjunction with Malam Tenun Pahang Diraja in Kuala Lumpur.
She has been weaving Tenun Pahang for more than 30 years. Her winning entry, a two metre by a quarter metre piece of fabric took her a week to produce, using RM200 worth of cotton and gold threads.
"All my family members entered the contest but I am the only one who won," she said proudly.
Weaving is a family business and Hayani has three sons and three daughters who are skilled at weaving too.
"At first, when I tried to teach them, they said it was boring but after some time, they too enjoyed doing it."
Govt urged to give update on economic corridors
Govt urged to give update on economic corridors
By BERNAMA
2008/07/16
The government has been urged to update the nation on the current status of the economic corridors launched last year now that the country’s economy is feeling the effects of a global crisis. Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) said the goverrnment should tell Parliament if it has an alternative or plan B for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and Iskandar Malaysia.
“The oil price hike and current political situation have changed a lot of things. The government must tell Dewan Rakyat if it has a plan B to address the global situation,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill (2008).
Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) interjected and urged the government to shelf less important projects so that the money allocated could be used to help the poor.
Razali said the government should get the local population involved in the economic projects as this would help improve their income.
“The federal government has made a strategic plan but sometimes, the local people are left out. They must be involved from the projects to reap the benefits.
“It must also say what are the returns targeted and the job opportunities to be made available. This is important to ensure that the corridor initiative is not delayed,” he added.
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) also want the government to ensure that the local population enjoy benefits from the economic corridors.
“We welcome the corridors particularly Iskandar Malaysia in Johor which has already taken off. The state administrative centre at Nusajaya is near completion. I hope the people will get to enjoy the riches.” He proposed that affordable housing projects be built in the economic corridor so that the middle income group would also get to enjoy the benefits just like the foreign investors.
NST Online
By BERNAMA
2008/07/16
The government has been urged to update the nation on the current status of the economic corridors launched last year now that the country’s economy is feeling the effects of a global crisis. Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) said the goverrnment should tell Parliament if it has an alternative or plan B for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and Iskandar Malaysia.
“The oil price hike and current political situation have changed a lot of things. The government must tell Dewan Rakyat if it has a plan B to address the global situation,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill (2008).
Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) interjected and urged the government to shelf less important projects so that the money allocated could be used to help the poor.
Razali said the government should get the local population involved in the economic projects as this would help improve their income.
“The federal government has made a strategic plan but sometimes, the local people are left out. They must be involved from the projects to reap the benefits.
“It must also say what are the returns targeted and the job opportunities to be made available. This is important to ensure that the corridor initiative is not delayed,” he added.
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) also want the government to ensure that the local population enjoy benefits from the economic corridors.
“We welcome the corridors particularly Iskandar Malaysia in Johor which has already taken off. The state administrative centre at Nusajaya is near completion. I hope the people will get to enjoy the riches.” He proposed that affordable housing projects be built in the economic corridor so that the middle income group would also get to enjoy the benefits just like the foreign investors.
NST Online
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Grange: Magnetite project on track
Grange: Magnetite project on track
GRANGE Resources Ltd, a listed Australian mining company, expects to start production of 100,000 tonnes per year of magnetite concentrate in Bukit Ibam, Pahang, by the end of this year.
All statutory approvals for the mining project are in place and work has commenced on the procurement and construction, it said in a recent statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.
Following successful resource drilling, metallurgical test work and viability studies, Grange Resources has announced a joint venture approval to develop the Bukit Ibam magnetite mine in Malaysia.
Grange Resources said the concentrate will be sold on the spot market and shipped out of Kuantan Port.
The company said the pit has been prepared for mining, which is scheduled to recommence in September, and the concentrator is forecast to be commissioned by the end of 2008.
The Bukit Ibam project is located at the former Bukit Ibam iron ore mine in Pahang.
The mine started operations in 1962, producing about 22 million tonnes of haematite and magnetic ore before closing in 1970.
Grange Minerals Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned Malaysian subsidiary of Grange Resources holds 51 per cent project equity in the joint venture with a privately-owned Malaysian mining company, Esperance Mining Sdn Bhd.
The company expects to fork out A$1 million (RM3.13 million) as capital expenditure for the project.
Grange Resources managing director Russel Clark said this development in Bukit Ibam makes Grange Resources an operator and a producer in Malaysia.
"The payback on capital is rapid and we look forward to capitalising on the current high iron ore prices to generate quick positive cashflow.
"The opportunity to expand in the near future is very real and we will be looking very hard at this with our joint venture partners," he said.
Clark added that Bukit Ibam is a key part of the Grange Resources' strategy to generate funds and develop an increasing mining and exploration presence in Malaysia.
"As part of the much larger Southdown project, Grange Resources proposes to construct and operate an iron ore pellet plant at Kemaman, Terengganu.
"An operational presence at Bukit Ibam and in Kuantan will provide some synergies and help facilitate early development work at Kemaman," he said.
GRANGE Resources Ltd, a listed Australian mining company, expects to start production of 100,000 tonnes per year of magnetite concentrate in Bukit Ibam, Pahang, by the end of this year.
All statutory approvals for the mining project are in place and work has commenced on the procurement and construction, it said in a recent statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.
Following successful resource drilling, metallurgical test work and viability studies, Grange Resources has announced a joint venture approval to develop the Bukit Ibam magnetite mine in Malaysia.
Grange Resources said the concentrate will be sold on the spot market and shipped out of Kuantan Port.
The company said the pit has been prepared for mining, which is scheduled to recommence in September, and the concentrator is forecast to be commissioned by the end of 2008.
The Bukit Ibam project is located at the former Bukit Ibam iron ore mine in Pahang.
The mine started operations in 1962, producing about 22 million tonnes of haematite and magnetic ore before closing in 1970.
Grange Minerals Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned Malaysian subsidiary of Grange Resources holds 51 per cent project equity in the joint venture with a privately-owned Malaysian mining company, Esperance Mining Sdn Bhd.
The company expects to fork out A$1 million (RM3.13 million) as capital expenditure for the project.
Grange Resources managing director Russel Clark said this development in Bukit Ibam makes Grange Resources an operator and a producer in Malaysia.
"The payback on capital is rapid and we look forward to capitalising on the current high iron ore prices to generate quick positive cashflow.
"The opportunity to expand in the near future is very real and we will be looking very hard at this with our joint venture partners," he said.
Clark added that Bukit Ibam is a key part of the Grange Resources' strategy to generate funds and develop an increasing mining and exploration presence in Malaysia.
"As part of the much larger Southdown project, Grange Resources proposes to construct and operate an iron ore pellet plant at Kemaman, Terengganu.
"An operational presence at Bukit Ibam and in Kuantan will provide some synergies and help facilitate early development work at Kemaman," he said.
Monday, July 14, 2008
UMT Sets Up Centres To Spur ECER Development - 14 July 2008
July 14, 2008 22:35 PM
UMT Sets Up Centres To Spur ECER Development
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has set up several centres to help spur the development in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, who is UMT Chancellor, said the centres are facility training management centre, social development centre, biodiversity centre as well as an oceanography and an academia.
"UMT's involvement in the national programme showed that the society is recognising the university's role and ability to spur the country's development, particularly in Terengganu," she said at the 6th UMT Convocation involving 1,616 students Monday.
Also present was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, accompanied by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sulaiman Md Yassin.
At the event, two UMT students -- Mohd Uzair Rusli who holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Christopher Tan Yuet Han (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) -- received the royal education award.
-- BERNAMA
UMT Sets Up Centres To Spur ECER Development
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has set up several centres to help spur the development in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, who is UMT Chancellor, said the centres are facility training management centre, social development centre, biodiversity centre as well as an oceanography and an academia.
"UMT's involvement in the national programme showed that the society is recognising the university's role and ability to spur the country's development, particularly in Terengganu," she said at the 6th UMT Convocation involving 1,616 students Monday.
Also present was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, accompanied by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sulaiman Md Yassin.
At the event, two UMT students -- Mohd Uzair Rusli who holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Christopher Tan Yuet Han (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) -- received the royal education award.
-- BERNAMA
Strategic Thrusts In Place To Develop Agriculture In ECER, Says Issace John 11 July 2008
July 11, 2008 20:29 PM
Strategic Thrusts In Place To Develop Agriculture In ECER, Says Issace John
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Agriculture activities within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) are geared for a boost as strategic programmes are primed to enhance the sector.
ECER Development Council Chief Executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said such programmes were important as agriculture in the region formed one of the six key economic clusters set for further growth in the next 12 years.
"Consequently, these high-impact and catalytic programmes will raise income and reduce poverty in focus development areas."
'Strategies to develop the ECER's food sustainability contained in the master plan will accelerate growth in a viable, equitable and sustainable manner, he said in the face of rising food costs at a seminar held in conjunction with the Ninth Malaysia International Food and Beverage Trade Fair.
Encompassing crops, fish and livestock, these strategies include expanding large-scale commercial farming and ensuring wider application of modern technology, Issace John said.
He also said the ECER planned to implement balance of trade plan in food production.
He said participation of the private sector as anchor companies and development of value-added activities, improving supply chain management, strengthening marketing and global networking, would also go a long way in fast-tracking the agriculture sector.
To improve the region's livestock clusters, including beef, mutton and poultry, he said, traditional farmers in targeted concentration areas would be re-organised into commercial cattle and goat-farming clusters.
He said cattle would be integrated with oil palm plantations while breeder goat stocks at Kuala Berang, Terengganu, and cattle at Muadzam Shah, Pahang, would be distributed to commercial farmers for breeding and fattening.
In fisheries, he said, fish seed would be produced for commercial farming while research and development (R&D) would be enhanced, particularly in downstream activities of fish processing, packaging and development of value-added products.
R and D would be directed towards increasing productivity, reducing production cost and increasing product competitiveness besides focusing on developing new product lines for the domestic market, he said.
"At the same time, the ECER encourages income from fisheries to be supplemented through recreational fishing activities which will give a two-pronged income boost.
"To support these upstream agro activities, the ECER master plan also calls for more food processing parks and micro-food processing centres.
"In line with this, two halal production parks will be developed in Gambang, Pahang, and Pasir Mas, Kelantan, to increase the participation of local Bumiputera producers in the domestic market," he said.
Issace John also said the ECER's newly-launched incentives would also boost the region's food production and provide a stimulus to the agriculture sector.
"This is because crop production and processing, livestock (excluding poultry) and fisheries companies undertaking the projects will be given income tax exemption for 10 years starting from the date the company derives profit or income tax allowance amounting to 100 per cent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," he said.
He said exemptions from tax would also be made on dividend paid to shareholders and import duty and sales tax on raw material, components, machinery, spare parts, consumables and equipment on condition the items are not available locally.
Individual or corporate investors investing in crop production and processing, livestock (excluding poultry) and fisheries would be entitled to a deduction equivalent to the amount invested in seed capital and early-stage financing, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Strategic Thrusts In Place To Develop Agriculture In ECER, Says Issace John
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Agriculture activities within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) are geared for a boost as strategic programmes are primed to enhance the sector.
ECER Development Council Chief Executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said such programmes were important as agriculture in the region formed one of the six key economic clusters set for further growth in the next 12 years.
"Consequently, these high-impact and catalytic programmes will raise income and reduce poverty in focus development areas."
'Strategies to develop the ECER's food sustainability contained in the master plan will accelerate growth in a viable, equitable and sustainable manner, he said in the face of rising food costs at a seminar held in conjunction with the Ninth Malaysia International Food and Beverage Trade Fair.
Encompassing crops, fish and livestock, these strategies include expanding large-scale commercial farming and ensuring wider application of modern technology, Issace John said.
He also said the ECER planned to implement balance of trade plan in food production.
He said participation of the private sector as anchor companies and development of value-added activities, improving supply chain management, strengthening marketing and global networking, would also go a long way in fast-tracking the agriculture sector.
To improve the region's livestock clusters, including beef, mutton and poultry, he said, traditional farmers in targeted concentration areas would be re-organised into commercial cattle and goat-farming clusters.
He said cattle would be integrated with oil palm plantations while breeder goat stocks at Kuala Berang, Terengganu, and cattle at Muadzam Shah, Pahang, would be distributed to commercial farmers for breeding and fattening.
In fisheries, he said, fish seed would be produced for commercial farming while research and development (R&D) would be enhanced, particularly in downstream activities of fish processing, packaging and development of value-added products.
R and D would be directed towards increasing productivity, reducing production cost and increasing product competitiveness besides focusing on developing new product lines for the domestic market, he said.
"At the same time, the ECER encourages income from fisheries to be supplemented through recreational fishing activities which will give a two-pronged income boost.
"To support these upstream agro activities, the ECER master plan also calls for more food processing parks and micro-food processing centres.
"In line with this, two halal production parks will be developed in Gambang, Pahang, and Pasir Mas, Kelantan, to increase the participation of local Bumiputera producers in the domestic market," he said.
Issace John also said the ECER's newly-launched incentives would also boost the region's food production and provide a stimulus to the agriculture sector.
"This is because crop production and processing, livestock (excluding poultry) and fisheries companies undertaking the projects will be given income tax exemption for 10 years starting from the date the company derives profit or income tax allowance amounting to 100 per cent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," he said.
He said exemptions from tax would also be made on dividend paid to shareholders and import duty and sales tax on raw material, components, machinery, spare parts, consumables and equipment on condition the items are not available locally.
Individual or corporate investors investing in crop production and processing, livestock (excluding poultry) and fisheries would be entitled to a deduction equivalent to the amount invested in seed capital and early-stage financing, he added.
-- BERNAMA
10-07-2008: ECER devt council participates in MIFB
10-07-2008: ECER devt council participates in MIFB
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
KUALA LUMPUR: The ECER Development Council will be participating in the Ninth Malaysia International Food and Beverage (MIFB) Trade Fair to be held from July 10 to 12 here.
In a statement yesterday, the ECER Secretariat said the council representatives would explain the concept of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and its incentives to create food self-sustenance in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing.
It said the council would also be speaking on ECER’s agriculture initiatives at the World Food Shortage Conference, held in conjunction with the fair.
The ECER Development Council is the single authority empowered under an Act of Parliament, the East Coast Economic Region Development Council Act 2008, to drive the implementation of the ECER Master Plan.
The Edge Daily
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
KUALA LUMPUR: The ECER Development Council will be participating in the Ninth Malaysia International Food and Beverage (MIFB) Trade Fair to be held from July 10 to 12 here.
In a statement yesterday, the ECER Secretariat said the council representatives would explain the concept of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and its incentives to create food self-sustenance in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing.
It said the council would also be speaking on ECER’s agriculture initiatives at the World Food Shortage Conference, held in conjunction with the fair.
The ECER Development Council is the single authority empowered under an Act of Parliament, the East Coast Economic Region Development Council Act 2008, to drive the implementation of the ECER Master Plan.
The Edge Daily
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Malaysian Export Growth Accelerates to Fastest Pace Since 2004
Malaysian Export Growth Accelerates to Fastest Pace Since 2004
By Shamim Adam and Michael Munoz
July 4 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia's export growth accelerated in May to the fastest pace in more than three years as producers of palm oil and other commodities increased shipments to customers abroad and electronics sales recovered.
Overseas sales rose 22 percent from a year earlier to a record 60.6 billion ringgit ($18.6 billion), the Trade Ministry said in Kuala Lumpur today. The gain exceeded all forecasts in a Bloomberg survey of 17 economists where the median estimate was for a 12.5 percent increase.
Malaysia, Southeast Asia's second-largest oil and gas producer and the world's No. 2 palm oil seller, is benefiting from surging prices for energy and other commodities. Crude oil in New York reached a record $145.85 a barrel yesterday, while palm oil produced by Sime Darby Bhd. and other Malaysian planters is over a third higher from a year ago.
``Export growth is still relatively robust, thanks largely to the boost coming from commodities,'' said Irvin Seah, an economist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd. in Singapore. ``Commodities will remain the key driver for overall export performance.''
Exports of palm oil jumped 78.9 percent from a year earlier and gained 0.8 percent from the previous month. Sales of crude oil climbed 62 percent, and shipments of liquefied natural gas rose 20.3 percent.
Sales of made-in-Malaysia Intel chips and other electrical and electronics goods, which made up 40.4 percent of total exports in May, rose 10.5 percent from a year earlier, gaining for a second month.
Export Growth
Still, the government yesterday lowered its forecast for export growth this year, pointing to a slowdown in the U.S., its largest overseas market, and the impact on the global economy. U.S. electronics makers in Malaysia, including Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc., expect export sales to grow at a slower pace this year, an industry group said this week.
Exports may expand 6 percent this year, lower than a prediction of 7 percent made by the government in February, Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
Exports to the U.S. fell 1.4 percent to 7.81 billion ringgit, contracting for the 14th time in 15 months. The U.S. economy has lost jobs for six consecutive months and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson yesterday said he is more concerned about a ``downturn'' in growth than faster inflation.
Malaysia's central bank has lowered its estimates for the economy's expansion this year. Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz said last month preliminary estimates show that the $151 billion economy may grow about 5 percent in 2008, from a March forecast of 5 percent to 6 percent.
Exports in May were also bolstered by increased shipments to Japan, China and Hong Kong. Imports expanded 7.9 percent in May, leaving a trade surplus of 15.6 billion ringgit. Exports increased 14.6 percent in the first five months from a year earlier. Imports rose 7.2 percent in the same period, leaving a trade surplus of 54.7 billion ringgit.
To contact the reporter on this story: Shamim Adam in Singapore at sadam2@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: July 4, 2008 00:01 EDT
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=akt5EavTHcIw#
By Shamim Adam and Michael Munoz
July 4 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia's export growth accelerated in May to the fastest pace in more than three years as producers of palm oil and other commodities increased shipments to customers abroad and electronics sales recovered.
Overseas sales rose 22 percent from a year earlier to a record 60.6 billion ringgit ($18.6 billion), the Trade Ministry said in Kuala Lumpur today. The gain exceeded all forecasts in a Bloomberg survey of 17 economists where the median estimate was for a 12.5 percent increase.
Malaysia, Southeast Asia's second-largest oil and gas producer and the world's No. 2 palm oil seller, is benefiting from surging prices for energy and other commodities. Crude oil in New York reached a record $145.85 a barrel yesterday, while palm oil produced by Sime Darby Bhd. and other Malaysian planters is over a third higher from a year ago.
``Export growth is still relatively robust, thanks largely to the boost coming from commodities,'' said Irvin Seah, an economist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd. in Singapore. ``Commodities will remain the key driver for overall export performance.''
Exports of palm oil jumped 78.9 percent from a year earlier and gained 0.8 percent from the previous month. Sales of crude oil climbed 62 percent, and shipments of liquefied natural gas rose 20.3 percent.
Sales of made-in-Malaysia Intel chips and other electrical and electronics goods, which made up 40.4 percent of total exports in May, rose 10.5 percent from a year earlier, gaining for a second month.
Export Growth
Still, the government yesterday lowered its forecast for export growth this year, pointing to a slowdown in the U.S., its largest overseas market, and the impact on the global economy. U.S. electronics makers in Malaysia, including Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc., expect export sales to grow at a slower pace this year, an industry group said this week.
Exports may expand 6 percent this year, lower than a prediction of 7 percent made by the government in February, Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
Exports to the U.S. fell 1.4 percent to 7.81 billion ringgit, contracting for the 14th time in 15 months. The U.S. economy has lost jobs for six consecutive months and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson yesterday said he is more concerned about a ``downturn'' in growth than faster inflation.
Malaysia's central bank has lowered its estimates for the economy's expansion this year. Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz said last month preliminary estimates show that the $151 billion economy may grow about 5 percent in 2008, from a March forecast of 5 percent to 6 percent.
Exports in May were also bolstered by increased shipments to Japan, China and Hong Kong. Imports expanded 7.9 percent in May, leaving a trade surplus of 15.6 billion ringgit. Exports increased 14.6 percent in the first five months from a year earlier. Imports rose 7.2 percent in the same period, leaving a trade surplus of 54.7 billion ringgit.
To contact the reporter on this story: Shamim Adam in Singapore at sadam2@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: July 4, 2008 00:01 EDT
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=akt5EavTHcIw#
IBM helps develop a new field of study
Thursday July 10, 2008
IBM helps develop a new field of study
PETALING JAYA: IBM Malaysia is collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to spearhead the development of a new multi-disciplinary academic discipline dubbed service science, management and engineering (SSME).
Managing director Ou Shian Waei said the services sector was the engine of growth for economies worldwide and talent was necessary to help develop and accelerate the growth of the sector.
“We need problem-solving talent, which is what SSME addresses. This collaboration will help put together the right kind of skills development and curriculum needed for SSME,” he said at a roundtable discussion on SSME on Tuesday.
SSME integrates aspects of established fields such as computer science, operations research, engineering, management sciences, business strategy, social and cognitive sciences and legal sciences.
Ou said SSME was an urgent call to develop a formalised educational programme to nurture services professionals and researchers.
“We are working with UMP and USM to produce the talent that we require. We hope to follow what IBM has done in China and Singapore, “ he said, adding that the company would provide the universities with case studies, teaching material and access to middleware and hardware at no cost.
IBM inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China's education ministry late last year to create SSME as a new academic discipline in Chinese universities. The parties hoped to initiate an SSME curriculum in two to three years at 50 leading universities across the country.
The company also inked several MOUs in Singapore last November, including with NTU School of Computer Engineering and NUS School of Computing on service science curriculum development and research exploration.
UMP vice chancellor Prof Datuk Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the services sector's contribution to gross domestic product had surpassed the manufacturing sector, thus driving the need for new academic models to support the services sector.
“We will take on this new agenda in collaboration with IBM. The curriculum is there but we will have to adjust it to address the specific needs of the Malaysian market,” he said
Source: The Star
IBM helps develop a new field of study
PETALING JAYA: IBM Malaysia is collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to spearhead the development of a new multi-disciplinary academic discipline dubbed service science, management and engineering (SSME).
Managing director Ou Shian Waei said the services sector was the engine of growth for economies worldwide and talent was necessary to help develop and accelerate the growth of the sector.
“We need problem-solving talent, which is what SSME addresses. This collaboration will help put together the right kind of skills development and curriculum needed for SSME,” he said at a roundtable discussion on SSME on Tuesday.
SSME integrates aspects of established fields such as computer science, operations research, engineering, management sciences, business strategy, social and cognitive sciences and legal sciences.
Ou said SSME was an urgent call to develop a formalised educational programme to nurture services professionals and researchers.
“We are working with UMP and USM to produce the talent that we require. We hope to follow what IBM has done in China and Singapore, “ he said, adding that the company would provide the universities with case studies, teaching material and access to middleware and hardware at no cost.
IBM inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China's education ministry late last year to create SSME as a new academic discipline in Chinese universities. The parties hoped to initiate an SSME curriculum in two to three years at 50 leading universities across the country.
The company also inked several MOUs in Singapore last November, including with NTU School of Computer Engineering and NUS School of Computing on service science curriculum development and research exploration.
UMP vice chancellor Prof Datuk Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the services sector's contribution to gross domestic product had surpassed the manufacturing sector, thus driving the need for new academic models to support the services sector.
“We will take on this new agenda in collaboration with IBM. The curriculum is there but we will have to adjust it to address the specific needs of the Malaysian market,” he said
Source: The Star
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
RM27m Felda hotel opens in Kuala Terengganu
RM27m Felda hotel opens in Kuala Terengganu
The RM26.5mil three-star hotel in Jalan Hiliran started accepting patrons after its soft launch on Thursday.
Tue, Jul 08, 2008
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: The city's new multi-storey Felda Residence Hotel will not only cater to tourists but also serve as a convention and conference hub for Felda.
The RM26.5mil three-star hotel in Jalan Hiliran here started accepting patrons after its soft launch on Thursday.
Felda chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor said the hotel would serve the needs of 40 Felda subsidiaries and related agencies.
Outstanding: The Felda Residence Hotel in Kuala Terengganu.
"Each subsidiary forks out RM60,000 for conferences and other activities at other hotels and this adds up to an exorbitant sum.
"We are not worried about the occupancy rate as the Felda population is enough to ensure the hotel is full. The hotel will also help cut our expenditure," he said after the soft launch.
He said the hotel was situated at a strategic area and would be the city's latest landmark.
It has first-class banquet and meeting facilities, he added.
He said, in appreciation of Felda settlers, the hotel with 100 rooms would offer special rates for a certain period.
Dr Mohd Yusof said that children of Felda settlers nationwide would be given priority in regard to employment at the hotel.
It is the seventh in the chain of Felda hotels in the country.
The RM26.5mil three-star hotel in Jalan Hiliran started accepting patrons after its soft launch on Thursday.
Tue, Jul 08, 2008
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: The city's new multi-storey Felda Residence Hotel will not only cater to tourists but also serve as a convention and conference hub for Felda.The RM26.5mil three-star hotel in Jalan Hiliran here started accepting patrons after its soft launch on Thursday.
Felda chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor said the hotel would serve the needs of 40 Felda subsidiaries and related agencies.
Outstanding: The Felda Residence Hotel in Kuala Terengganu.
"Each subsidiary forks out RM60,000 for conferences and other activities at other hotels and this adds up to an exorbitant sum.
"We are not worried about the occupancy rate as the Felda population is enough to ensure the hotel is full. The hotel will also help cut our expenditure," he said after the soft launch.
He said the hotel was situated at a strategic area and would be the city's latest landmark.
It has first-class banquet and meeting facilities, he added.
He said, in appreciation of Felda settlers, the hotel with 100 rooms would offer special rates for a certain period.
Dr Mohd Yusof said that children of Felda settlers nationwide would be given priority in regard to employment at the hotel.
It is the seventh in the chain of Felda hotels in the country.
Sukimi to Build RM300m Oil Terminal in Kelantan
Sukimi to Build RM300m Oil Terminal in Kelantan
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 July 2008, 00:00 CDT
By Sulaiman Jaafar
INTEGRATED petroleum company the Sukimi Group of Companies (Sukimi) will build Kelantan's first independent oil terminal at Pantai Senok in Bachok at a cost of about RM300 million.
Construction of the terminal, which can accommodate 12 million litres of fuel at a single time, is expected to take off early next year and will be fully operational by 2010.
Sukimi president Datuk Ahmad Sukimi Ibrahim said a memorandum of understanding for the project would be signed by the company and state-owned Perba-danan Menteri Besar Kelantan Bhd next week.
Founded in 1997, the group which has its headquarters in Kota Baru, is involved in oil and gas exploration and production, oil refining, marketing of petroleum products, trading, petrochemical manufacturing and logistics and marine, among others.
Ahmad Sukimi said group turnover for last year was RM300 million and expected to go up to RM500 million this year and more than RM1 billion next year.
"Besides generating the local economy, the oil terminal will turn Kelantan into a hub for petroleum distribution in the east coast and southern Thailand.
"Multinational petroleum companies like ExxonMobil, Shell and Caltex have also agreed in principle to use our facilities for the distribution of their products in Kelantan," he told a press conference yesterday.
Ahmad Sukimi said the first phase, covering about eight hectares, involved the construction of a jetty, storage tank and distribution pipes which is expected to cost about RM50 million.
The second phase costing RM250 million involved a refinery and facilities for multi-national companies.
He said the land for the entire project was on a 800 hectare site previously allocated by the state government for a joint venture between state subsidiary KelOil Sdn Bhd and KUB Bhd which failed to take off.
"We are confident that we will be able to carry out the project as the funds are all ready. We expect to start the land acquisition by August followed by groundworks before it starts early next year," he said.
Ahmad Sukimi said it was expected to employ about 2,000 people once the whole project was completed.
(c) 2008 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: New Straits Times
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 July 2008, 00:00 CDT
By Sulaiman Jaafar
INTEGRATED petroleum company the Sukimi Group of Companies (Sukimi) will build Kelantan's first independent oil terminal at Pantai Senok in Bachok at a cost of about RM300 million.
Construction of the terminal, which can accommodate 12 million litres of fuel at a single time, is expected to take off early next year and will be fully operational by 2010.
Sukimi president Datuk Ahmad Sukimi Ibrahim said a memorandum of understanding for the project would be signed by the company and state-owned Perba-danan Menteri Besar Kelantan Bhd next week.
Founded in 1997, the group which has its headquarters in Kota Baru, is involved in oil and gas exploration and production, oil refining, marketing of petroleum products, trading, petrochemical manufacturing and logistics and marine, among others.
Ahmad Sukimi said group turnover for last year was RM300 million and expected to go up to RM500 million this year and more than RM1 billion next year.
"Besides generating the local economy, the oil terminal will turn Kelantan into a hub for petroleum distribution in the east coast and southern Thailand.
"Multinational petroleum companies like ExxonMobil, Shell and Caltex have also agreed in principle to use our facilities for the distribution of their products in Kelantan," he told a press conference yesterday.
Ahmad Sukimi said the first phase, covering about eight hectares, involved the construction of a jetty, storage tank and distribution pipes which is expected to cost about RM50 million.
The second phase costing RM250 million involved a refinery and facilities for multi-national companies.
He said the land for the entire project was on a 800 hectare site previously allocated by the state government for a joint venture between state subsidiary KelOil Sdn Bhd and KUB Bhd which failed to take off.
"We are confident that we will be able to carry out the project as the funds are all ready. We expect to start the land acquisition by August followed by groundworks before it starts early next year," he said.
Ahmad Sukimi said it was expected to employ about 2,000 people once the whole project was completed.
(c) 2008 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: New Straits Times
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