YBhg Dato` Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil
Transcription
YBhg Dato` Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil
Odyssey PP 16494/09/2010 (025475) Vol. 01 Oct 2009 / Syawal 1430H - Muharram 1431H DRB-HICOM News & Activities Amazing Hunt Whistleblowing Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa The Pekan Automotive Complex Exclusive interview YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil Editor’s MESSAGE Odyssey 1 st volume OCTOBER 09 With this issue, Odyssey is upgraded into a full-fledged magazine instead of a newsletter. Besides covering the DRB-HICOM Group’s activities, there are full-length articles within its 32 pages. The design and layout are enhanced with brighter visuals as part of our effort to continuously improve the look and feel of Odyssey. With this new edition, Odyssey will have an increased circulation to reach out to our employees, customers, government departments and agencies, business associates and partners, and the public at large. Our cover story features the Pekan Automotive Complex which recently marked its 25th anniversary. For the personality feature, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director, reveals his vision and his mission to make DRB-HICOM a leading player in the Malaysian business scene. All work and no play makes you dull. So, we propose the Lake Kenyir Resort in Terengganu for your next vacation. Keep well and happy reading. -Editor-in-Chief Syawal 1430H Muharram 1431H Profile Contents 3 YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil: Straight from the Heart DRB-HICOM News 6 Egyptian & Korean Visitors 7 Royal Pahang Kart Prix 2009 8 Ramadhan.. Menghulur Kepada Yang Memerlukan 9 Sharing the Joy of Ramadhan Business News 10 Latest Honda Cars 11 Best Light Commercial Vehicle Editorial Board Patron YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil Editor-in-chief Hamdan Ahammu We welcome your Editorial Team contributions Siti Anisah Sheikh Osman and suggestions. Chelvi Kathirgamatamby Drop us an email/ Zarina Mohd Nordin contact us. We Photographer would like to hear Mohd Muzamir Nordin from you! Ahmad Hafidz Muhamad Aidal e Contributors -mail CCIR Division DRB-HICOM Divisions and Group of Companies Send om -hicom.c b r d @ r i cc m hicom.co b r d . w ww Production Consultant Editorial Associates Layout & Design MPH Group Magazine (M) Sdn Bhd Company 2009 / Honda Malaysia Records 22% Growth Year-on-Year 12 Two More Honda Malaysia Showrooms / 1 PHN Industry Management Gathering / Kudos to PHN Industry Sdn Bhd st 13 Directors Visit Tanjung Bin Power Plant / Fulfilling Lives with Suzuki Assist Cover Story 16 The Pekan Automotive Complex General News 14 Muamalat Corporate Golf 2009 / Pelancaran Program Ceria Tetamu (PCT) 15 New Uniforms / Safety First 18 MODENAS Ungguli Podium di Sepang / Hanif Pula Takluk Podium 19 Azzeroy Wira MODENAS 20 Separation at Source Pilot Project in Putrajaya Happenings 21 PUSPAKOM Media Fishing Challenge 2009 22 The DRB-HICOM Amazing Hunt in Lake Kenyir 24 Konvoi Hari Kemerdekaan ke-52 / MIREX 2009 Community 25 Interest-Free Medistar Health Insurance / Financial Security with Bijak Malaysia 26 H1N1 Red Alert / H1N1 Talk / Helping Those with Special Needs 27 Hari Pengguna 2009 / MODENAS Sokong Aktiviti Sihat / Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia Training & Education 28 Whistleblowing at DRB-HICOM Berhad Travel & Leisure 30 Back to Nature 3 pg Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Abdullah Straight from Haji Admad Badawi, Prime Heart Ministerthe of Malaysia Straight from the Heart PROFILE Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, the Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad, speaks his mind. W hen Etika Strategi acquired 15.2% of DRB-HICOM’s shares in July 2005, the new shareholder appointed its representative, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, as a non-independent non-executive director of DRB-HICOM. A month later, he joined DRBHICOM as the Deputy Chairman and was subsequently designated as Deputy Group Managing Director. Six months later, Dato’ Sri Khamil was appointed the GMD on 1 March 2006. “In whatever you do, do it from the heart.” Interviewed recently, he shared his work ethics, corporate view and personal beliefs openly and candidly as well as glimpses into some of his personal side, which many may not know. Dato’ Sri Khamil, 53, was brought up in Penang and had his secondary education in Penang Free School. After Form 6 in 1974, he worked in a factory for two years before enrolling in ITM to do law externally at the University of London in 1976. He completed his LLB in 1980 and joined Bank Bumiputra (M) Bhd (BBMB). In August 1982, he furthered his studies at Grays Inn, UK, and completed his Barrister at Law with second class honours in 11 months. He then resumed his career with BBMB and was posted to Hong Kong for six years before going into private practice and business. He is happily married to YBhg Datin Sri Azian Abdul Talib and they are blessed with three wonderful daughters and a son. Here are the highlights and excerpts of the thoughts and visions of a man driven by passion and commitment. Q: Did your past experience prepare you for the position as GMD? My legal background helps me look at things and rationalise them differently from all possible angles of a business. It allows me to think one step ahead, be risk adverse and cost savvy. Apart from that, it was the entrepreneurial background that assisted me most in the many things I have had to cope with. Q: What are the challenges and lessons as the GMD? Lesson number one was when I realised how diversified the businesses of the Group was with over 60 units of jointly controlled entities and associates doing different business. The first challenge was to group them and focus on the Group’s core businesses and contain costs because I always believe in “A ringgit saved is a ringgit earned.” The management faced a lot of problems, business sustainability and processes. As an investment holding company with many subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates, we have to get everyone to work together as a team rather than in silos. They should not look at their own bottom line alone and be unfocused as a group. We had to stop being 60 officers of 60 different businesses. We had to come together as a team and communicate better. There was little collegiality. We didn’t appreciate our collective capabilities as there was too much fragmentation. Revenues were flat while some of our competitors were growing. We were reacting to what the business environment was telling us. But what is past is the past. What’s important is what lies ahead – new challenges, new businesses, remaining relevant in the business world with the changing landscape. To me the only thing constant is change. People come and go but the company stays. Hence, we have to think and act as one. Systems, processes and controls must be unified. Even rules and regulations and code of ethics. It applies to all without fear or favour. I have learned that it’s very lonely at the top. Now I know how market leaders and our country leaders must feel. Many come to me with only the good news. Nobody wants to tell me the bad and ugly bits. Many tend to shy away from me as I don’t like to mix business with pleasure or relationship. I make it a point and a policy that everything goes by merit and not by who you know or who you are or on past laurels. 3 4 PROFILE Q: How do you see your role as the GMD? I see it as leadership by example as I’m not just a mere “manager”. I had a different approach when I first took over the helm. I removed almost all the empowerment much to the chagrin of many. But after three years, it’s time to upgrade those who have proved themselves to more senior positions to help me run the Group. I’m taking a lesser role in operations and dayto-day activities and not micro-manage. I want to concentrate fully on business strategies and growth as well as the development of human capital, competencies and communications. KL or elsewhere, on the streets, in property and construction sites, factories, showrooms, inspection centres or even dumpsites and warehouses. Q: In conjunction with the Pekan Automotive Complex’s 25th Anniversary, can you share a bit of history on why Pekan was chosen as the site for the integrated complex and how are you expanding the Pekan Complex viz-a-viz the Group’s overall automotive business? Firstly, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all warga kerja DRBHICOM and in particular, those in Pekan who have strived so hard and tirelessly to ensure the continuity and success of the DRB-HICOM Automotive Complex in Pekan into what it is today. “To be the best, not the biggest.” I want to develop human capital and make DRB-HICOM the company of choice with the best workforce. Career enhancement and development are now one of my priorities. Talent management and succession planning are very important. People come and go but the company stays. We must have adequate qualified and experienced people who are honest and hardworking, filled with passion and dedication. Q: What is your corporate vision? In this business landscape, we must be practical. I subscribe to one corporate vision. It’s to be the best. To be number one in whatever we do. This was conjured at a brainstorming session after meeting all the DRB-HICOM staff over two days at Genting Highlands in mid-2006. Being the biggest does not necessarily mean you are the best. Be the leader in the field you are in, be it automotive, services, property or infrastructure. I believe in excelling in what we do. Our vision should accentuate what we want. To be the best, not merely the biggest. The workforce and warga DRB-HICOM Pekan come from a mixture of diverse backgrounds and culture. From what I was told it was indeed not easy for our people to suddenly “jump into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim”.. to master the skills to learn and implement modern technology and technique and produce high quality vehicles, be it passenger, commercial or special purpose one. To them, I take off my hat and would like to extend my appreciation for their hard work, commitment, dedication and loyalty to the company over the years. Alhamdulillah, we have gone through 25 years of history into making DRB-HICOM Automotive Complex in Pekan into what it is today and Insya-Allah I look forward to share further glories with all warga DRBHICOM especially those in Pekan for the next 25 years to come. Q: Are you personally involved in the subsidiary companies as well? I’m a hands-on guy. I roll up my sleeves to go to the ground, even at night or at 2 am or on weekends. To me, it’s 24/7. The companies within the Group and its people are very close to my heart and I am very passionate in the things I do. This has been much to the anguish of many of the CEOs and senior management and they crossed the boundaries to come to me direct. I used to and still do go mystery shopping within the Group companies be it in As we all know, Pekan was back then in the 70s a small town with the main economic focus into agro based and home based commercial activities as well as forestry and fishing. Being a royal town, the late Tun Razak deemed it wise to move on and change the fortunes and the economic mindsets of the people of Pekan. He initiated moves and inculcated industrialisation efforts which subsequently saw the setting up of the first automotive plant in Pekan in the form of Tatab Industries Sdn Bhd. This was mainly to cater for the booming timber industry in Pekan. Tatab was the acronym derived from the initials of the TATA Group of India and YAM Tengku Ariff Bendahara of Pahang. The factory was then one of the very first vehicle assembly plants in the country. As the saying goes, “Everything else is history”. The factory groomed and in time was taken over by DRB and on 20 October 1984 HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, then known as Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (AMM), started operations with 200 staff. Today we have more than 2,000 warga DRB-HICOM in Pekan who are mostly locals and who are proud to possess the skills which meet international standards comparable to other CKD operations worldwide. We have local expertise that are involved not only in the assembly of Isuzu DMAX, HICOM Perkasa, Suzuki Swift, Daewoo and SsangYong vehicles and the ever quality driven MercedesBenz, to name a few but also in the making and assembling of high end and sophisticated defence vehicles such as trucks, tank transporters and armoured vehicles. I think we are the only plant in the world where we have the entire range of vehicles from passenger, pick-up trucks, commercial, buses and defence special vehicles centered within one location. It will be an inspiration and a proud moment for all warga DRB-HICOM and the population of Pekan to be part of an international hub of world standards for the region in the future. Insya-Allah, that is the vision and with the hard work and dedication as well as knowledge and expertise gathered by the locals, I don’t see any PROFILE thrive as a business leader and we need people leadership abilities and attributes to succeed in any environment. Most importantly, walk the talk. Be vigilant and open your mind to new ideas from your team and focus on the Group’s objectives. Treat people fairly regardless of their background and position, and be willing to listen to people in the field because success is more about behaviour than technology and position alone. reason why we cannot become one. If Pekan can locally assemble all the marques and types of vehicles I just mentioned, I don’t see any reason why it cannot do the same for other global manufacturers and players. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you and would like to urge you to continue the good work and to continue expanding and enhancing your knowledge and experience so that we can be a force to be reckoned with in the future and put Pekan on the world automotive map. Insya-Allah I would like to be with the 3rd and 4th generations of DRB-HICOM in Pekan, to witness and celebrate its golden anniversary when we reach 50 years of excellence in the field we know best. SYABAS. Q: What is your message to the staff of the DRB-HICOM family? There is no shortcut to success and we must work as a dedicated team. In whatever we do, it should be done with humility, integrity, respect, professionalism and diversity. We must also have values. Do not blow your trumpet. Practise humility just like the saying says, Ikut rasmi padi, makin berisi makin tunduk ke bumi and never rest on your laurels. Respect must be earned and not demanded. We must also be honest in whatever we do and respect cultural and individual differences. For the Group leaders and potential leaders, please remember that in the current business environment, we have to be agile and ready for the task entrusted to us. We must remain relevant to survive. We need business acumen to Q: Do you see DRB-HICOM as a Fortune 500 company ? Insya-Allah, yes. That’s my prayer and hope but prayer alone will not make us a possible Fortune 500 company. We must work hard together. Alhamdulillah, we have seen the Group grow over the years to RM6.1 billion revenue from RM4.01 billion last year and assets from RM9.3 billion to RM22.0 billion. Q: What are your personal hobbies and interests? I used to have lots of hobbies but because of time constraint, I have reduced them significantly. For one, I don’t play golf at all, although the Group owns two of the best golf courses in the Klang Valley. fan. Watched all of his movies and have all his albums. In my mid-teens, I was a parttime weekend band boy in Penang. I played gigs at tea dances with “The Honeycombs” to earn pocket money. Those days in 1971-72, RM50 was a lot of money. And don’t forget, there were many fringe benefits like admirers as well. Q: What is your personal philosophy in life? In whatever position you are in or whatever powers are bestowed upon you, don’t abuse anything. Don’t think as GMD or a leader, you are at the top of the world. There’s always another bigger power above you or ultimately another power at the apex. What’s important is what’s inside you. Hati mahu baik. Even if you are the number one person of the Group, hold on fast to your amanah and don’t abuse it. The barakah will follow. A lot of people only remember God in hard times. They pray, cry and beg for His mercy but the moment they get what they want, they forget the power at the apex. I went through it myself, got hit again and realised my mistake. Hence, I have formulated this personal policy: In whatever you do, do it from the heart. Nothing should be personal; it should be professional. And uphold the amanah entrusted. “We must remain relevant to survive.” I read everything from comics to fiction and non-fiction. My small library of 2,000 books has some of my favourite authors like V.S. Naipaul, John Le Carre, Jeffrey Archer, John Grisham, Mario Puzo, Catherine Lim, James Clavell, John Clancy and Dan Brown. One of my evergreen favourites is Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth. I find V.S. Naipaul’s Letters from Father to Son very enlightening. Comics like Beano, Dandy, Archie and Spiderman are among my light and easy reading until now. Currently, I’m trying to finish The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. My hobbies are now art collecting, photography and gardening. I enjoy gardening and when I have the time I will attend to my vegetable plots and fish ponds. Not many people know I also rear cattle. Not many, only 20 for my own needs. I love music, mostly the oldies. My love for music almost died when Elvis Presley passed on in August 1977. I used to be his fanatic And also don’t forget the family institution. It’s very important and we have to hold it dearly to our hearts. Without the family, it’s not worth it. Q: Whom do you admire most in history and why? There are a number of people whom I admire and learn from their journey in life. The three people I admire most are Che Guevara, Gandhi and Tunku Abdul Rahman. The first for his beliefs, ideals and sacrifices. The second for his principles and peaceful non-violent ways. Our beloved Tunku, the reluctant lawyer and royalty who took the helm of UMNO, for uniting the country and securing independence for all of us without any money politics at a time when our people were colonised. The common trait for all three which attracted me was that although they came from well-to-do or royal background, 5 6 PROFILE the first was a medical doctor and the other two were lawyers but what they did, they did from the heart for what they believed in. Q: How do you motivate yourself when faced with obstacles? We have more than 23,000 staff in the DRBHICOM Group. Taking an average of four per household, that makes nearly 90,000 mouths to feed. Therefore, I can’t afford to make a mistake lest it affects the livelihood of the entire DRB-HICOM family. That motivates and spurs me on. I always believe in “Never say die.” My management team has seen and will agree that I never give up easily. Except by the will of the Almighty, the word “impossible” is not in my dictionary. I will fight and strive for what is rightfully mine. But whatever is not or belongs to someone else, we should not take. DRB-HICOM “The word ‘impossible’ is not in my dictionary.” In a more personal context, my motivation is my family. Just like running DRB-HICOM Group, I can’t afford to make a mistake for the sake of my family. When challenged and facing obstacles, I seek solace. I like to be alone to regain the momentum and strength to seek a solution. Q: How would you like to be remembered? As a person who was a part of DRB-HICOM, and not merely as the GMD. I believe in team work. No man is an island. You need the support and help of your fellow colleagues regardless of the position he or she is in. You can’t achieve to be a RM6 billion company by acting alone. Impossible. Hence, I want to be remembered as Khamil, who was a part of a team who put through the successful business model and growth for the Group. I’m not here for a popularity contest but for a purpose. With that I would like to urge everyone at DRB-HICOM (including myself ) to carry on to work hard and smart. Now is a time of business without borders. All the doors are open and we shouldn’t be still hoping for preferential treatment or else risk being left behind. We have to be innovative. Everyone must help one another and the management to sustain the growth and development of the Group for us, for our families and for our country. As God has said, “I will give you rezeki but you must work for the rezeki.” News Egyptian & Korean Visitors A four-member delegation led by Mrs. Nevine El Shafei, Vice Chairman of the General Authority for Investment and Free Trade Zones (GAFI) in Egypt, visited DRB-HICOM on 11 August 2009. The delegates had a brief discussion with YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil before a general overview presentation of the DRBHICOM Group by Encik Hamdan Ahammu, Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations. Also present were YBhg Dato’ Haji Salamat bin Wahit, Head, Institutional Liaison & Business Development, Encik Amir Salleh, Group Director, Property & Infrastructure, YBhg Dato’ Nasaruddin Ab. Ghani, CEO of HICOM Properties Sdn Bhd and Encik Azmi Wahap, Manager, Manufacturing & Engineering. On 30 July 2009, a Korean delegation headed by Mr. Soo Hung Li, Chairman of Wang Do Engineering Co. Ltd., made a courtesy visit to Wisma DRB-HICOM. The six-member entourage was welcomed by our Group Managing Director, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, together with the Heads of Divisions. The Eqyptian delegation – Eng. Mohamed Aglan, Chairman of the Construction Committee of Junior Businessmen Association (2nd left), Mr. Mohamed Atef Hikel (extreme right) and Ms. Manar Waly (extreme left), both assistants to Mrs. Nevine El Shafei (2nd right) DRB-HICOM News Royal Pahang Kart Prix 2009 R oyal Pahang Kart Prix 2009 telah berlangsung pada 25-26 Julai 2009 di Litar Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang bersempena Sambutan Jubli Emas Ulangtahun Keputeraan KDYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang. Kejohanan Go Kart ini julung-julung kali diadakan dan merupakan siri ke-4 dalam kalendar kejohanan Kart ROTAX MAX Peringkat Asia 2009. Seramai 92 orang peserta dari 7 buah negara telah mempamerkan kehebatan mereka dalam kejohanan ini. Dalam usaha menyokong sukan tempatan dan menaikkan imej negara melalui sukan dan rekreasi, DRB-HICOM terpanggil untuk menjadi penaja utama kejohanan. Acara ‘flag off ’ dan penyampaian hadiah telah disempurnakan oleh YM Tengku Hasanal Ibrahim Shah (Putra kepada DYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang). Hadir sama YH Dato’ Haji Abdul Basik b. Mohd Sah, selaku Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengelola dan YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan, DRBHICOM Berhad serta pihak pengurusan kanan DRB-HICOM. 7 8 DRB-HICOM News Ramadhan.. Menghulur Kepada Yang Memerlukan Jelmaan Syawal Menjelang ketibaan bulan Syawal yang lalu, DRB-HICOM tidak ketinggalan memeriahkan sambutan dengan menghadiahkan Baju Kurung dan Baju Melayu kepada 150 penghuni Rumah Anak-Anak Kesayanganku di Bukit Beruntung, Selangor yang terdiri daripada anak-anak yatim dan fakir miskin. Kegembiraan jelas terpancar di wajah mereka apabila menerima duit raya, barang-barang keperluan harian dan kelengkapan elektrik seperti mesin basuh, periuk nasi dan cerek yang telah disampaikan oleh YBhg Datin Sri Azian Abdul Talib. Hadir sama isteri-isteri pihak pengurusan kanan DRB-HICOM yang telah sudi meluangkan masa selama setengah hari beramah mesra dengan kanak-kanak tersebut. Sumbangan Untuk Rumah Ehsan dan Taman Sinar Harapan Encik Saiful Nizam Mohd Nor, Pengetua Taman Sinar Harapan menerima cek daripada Puan Siti Anisah Sheikh Osman Penyerahan cek telah disempurnakan oleh Puan Siti Anisah Sheikh Osman, Pengurus Komunikasi Korporat dan Perhubungan Pelabur kepada Puan Azian Nordin, Pengetua Rumah Ehsan Sempena bulan Ramadhan yang penuh keberkatan, DRB-HICOM telah menyalurkan sumbangan berjumlah RM9,000 kepada penghuni-penghuni Rumah Ehsan, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. Rumah tersebut merupakan pusat jagaan, rawatan dan perlindungan kepada warga emas yang sakit dan uzur. Di samping itu, sumbangan sebanyak RM9,000 turut diserahkan kepada Taman Sinar Harapan yang merupakan institusi khas yang memberi jagaan, perlindungan dan pemulihan kepada orang kurang upaya. Penghuni rumah tersebut terdiri daripada mereka yang menghadapi masalah pembelajaran, terbiar, yatim piatu yang tidak mempunyai penjaga dan yang memerlukan latihan pemulihan. DRB-HICOM News Orphans and single mothers receiving duit raya and hampers at the special iftar organised by Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Shah Alam on 4 September 2009. This event brought together over 500 DRB-HICOM Berhad’s employees and their families as well as special guests from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Sg. Manggis, Banting, Selangor, and also Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur. The event was followed by Solat Tarawikh and ended with the Moreh. As a responsible corporate citizen, DRB-HICOM Berhad also paid its dues in the form of business tithe totalling RM4,740,784.86. The cheque was presented by YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, the Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad, to YBhg Dato’ Setia Haji Mohamad Adzib bin Mohd Isa, Chairman of Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS), who is also the Deputy Chairman of Lembaga Zakat Selangor on 4 September 2009 at Wisma DRB-HICOM. Another iftar get-together was held in Pekan, Pahang on 11 September 2009 for the Group’s employees working there. It was held at Surau Taman Perdana, Taman Perdana Peramu, Pekan and attended by more than 1,000 employees and their families, who feasted and prayed together. The event was also attended by YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, the Group Managing Director and his wife, YBhg Datin Sri Azian Abdul Talib as well as the Group’s management team. 9 10 BUSINESS News Latest Honda Cars T he Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L now comes in a Taffeta White model fitted with plush leather interior, functional cruise control, fully automated 8-way driver seat, leather seats with power lumbar support, well located arm rests, leather shift knob, leather door lining and door mirrors with side turn signals. Priced at RM149,800, this new variant of the 8th generation Accord has 2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC and 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engines that balance performance and fuel economy. An optional accessory, the ‘Connex’ Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) is a GPS-based security system that tracks stolen cars and alerts the owner and Secure Operating Center (SOC) via GSM network. The price of RM3,660 covers installation, first year annual service fee and compensation guarantee. To date, some 9,900 units of the 8th generation Accord launched in April 2008 have been sold in Malaysia with 600 confirmed orders to be delivered. “Honda Malaysia has also brought in 100 units of the exclusive Honda Jazz Grade S Modulo Limited Edition with special accessories...” Honda Malaysia has also brought in 100 units of the exclusive Honda Jazz Grade S Modulo Limited Edition with special accessories such as front under, side under, tailgate and rear under spoilers worth about RM5,000. This body kit enhances the stylish Jazz in terms of class-leading design, performance, practicality and fuel efficiency. Available solely in Cerulean Blue Metallic, the Jazz Grade S Modulo Limited Edition is priced at RM104,800 (on the road with insurance), maintaining the same price as the Jazz Grade S. Modulo accessories developed by Honda Access Corporation, Japan in November 1996, are crafted by the same team that design each Honda model to enhance the style, function and quality of Honda cars. Since the 2nd generation Jazz arrived in August 2008, it has set a higher benchmark, making it a premium and class-leading compact 5-door hatchback. Some 12,500 units of the model have been sold in Malaysia. BUSINESS News Best Light Commercial Vehicle Company 2009 ACM was named the Best Light Commercial Vehicle Company of the Year in Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Asean Automotive Awards on 25 June 2009. The recognition came from Frost & Sullivan, an international consultancy renowned in the Asia-Pacific region. COO Encik Amirudin Abd Kadir said it was the third accolade for ACM in three consecutive years since 2007. He said the latest achievement reflects his management and team members’ relentless efforts to best serve customers in sales and after sales. ACM won based on its business strategies, networking, customer centric orientations and overall market leadership. In 2009, ACM’s HICOM Perkasa model range captured 31% share in the light-duty truck segment, an improvement of 2% over the previous year. It resulted from innovative and aggressive marketing strategies, enhanced customer loyalty and improvement in aftersales service quality. ACM will continue to strive even harder to maintain or exceed its current level of sales by expanding customer database to consolidate total market and product presence. Encik Amirudin Abd Kadir (right) receiving the award from Mr. Gopal R, Director of Frost & Sullivan The ACM business philosophy is in line with commercial vehicle users’ expectation of vehicle reliability, durability and fuel economy to enjoy value-added services. Faced with existing market challenges and stiff price competition, ACM’s counter measures include innovative and aggressive strategies to create stronger brand value and gain customer confidence to generate repeat business potential. ACM is deeply grateful to Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan and ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd for their strong support over the years. Honda Malaysia Records 22% Growth Year-on-Year Honda Malaysia reported 20,479 units sold in the first half of 2009, recording a growth of 22% year-on-year. According to the Malaysia Automotive Association report, Honda captured 8.2% of total industry volume market share and 36.4% in the non-national passenger car segment, a rise from its previous year’s 6% and 25.2% respectively. Sales from Jan - Jun ‘09 (units) Sales from Jan - Jun ‘08 (units) City Civic Accord CR-V Jazz Stream Civic Hybrid Civic Type R Odyssey 10,868 3,463 3,062 1,824 615 496 110 36 5 5,841 4,516 2,862 2,309 301 831 6 75 25 TOTAL 20,479 16,766 Model Total sales breakdown by car models Although the national market shrunk by 9.7%, Honda had positive results. Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and CEO Honda Malaysia, said customers constantly seek value-for-money products and Honda products and services are of the highest quality at reasonable prices. The enhanced 8th Generation Honda Civic introduced in March 2009 sold 3,463 units in the first half-year, contributing about 17% to overall sales. At end July, sales totalled 3,989 units with a back order of 1,200 units. Honda Malaysia’s good results are due to the all-new City, which sold 10,868 units by 30 June 2009, accounting for 53% of total sales. By end July, sales of the model reached 11,857 units with a back order of nearly 4,000 units. Honda Malaysia strives to meet overwhelming demand for the City and Civic and to shorten customer waiting period, which is part of its continuous efforts to satisfy customers. 11 12 BUSINESS News JM Motor Venture Sdn Bhd, New Honda 3S Centre in Bukit Mertajam, Penang Two More Honda Malaysia Showrooms Jimisar Motors New Honda 3S Centre H Honda Malaysia’s 58th showroom, JM Motor Venture Sdn Bhd, was unveiled in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Only 4 units of cars were sold in Sarawak when Honda Malaysia was first established in 2001 but the figure rose to about 4,000 units by April 2009 due to dedicated dealers and supportive customers. Since 2001, its sales in Penang have grown over sixfold from 415 units in 2002 to 2,958 units in 2008, contributing 9% (2,958 units) to the total annual sales of 32,492 units. City, Civic, Accord and CR-V had sales of 1100, 732, 643 and 303 units respectively in the same year. onda Malaysia expanded its network family when it opened its 57th showroom, Jimisar Motors, in Sibu, Sarawak. Based on the Malaysian Automobile Association (MAA) 2008 report, the nonnational passenger car segment in Sarawak had grown almost eightfold since 2001 from 401 units to 3,522 units in 2008. Penang’s automobile market volume grew from 39,858 units in 2002 to 46,254 units in 2008, representing a growth of 16% in seven years. PHN Industry Management Gathering PHN Industry Sdn Bhd held its first management gathering for financial year 2008/2009 on 16 May 2009 at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, Shah Alam, for management committee members, Head of Departments, Head of Sections, executives, union Exco members and employees from grades V and IV. The objectives were to communicate the company’s achievements, its Annual Management Plan and key performance index and to create awareness about the current economic condition and prepare for the worst possible scenario. Encik Lukman Ibrahim, Group Chief Financial Officer, stressed the importance of common understanding between union and management in line with the motto “One PHN Sustains and Gains”. He also congratulated PHN Industry Sdn Bhd for its achievements throughout the year. The 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) concept is part of Honda Malaysia’s policy as it believes the purchase of a car begins a lifelong relationship with the customer. Dealers are equipped and trained to acquire 3S status and provide a total package of service and convenience to customers nationwide. The initiative of dealership network expansion allows Honda Malaysia to uphold its Customer Satisfaction No. 1 policy and to meet the growing market demand in the region. There are now 58 Honda dealers, among which 55 operate Honda 3S Centres nationwide, out of which six are in Penang with five being 3S centres. Kudos to PHN Industry Sdn Bhd PHN Industry Sdn Bhd won two awards at the 7th Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd Suppliers Conference 2009 held on 15 April 2009 at the Palace of the Golden Horses. They are the Best Cost Award 2008 and the Delivery Appreciation Award 2008. Congratulations PHN! BUSINESS News Directors Visit Tanjung Bin Power Plant A new team player in the DRB-HICOM group of companies, Rangkai Positif Sdn Bhd (RPSB), the operator of Tanjung Bin Power Plant in Pontian, Johor, received VIP guests on 23 July 2009. They included DRB-HICOM Berhad’s Chairman, YBhg Dato’ Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza; Group Managing Director, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil; RPSB Chairman, Mr. Ong Ie Cheong; RPSB Director, YBhg Dato’ Lukman Ibrahim; and RPSB Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ir. Ronnie Koo. After a briefing on the coal-fired power plant’s operations, system and maintenance tools by the plant manager, they toured the site including its coal handling facilities. One for the album Fulfilling Lives with Suzuki Assist Encik Ibrahim Maidin, Chief Executive Officer of SMA Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA) launched Suzuki Assist, a special insurance programme, in Kuala Lumpur on 30 July 2009. Assisted by Tokio Marine Insurance Malaysia, MSIG Insurance Malaysia, and Uni.Asia General Insurance plus MI Call Centre, the Suzuki Assist programme is designed to make ownership more rewarding. Suzuki Assist members enjoy a multitude of services and privileges that make their ownership experience worry free. All the programme services are free for members whenever needed. The heart of the Suzuki Assist programme is the call centre that provides 24-hour assistance for breakdown and emergency road services, product information, service enquiries, home assistance services, as well as golfing and dining arrangements, floral and gift deliveries, flight arrangements List of Services under Suzuki Assist include: and even cinema ticket bookings. All arrangement services are free-of-charge for Suzuki Assist members. Suzuki Assist offers speedy claim approvals with no adjustor required. Quality workmanship and genuine parts are assured and, for the first time in the market, this assurance is given through a panel of authorised body and paint centres for repairs up to RM15,000 maximum, which is much higher than the standard RM10,000 offered by other car brands in Malaysia. All new Suzuki customers and existing owners can sign up for the programme at any of the 29 authorised showrooms found nationwide. For more information about Suzuki Assist or to locate your nearest Suzuki dealer, kindly call 1-300-88-6699 or visit www.suzuki.net.my. Vehicle Breakdown / Accident Assistance - 24-hour Road Assistance - Free minor on-the-spot repairs - Jumpstart - Tyre Change - Battery Replacement - Petrol Delivery - Emergency Transmission of Information - Arrangement of Alternative Transport - Arrangement of Hotel Accommodation - Repatriation of Vehicle Assistance Lifestyle and Concierge Arrangements - Hotel and Restaurant Reservations - Golf Tee-off Reservations - Flower Deliveries - Ticket Reservations - Travel Arrangement Services Home Assist Services - Electrical Wiring Services - Plumbing and Waterworks Services - Locksmith Services - Roof Repair Services - Air-condition Repair and Maintenance Services - Garden and Landscaping Services - Pest Control Services - Electrical Appliance Repair Services - Computer Repair Services 13 14 GENERAL News Muamalat Corporate Golf 2009 The participants of the recent golf tournament The Muamalat Corporate Golf Tournament 2009 held on 8 August 2009 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Kota Kemuning, brought together 120 participants comprising the Bank’s top management and corporate clients. They included YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, Chairman Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad; YBhg Dato’ Haji Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid, CEO Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad; YBhg Datuk Mohamad Danel Abong from Global Upline Sdn Bhd; YBhg Dato’ Zulkifli Ibrahim from Jimah Energy Ventures Pelancaran Program Ceria Tetamu (PCT) Sdn Bhd; YBhg Dato’ Noharuddin Nordin from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and many more. The top three winners of the amateur “networking” tournament for Medal A were Encik Aziz Hassan, Encik Mohamad Roza Shah Hussin and Encik Abdul Wahab Mohd Noor. For Medal B, the winners were Encik Mohd Azmir Mohd Razman, Mr. Saw Wah Theng and Encik Muhammad Fauzi Ismail. “Satu tranformasi sedang berlaku!” Cawangan terbaru Bank Muamalat di Bandar Baru Bangi secara rasminya telah dibuka kepada orang ramai pada 31 Julai yang lalu. Serentak dengan itu, pelancaran “Program Ceria Tetamu” (PCT) telah disempurnakan oleh YBhg Dato’ Haji Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad. Deruman enjin dari motosikal berkuasa tinggi menghangatkan lagi majlis pada pagi itu. Konvoi seramai lima orang, semuanya lengkap berjaket kulit rasmi Bank telah berhenti di hadapan Bank sebelum pembukaan cawangan secara simbolik diadakan. YBhg Dato’ Haji Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid merasmikan pembukaan cawangan terbaru Bank Muamalat di Bandar Baru Bangi Cawangan Bandar Baru Bangi berkonsepkan futuristik kontemporari, yang diinspirasikan daripada rekabentuk Islam yang unik, bakal menjadi simbol kebanggaan Bank Muamalat. Selain kiosk-kiosk transaksi, sebuah surau juga disediakan di ruang legar bank untuk kegunaan para pelanggan bank. Pengurus Cawangan bank ini adalah Encik Ahmad Khusairy Mohd Taib. GENERAL News This old ACM uniform has made way for the new one New Uniforms ACM staff showing off their new sartorial look ment to maintain a strong ge in line with the commit ima ate por cor its e anc enh To Bhd (ACM) and its full e Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn otiv om Aut for ce sen pre ket mar 2009. design was introduced in July product range, a new uniform short sleeves and carries form for male employees has uni M AC e blu t ligh new The t pocket and the back M logos embossed on the fron the company and DRB-HICO nel while the management y attire is for all sales person shoulder. This practical dail is worn by female staff. same design with long sleeves staff wear it on Mondays. The aimed at promoting s to designated personnel is The provision of new uniform ge and products among mitment to the corporate ima stronger attachment and com Encik Amirudin Abd Ka dir giving away the new staff members. unifor m ing erat Op ef Chi ir, Kad Abd in form, Encik Amirud give a motivational To add value to this new uni ally hand over the uniforms and son per to tres cen 3S M AC ld stronger rappor t and Officer of ACM visited all red a good opportunity to bui offe ter oun enc s Thi ed. talk to the staff concern agement teams. ecially with the sales and man bonding among the staff, esp Checking out the safety equipment on display Safety First KLAS’ COO, Encik Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh was accompanied by Encik Aminudin Abd. Rahman, Assistant Director of the Department of Civil Aviation, and Mr. Cheng Ling Peng, Airside Safety Manager of Malaysia Airports Berhad, at the official launch of the campaign KL Airport Services Sdn Bhd (KLAS) launched a ramp safety campaign on 29 May 2009 to highlight the role of safety and the need for vigilance at all times while working at the ramp and cargo area targeted at the KLAS staff, the KLIA Safety Committee and the public. KLAS’ Chief Operating Officer (COO), Encik Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh officiated the event which theme was “Safety First”. An exhibition of aircraft and ramp side accidents was held along with the sale of safety equipment. 15 16 COVER STORY The Pekan x le p m o C e iv t o m o t Au ogress and A 25 anniversary overview of the pr th T his story began in 1984. Spearheading the Malaysian automotive industry, DRBHICOM commenced operations in Pekan, the royal town of Pahang, with less than 200 employees in its vehicle assembly plant. Now 25 years later, DRB-HICOM is the industry leader with an established set-up for manufacturing and assemblying vehicles making it the country’s largest producer of cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. The Pekan investment reflects the DRBHICOM Group’s aim to have a one-stop modern automotive manufacturing, assembly and defence contractor infrastructure. Its flexible, multi-model assembly lines tie in well with its overall strategy to create an automotive hub for the ASEAN region. In effect, it’s the catalyst for the Group’s vehicle manufacturing and assembly operations with renowned international automotive makers like Mercedes, Isuzu and Suzuki. There are now four plants and over 2,000 staff in Pekan and they have collectively turned out almost half a million vehicles of world class marques. The combined operations cumulatively generated RM5 billion worth of revenue since 1984. This integrated Pekan Automotive Complex on its 96ha Peramu Jaya site is the main component of the Automotive Industrial Park in Pahang which is slated to grow to 400ha under the East Coast Economic Region. Just like the Tanjung Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park, Pekan Automotive Complex is a high impact project to fast-track development in that area. Pekan Plants As business operations grow for the DRBHICOM Group, the challenge is to realign its various plants in the Pekan Automotive Complex with each concentrating on specific processes and specific types of vehicles to avoid duplicating activities and redundancy. The main players of the DRB-HICOM Group there are HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HAMM), Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA), DRBHICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH), DRB-HICOM Auto Solutions Sdn Bhd (DHAS) and ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ISUZU HICOM). Today, HAMM has HICOM Auto 1 and HICOM Auto 2 plants to handle Suzuki and Mercedes-Benz vehicles respectively. At the HICOM Auto 1 plant, SMA has state-of-the-art German technology painting facility and is the first robotised welding and assembly plant in the East Coast region. Local workers have been trained to master new technology as the company wants to produce 1,000 units of Suzuki Swift a month instead of the current 300 to 350 units. The HICOM Auto 2 plant is the biggest CKD production line of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s upmarket passenger cars. It is the first plant outside Germany to assemble the flagship Mercedes S-Class and was also commissioned development “The DRB-HICOM Group believes in creating more jobs and energising the local economy. to assemble the top range S-500 last year. The same plant assembles commercial vehicles and Mitsubishi Fuso trucks as well. DEFTECH develops and assembles land base defence vehicles such as armoured carriers, mortar carriers and cargo trucks. For the commercial sector, DEFTECH supplies vehicles to waste management companies, government agencies and bus operators. DHAS runs a dedicated facility for pre-delivery inspection, installation of car accessories and other related products. In terms of logistics, it is a bonded storage facility. By centralising resources and sharing services with the Group’s Automotive Distribution Division, DHAS provides competitive value added services to customers by cutting costs through economies of scale. The ISUZU HICOM plant is capable of manufacturing 12,000 units of commercial vehicles for the DRB-HICOM Group annually. Since 1997, it has produced over 127,000 vehicles of different models. Besides Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks, the plant also assembles medium and heavy-duty vehicles and buses. COVER STORY CHRONOLOGY OF The Future 2000 To become the industry’s preferred automotive assembler, HAMM has to win long-term contracts from car makers besides partnering international brands. DEFTECH aspires to lead in the assembly of military and armoured vehicles apart from buses and lorries. The Government is providing support for DEFTECH to improve its performance and market its products abroad. ISUZU HICOM has embarked on oversea training in Japan for its Pekan staff. Its stress is on human capital development to ensure longterm sustainability and a conducive working environment for the employees. DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH) in Pekan began operations on 15 November and secured a contract to manufacture 250 units of military trucks that met the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) specifications. 1984 The Regent of Pahang officially opened the Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (AMM) plant in Pekan. 1993 It wants improved benefits and perks for its employees and is behind efforts to transform Pekan into a regional automotive hub.” Plans are afoot to establish an automotive engineering college in Pekan to upgrade technical training, education and research. Meanwhile Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Institut Kemahiran Mara and community colleges are collaborating with the DRB-HICOM Group to support the local automotive industry. Many eligible students are given industrial training with the automotive companies to harness their potential. Over and above all else, the industry leaders in Pekan uphold a strong worker-manager relationship. The DRB-HICOM Group believes in creating more jobs and energising the local economy. It wants improved benefits and perks for its employees and is behind efforts to transform Pekan into a regional automotive hub. In monetary terms, the Pekan operations of the DRB-HICOM Group paid RM442 million for excise duty and sales tax in 2008. It is expected to increase to RM525 million this year. This never-ending story continues as the DRBHICOM Group chalks up more milestones and pursues more opportunities to benefit the Group and the people of Malaysia. EVENTS 2004 MTB and DaimlerChrysler (M) Sdn Bhd signed a MoU on 18 May to assemble the Mercedes–Benz E-Class in 2005, the C-Class in 2006 and the S-Class in 2007. It is the biggest Mercedes-Benz CKD plant in terms of volume. Malaysian Truck & Bus Sdn Bhd (MTB) established at the suggestion of then The first locally Prime Minister Dato’ Seri (Tun) Dr. assembled Mercedes-Benz Mahathir Mohamad who visited AMM S-Class model was launched by HRH on 22 May. MTB, now known as ISUZU Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah. HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd has become the biggest commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Malaysia. 1994 Dato’ Seri (Tun) Dr. Mahathir Mohamad officiated the naming ceremony of the three-door Proton Satria. 1995 New housing area, Taman Perdana, comprising 300 units of houses, was opened for DRB-HICOM staff. 1997 2006 2007 The Robotic Welding Line for Suzuki Swift began operations. ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Malaysian Truck & Bus Sdn Bhd) was launched. 2008 Then Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak met DRBHICOM workers at a meet-the-people session. The Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM) Pekan was renamed IKM Tan Sri Yahaya Ahmad. On 11 November, Dato’ Seri (Tun) Dr. Mahathir The celebration of Mohamad launched the national truck the 25th anniversary of DRBHICOM Perkasa, which is now the HICOM Automotive Complex in Pekan on number one choice for Malaysians. 20 October. 2009 17 18 GENERAL News MODENAS Ungguli Podium di Sepang MODENAS kembali memberi saingan dengan sekali lagi muncul di podium pada Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia AAM 2009, pusingan ke-5 di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang pada 12 Julai 2009. Berikut adalah keputusan yang diperolehi oleh pasukan MODENAS Yuzy Pachi Racing: Kategori Expert Md Suhadi Ali Rahmat, tempat ke-14 Md Syahnas Shahidan, tempat ke-15 Kategori Novis Kejuaraan yang diserikan Md Farid Ahmad, tempat ke-3 dengan kehadiran konvoi MODENAS telah menyaksikan Kategori Wira epg Md Noor Azizi Abd Naser (tengah) menjulang trofi tempat pertama sebanyak 92 unit motosikal Zulsyafiz Rosli, tempat ke-4 MODENAS berkonvoi dari bagi kategori Privateer Hentian Rehat Dengkil Kategori Privateer (Selatan) ke Litar Antarabangsa Md Noor Azizi Abd Naser, Sepang untuk sama-sama tempat pertama memberikan sokongan. Paling membanggakan, model motosikal MODENAS yang terhangat di pasaran, GT128 mendahului dalam senarai konvoi iaitu sebanyak 76 unit. Lain-lain motosikal adalah Elegan (12 unit), Kriss 120 (3 unit) dan Elit Sports (1 unit). Md Farid Ahmad (tengah) bergambar sejurus selesai perlumbaan Hanif Pula Takluk Podium Kali ini, giliran Md Hanif Che Ani pula untuk menakluk podium pada Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia AAM 2009, pusingan ke-7 di Litar Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang pada 16 Ogos 2009. Hanif yang pertama kali menaiki podium setelah tujuh pusingan berjaya menamatkan perlumbaan di tempat ke-3 dalam kategori Novis. Berikut adalah keputusan yang diperolehi oleh pasukan MODENAS Yuzy Pachi Racing: Kategori Expert Md Suhadi Ali Rahmat, tempat ke-7 Md Syahnas Shahidan, tempat ke-10 Kategori Novis Md Hanif Che Ani, tempat ke-3 Md Zulfahmi Khairuddin, tempat ke-7 Kategori Wira epg Md Azzeroy Aziz, tempat ke-5 Kategori Privateer Md Noor Azizi Abd Naser, tempat pertama Md Hanif Che Ani (kanan) bersama trofi tempat ke-3 bagi kategori Novis Noor Azizi, dalam kategori Privateer tetap unggul mempertahankan kejuaraan dengan kukuh di podium pertama. Ini merupakan podium pertama untuk kali ke-3 baginya. Selain itu, gerai promosi MODENAS terus mendapat sambutan hangat orang ramai bagi mendapatkan maklumat produk MODENAS dan menyertai pelbagai aktiviti menarik yang disediakan. GENERAL Azzeroy Wira MODENAS P elumba MODENAS, Md Azzeroy Aziz muncul di podium untuk tempat ke-3 dalam saingan kategori WIRA epg di Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia AAM 2009, pusingan ke-6 di Litar Batu Kawan, Pulau Pinang. Sebelum ini, beliau hanya mampu menduduki tempat ke-4 untuk 4 pusingan. Azzeroy muncul wira untuk MODENAS pada pusingan kali ini. MODENAS tetap gagah dalam kategori Privateer setelah sekali lagi muncul di podium dengan menduduki tempat ke-2. Berikut adalah keputusan yang diperolehi oleh pasukan MODENAS Yuzy Pachi Racing: Kategori Expert Md Suhadi Ali Rahmat, tempat ke-17 Md Syahnas Shahidan, tempat ke-18 Kategori Novis Md Farid Ahmad, tempat ke-5 Md Hanif Che Ani, tempat ke-9 Kategori Wira epg Md Azzeroy Aziz, tempat ke-3 Kategori Privateer Md Noor Azizi Abd Naser, tempat ke-2 Selain itu, sebanyak 128 buah motosikal MODENAS berkonvoi ke Batu Kawan sempena kejuaraan ini. Motosikal MODENAS GT128 mendahului senarai sebanyak 91 unit diikuti dengan Elegan (24 unit), Xcite (6 unit), Kriss 110 (4 unit), Kriss 120 (2 unit) dan Karisma (1 unit). Konvoi kali ini adalah konvoi terbesar dicatatkan selepas konvoi ke Sepang sebelum ini. Di gerai promosi MODENAS, pelbagai aktiviti promosi telah dijalankan termasuklah aksi ‘stunt’ motosikal dan ATV MODENAS oleh pekerja MODENAS sendiri. YAB Lim Guan Eng, Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, turut melawat gerai MODENAS. News 19 20 GENERAL News Separation at Source Pilot Project in Putrajaya YB Dato’ Sri Kong Cho Ha (3rd from left) and YBhg Dato’ Ir. Zahri Abdul Ghani, CEO of Alam Flora (far left) at the event YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, officially launched the ‘Separation at Source’ Project on 29 August 2009 at Lake Club, Putrajaya, and presented mulli bins to the Resident Associations of Precincts 8, 9 and 10. The six-month pilot project serves as a model to increase the recovery of recyclable materials from waste and to minimise waste disposal at landfill. This project aims to increase recycling rate from 5% to 40% at the end of six months and will determine the amount of waste diverted to landfill through separation at source and composting. The Solid Waste Department is providing compactor and capital cost for the composting facility. Putrajaya Corporation is contributing the separation and composting areas. Alam Flora Sdn Bhd is handling the collection, separation and composting operations. SSI-Schaeffer Consortium is supplying the bins while UiTM is advisor for the composting technique. This joint project is also studying the residents’ response to the two-bin concept for separation of organics and recyclables. The waste in 10-litre mulli bins placed in home kitchens is transferred to two-wheel mobile garbage bins (MGB) of 120-litre capacity placed outside houses. Those with green and grey lids are for organic and recyclable materials respectively. During the project period, all parties are engaged in an awareness programme to ensure residents separate their waste. Collections of organic and recyclable waste use separate operation teams consisting of a compactor team and recyclable lorry team. The two types of waste are sent to the composting and separation site at Precinct 5. The experience from this project will be useful when the Solid Waste Management and Cleansing Act 2007 is fully enforced. Precinct 8 Apartment Phase 4A (145 units) • Block A & B Stall at market (16 units) Precinct 9 Terrace (276 units) • 9B/4, 9B/5, 9B/7, 9B/8, 9B/10 & 9B/12 • 9D/2 & 9D/3. Stall at Food Court Shop House School Kindergarten Precinct 10 Bungalow (14 units) • A1/1, A1/2 & A1/3 • A2/1 & A2/2 • 10/3, 10/5, 10/6 & 10/7 Semi-D (88 units) • A3/1, A3/2, A3/3, A3/4 & A3/5 The residents are given two types of bins 1 Mulli bins - 10 litres capacity with green and grey colour to be placed in the kitchen. Once full, the residents need to transfer the waste to bigger bin as described. 2 Two-wheel Green Mobile Garbage Bin (MGB) - 120 litres capacity with green lid for organic and grey lid for recyclable materials to be placed outside. HAPPENINGS ‘PUSPAKOM Media Fishing Challenge 2009’ ‘PUSPAKOM Media Fishing Challenge 2009’ telah diadakan buat julungjulung kalinya di Sea Lion Fishing Park, Pelabuhan Klang pada 20 Jun 2009 yang lalu dengan kehadiran rakan-rakan media dari sekitar Lembah Klang. Objektif aktiviti ini adalah untuk merapatkan lagi silaturrahim di antara pihak media dan pihak pengurusan PUSPAKOM serta DRB-HICOM Berhad. Seramai 200 peserta yang terdiri daripada rakan media, pihak pengurusan DRB-HICOM dan PUSPAKOM telah mengambil bahagian. Ketua Pegawai Operasi PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd, Yang Mulia Raja Mahmud Shah AI-Haj menyempurnakan majlis dengan ucapan alu-aluan dan majlis seterusnya dilancarkan oleh Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan DRB-HICOM, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jami1. Sejurus selepas gimik pelancaran dilakukan oleh YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, siren dibunyikan dan pertandingan memancing dimulakan tepat jam 9 pagi. Pertandingan yang mengambil masa lebih kurang tiga jam ini menyaksikan pelbagai tangkapan, di antaranya ikan Senangin, Jenahak, Siakap dan Bawal Pinang. Kemenangan berpihak kepada peserta daripada Berita Harian, Encik Helmi Hamzah yang berjaya menggondol Antara rakan media yang menyertai pertandingan hadiah wang tunai bernilai RM700 berserta trofi dan peti ais mini. Beliau berjaya menaikkan ikan Senangin seberat 3.82 kg, mengatasi dua peserta daripada Media Selangor yang menduduki tempat kedua dan ketiga iaitu Encik Roslan Bian dan Encik Azizan Abd YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil bersama pemenangpemenang (Tempat 1-3) Rani yang masing-masing berjaya menaikkan ikan Senangin seberat 3.33 kg dan ikan Jenahak seberat 2.64 kg. Kategori lain yang dipertandingkan adalah ‘Smallest Catch’, ‘Most Dedicated Angler’, ‘Most Cheerful Angler’, ‘Most Stylish Angler’, dan ‘Fastest/Earliest Catch’. Pengarah Eksekutif Berita & Operasi Editorial Media Prima, YBhg Datuk Ahmad Abd. Talib membawa pulang Yang Mulia Raja Mahmud Shah Al-Haj memberikan ucapan alu-aluan gelaran ‘The Most Cheerful Angler’ bagi kategori novelti yang melayakkan beliau membawa pulang hadiah berupa barangan elektrik. Selain itu, Penasihat BERNAMA Radio, YBhg Datuk Syed Jamil Jaafar telah menggondol gelaran ‘The Most Dedicated Angler’ di atas kesungguhan yang ditunjukkan sepanjang pertandingan. Di samping itu, cabutan bertuah juga turut diadakan pada hari tersebut. Acara berakhir pada jam 2 petang sejurus selesai makan tengahari dan penyampaian hadiah. Deretan ikan, hasil tangkapan para peserta pertandingan Dari kiri: YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Yang Mulia Raja Mahmud Shah Al-Haj dan YBhg Datuk Syed Jamil Jaafar 21 22 HAPPENINGS The Scenic view of Lake Kenyir D RB-HICOM hosted the local media for a long distance drive and amazing race to Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa in Terengganu covering 1,140 km, from 7 to 9 August, 2009. At the prize giving ceremony on Saturday, 8 August, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad, thanked the media representatives for their continuous support and warm relationship over the years. The 3-day, 2-night event received an overwhelming response from those in the auto, travel, lifestyle and business media. He said Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa, the only international class resort located there, was chosen as the venue for the media outing after its RM10 million upgrading exercise. The media teams journeyed to the East Coast in a fleet of DRBHICOM vehicles to experience the highways and countryside before discovering the beauty of Lake Kenyir surrounded by ancient tropical rainforest. Some 50 media participants were in a convoy of 25 cars. Each team of two or three had the chance to test drive at least three different makes of vehicles distributed by the DRBHICOM Group, two models en route to Lake Kenyir and one on the way back to Kuala Lumpur. This largest lake in Malaysia spans over 260,000 hectares and is a gateway to Taman Negara known for its lush tropical jungle. Kenyir is also home to nine of the 31 species of hornbills Resort & Spa, in Asia. “Lake Kenyir the only international class resort located there, was chosen as the venue for the media outing after its RM10 million upgrading exercise.” The automobiles ranged from deluxe SUVs like the Audi Q5 and Honda CRV to other new vehicle models in the DRB-HICOM stable of cars. The amazing race held in the Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa grounds made the enthusiastic participants answer questions, find treasures and test their physical strength. Everyone had fun and tried their skills in riding MODENAS motorbikes across planks and in doing other challenges thrown at them. Owned by DRB-HICOM, the resort is a popular retreat for nature lovers, anglers, bird watchers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers. It is perfect for those who love the outdoor life, and is ideal as a retreat for business conferences and seminars. Companies within the Group that participated in the event included Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad, DRB-HICOM Auto Solutions Sdn Bhd, Automotive Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Euromobil Sdn Bhd, Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd, USF-HICOM (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd, HICOM-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd, HICOM Polymers Industry Sdn Bhd, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd, Uni. Asia Life Assurance Berhad, Uni.Asia General Insurance Berhad, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, HICOM Properties Sdn Bhd, Holiday Inn Glenmarie Kuala Lumpur and Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa. HAPPENINGS Arrival of participants Dining by the waterfall Encik Hamdan Ahammu, Head, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations who is Organising Chairman, speaking at the Welcoming Dinner Taking a breather Flag-off Smile for the camera! Fun games Champions Kayaking 2nd Runner-Up 1st Runner-Up 23 24 HAPPENINGS Konvoi Hari Kemerdekaan ke-52 Encik Adnan Taib dan isteri S eramai 108 peserta dengan 92 buah motosikal MODENAS berkonvoi dari Kuantan ke Pekan, Pahang pada 16 Ogos yang lalu. Konvoi yang dianjurkan sempena sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke-52 ini menjadikan MODENAS sebagai satusatunya pengeluar motosikal nasional yang mempelawa masyarakat untuk bersamasama menghayati semangat kemerdekaan yang disambut pada 31 Ogos 2009. Konvoi yang disertai oleh 42 buah motosikal MODENAS GT128, 24 buah motosikal Sebahagian peserta dengan GT128 masing-masing Elegan dan 26 buah motosikal MODENAS yang lain telah bertolak kira-kira jam 10 pagi dari Kuantan ke Pekan. Konvoi ini juga adalah sebagai tanda sokongan kepada Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia AAM 2009, pusingan ke-7 yang berlangsung di Litar Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan. Pasukan MODENAS Yuzy Pachi Racing adalah pasukan yang menggalas cabaran cub prix ini bagi pihak MODENAS. peserta adalah dari golongan muda namun semangat untuk menghayati kemerdekaan selain patriotisme yang menebal dalam diri membuatkan beliau mengambil keputusan untuk menyertainya. “Jangan sangka kami warga tua tidak lagi mempunyai kudrat untuk menyertai aktiviti sebegini kerana orang seperti kami lebih mengerti apa itu erti kemerdekaan,” ujar beliau. Antara yang menyertai program ini adalah pasangan warga emas, Adnan Taib, 65, bersama isteri, Faridah Abdullah, 56. Menurut Encik Adnan, walaupun kebanyakan Selain itu, konvoi ini juga adalah bertujuan mempromosikan motosikal MODENAS terutama model yang terbaru iaitu GT128. ‘Malaysia International Road Safety Exhibition (MIREX) 2009’ MODENAS telah menyertai ‘MIREX 2009’ yang berlangsung di Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) pada 13 hingga 16 Ogos 2009 yang lalu. Program yang dinaungi oleh Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya (JKJR) ini bertujuan menyedarkan masyarakat tentang keselamatan di jalan raya. MODENAS telah mengadakan pameran dan jualan istimewa motosikal yang turut disertai oleh wakil pengedar MODENAS sepanjang program selama 4 hari tersebut. Di samping itu, Kempen Servis Motosikal MODENAS turut diadakan di perkarangan MIECC. Program ini juga turut dimeriahkan dengan kehadiran kumpulan konvoi motosikal MODENAS. Para pengunjung juga turut dipersembahkan dengan aksi ‘stunt’ yang menggunakan motosikal MODENAS dengan cara yang selamat dan profesional. Para pengunjung bergambar kenangan di tapak pameran MODENAS COMMUNITY Interest-Free MediStar Health Insurance Uni.Asia General Insurance Berhad’s MediStar medical health insurance is easy on the pocket with its zero interest monthly instalment payment scheme. Launched in September 2008, customers enjoy zero interest regardless of the payment amount made by their credit cards. MediStar’s medical health insurance plan coverage begins on approval of your application and the successful auto-debit from your credit card account. Once the instalment amount is fixed, changes to the benefit level can be made only during the policy renewal. Changes are allowed with a month’s notice before the renewal date. A five-star cashless admission medical health insurance plan, MediStar offers comprehensive coverage for medical, surgical and hospitalisation expenses, ambulance fees and daily cash allowance. Other benefits are guaranteed renewal until 70 years old and four different plans with worldwide coverage. Financial Security with Bijak Malaysia Live comfortably after retirement. Uni.Asia Life’s Bijak Malaysia is a practical solution for financial security if you act wisely during your productive working years. Get life insurance protection and save for your future and retirement for merely RM100 a month. Bijak Malaysia’s whole life protection and savings plan designed by the National Insurance Association of Malaysia (NIAM) is comprehensive and solid. For only RM3.33 per day, you receive these benefits: • Full life coverage until the age of 55 • Monthly premium contribution stops when you reach 55 • Extra protection continues for 33 years until you reach 88 • Guaranteed cash bonus every three years @ 5% of the sum assured until 88 • Guaranteed maturity benefit (full sum assured is payable) Simply sign up by completing a health declaration form. It’s that easy! 25 26 COMMUNITY H1N1 Red Alert To curb the outbreak of the H1N1 pandemic within the organisation, the Group’s Human Resource Division implemented various measures to protect the workforce. The on-going preventive and mitigation steps include: • Health screening for workers, visitors and customers to prevent those with symptoms from entering the work place. H1N1Talk On 5 August 2009, Dr. Mariah Alwi of the District Health Department spoke about the H1N1 issue that has affected various areas near HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HAMM), to enlighten the staff about the contagious disease. She gave an overview and informed that the virus could spread easily. Hence, everyone must take measures to ensure personal hygiene at all times. • Frequent sanitation of common areas like washrooms, lifts, pantries and canteens as well as sterilisation of door knobs, handles and lift buttons. • Health talks by panel doctors to educate staff on H1N1 and preventive measures. • Avoid unnecessary travel and take a seven-day home quarantine only if advised by a medical doctor. • The H1N1 crisis centre set up will ensure efficient monitoring of any H1N1 outbreak and implement preventive measures. Helping Those with Special Needs Encik Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of HAMM, introducing Dr. Mariah Alwi to the audience The HIGKL family with the residents of the Anbesivam Home Staff of the Holiday Inn Glenmarie Kuala Lumpur (HIGKL) recently spent a day at Anbesivam Home, a non-profit day-care centre providing shelter, care, education and therapy to more than 60 handicapped and disabled children in Klang, Selangor. The 20-member HIGKL team brought lunch, donated food and daily necessities, and became acquainted with the residents and staff of the centre. A mini telematch conducted by the hotel’s CSR committee members brought much laughter and cheer. As part of HIGKL’s long-term concern, its Engineering and Housekeeping teams will assist to paint the day-care centre and do plumbing work when needed. Daniel, Banquet Manager with the kids COMMUNITY Hari Pengguna 2009 MODENAS telah menyertai Hari Pengguna Malaysia 2009 di Kuantan, Pahang pada 24-26 Julai 2009. Antara aktiviti-aktiviti menarik termasuklah pameran motosikal MODENAS jualan cenderahati dan jualan motosikal pada harga istimewa oleh wakil pengedar yang mengambil bahagian. Program ini dirasmikan oleh YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan. Selain daripada aktiviti pameran dari pelbagai agensi terbabit, program turut dimeriahkan dengan konsert istimewa dari 25 hingga 26 Julai 2009 oleh artis-artis popular tanahair. MODENAS Sokong Aktiviti Sihat MODENAS telah menyumbang 3 buah motosikal Kriss 100 untuk program ‘Ipoh Starwalk 2009’ yang berlangsung pada 21 Jun 2009. MODENAS selaku penaja utama untuk hadiah cabutan bertuah dalam program ini menyokong aktiviti-aktiviti sihat seumpama ini. Selain menyumbangkan hadiah utama untuk cabutan bertuah, aktiviti-aktiviti promosi MODENAS juga telah diadakan sepanjang program diadakan. Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia “Konsep Satu Malaysia perlu dipraktikkan dalam menjayakan kempen membeli barangan buatan Malaysia bagi memastikan produk tempatan berada setanding dengan produk luar negara,” demikian kata YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Mohd Yassin, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dalam teks ucapannya yang dibacakan oleh Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi Dan Kepenggunaan, YB Datuk Seri Ismail bin Sabri Yaakob pada Majlis Pelancaran Ekspo Mega Beli Barangan Malaysia di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur pada 25 Jun 2009. MODENAS sebagai pengeluar motosikal nasional menyertai ekspo selama 5 hari ini bermula dari 24 hingga 28 Jun 2009 dengan mempamerkan barisan motosikal nasional di samping jualan promosi dari pengedarpengedar sah MODENAS kepada semua pengunjung. 27 28 TRAINING & EDUCATION Whistleblowing at DRB-HICOM Berhad W histleblowing has been making news in the wake of the global economic crisis. Notable cases, especially in the U.S. corporate and financial sectors such as the Enron accounting scandal and excessive risktaking by banks, have exposed the harm caused by fraud and business malpractice. They underscore the need for whistleblowing procedures supported by an organisation’s management culture. Business ethics are increasingly seen as an issue that can build or destroy a company’s reputation. Once public trust is withheld, the business consequences can be serious. Briefly, whistleblowing involves an employee giving information about danger or illegality affecting others or the public to the employer or a regulator. Often, the whistleblower is not directly or personally affected by the danger or illegality. Commercial organisations benefit from adherence to good business practice. The world trend shows socially responsible corporations and entities welcoming policies or legislations that offer support for their employers’ efforts to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Therefore, workers with fears that such standards are not being met have effective legal protection. Leading employers have adopted a simple policy on whistleblowing that has support from top management and is clearly promoted to their employees. DRB-HICOM Berhad DRB-HICOM Berhad introduced its own Whistleblower Policy that applies to all its subsidiary companies as well since 1 December 2006. It directly supports the company’s values and its corporate code of ethics and governance. To prevent unprofessional or unethical conduct, the said policy provides a helpful framework against which individuals are encouraged to report behaviour that doesn’t measure up to standards. “Whistleblowing involves an employee giving information about danger or illegality affecting others or the public to the employer or a regulator.” DRB-HICOM Berhad’s value of “integrity” says “We remain consistent and honest in our dealings with others and to treat people with trust and mutual respect while maintaining transparency.” Under the policy, DRB-HICOM Berhad is committed to ensure that employees can bring up concerns about illegal conduct or malpractice without fear of being victimised, harassed or treated discriminatorily, and to have such concerns investigated. The company’s policy creates a climate of open communication, supported by a clear procedure for dealing with concerns, that helps to reduce misconduct and ensure that such concerns are dealt with swiftly and effectively. The Whistleblower Policy provides the mechanism and framework by which staff, contractors and consultants can confidently and anonymously raise concerns and make complaints in a responsible manner. All employees (full-time, part-time or casual), directors, shareholders, consultants, vendors, contractors, outside agencies or any other business parties are encouraged to disclose any wrongdoing that may affect the DRB-HICOM Group. Furthermore, the policy allows DRBHICOM Berhad to promote a culture of openness, transparency, honesty, ethical behaviour and good corporate governance within the Group where staff can act appropriately without fear of retaliation. As a result, any concern about suspected fraud, corruption, illegal conduct, wrongdoing or malpractice can be reported early without staff apprehension of being vilified or victimised in any way. Under the Whistleblower Policy, all disclosures are dealt confidentially regardless of the whistleblower’s desire for anonymity. Reportable activities under the whistleblower policy include conduct or activity that breach any law or regulation including but not limited to TRAINING the Evidence Act 1950, Computer Crimes Act 1997, MASB/FRS Standards, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad and Securities Commission Listing requirements, etc, besides any suspected or actual breach of DRB-HICOM Berhad’s policies, practices, procedures or other rules of conduct such as misrepresentation, deception and confidential disclosures. Whistleblowing complaints and information can be channelled by telephone, e-mail, fax or mail to the Chairman of the Board Audit Committee, Group Managing Director and Head of the Group Internal Audit or any relevant management. DRB-HICOM also provides toll-free hotline for lodging allegations of misconduct and unethical business practice at 1-800-882005. DRB-HICOM Berhad encourages employees to inform someone in authority with the ability to do something about the problem in question. The company attaches importance to identify and remedy malpractice. Whistleblowers who ask for their concerns to be treated in confidence have their wishes respected. No staff is penalised for informing management with complaints on any suspected wrongdoing or malpractice. PROTECTION Much could be at stake when whistleblowing occurs. Any malpractice reflects poorly on management systems or on individual managers. It is little wonder that potential whistleblowers fear being discriminated by management. The DRB-HICOM Berhad Whistleblower Policy safeguards those who file reports in good faith. They face no adverse repercussions for raising cases with their employer and are protected from being victimised, dismissed or penalised due to their actions. But those who complain in bad faith or make unfounded allegations are subject to disciplinary action by the company. Using its set of procedures, there is a proper process for DRB-HICOM Berhad to deal effectively with any complaint on malpractice. The internal procedure helps forestall or mitigate any serious damage to business or reputation that can occur as a result of public disclosures. “We remain consistent and honest in our dealings with others and to treat people with trust and mutual respect while maintaining transparency.” & EDUCATION EXAMPLES OF COMPLAINTS OF IMPROPER CONDUCT UNDER THE WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY • A criminal offence. • Breaching a legal obligation. • Behaviour involving danger to the health or safety of any individual. • Damage or potential damage to the environment. • Unlawful discrimination. • Substance abuse. • Harassment or bullying. • Misuse of company information. • Workers compensation fraud. • Corruption involving cash, e.g. theft, skimming of sales and fraudulent disbursements, etc. • Corruption involving inventory and other asset theft, misuse or false transfers, etc. • Fraudulent statements. REWARD Provided the information given proves valuable, accurate and reliable, the whistleblower will be eligible to a reasonable reward. The senior management of DRBHICOM will have discretion to decide on a reward in kind, monetary value and/or appreciative gifts. • Any other detrimental wrongdoings. CONCLUSION To be eligible, the whistleblower must provide information that allow proper investigation to be done resulting in the management’s ability to take effective disciplinary actions against offenders. All information provided must not be known to everybody or in public knowledge. Many leading international organisations have reported a positive benefit from whistleblowing procedures. The U.K. Treasury’s Annual Fraud Reports record more Whitehall frauds discovered and stopped by staff raising concerns since the whistleblowing policies came into force. The British Financial Services Authority finds that costs in implementing or reassessing whistleblowing procedures were minimal. Furthermore, the information obtained should overcome or deter the occurrence of major fraudulent related activities of high impact. In the same way, effective in-house whistleblowing arrangements are seen as a real benefit to both DRB-HICOM Berhad, its stakeholders and consumers. 29 30 TRAVEL & LEISURE Back to Nature Enjoy a green vacation R ediscover nature in all its glory at Lake Kenyir, Southeast Asia’s largest man-made body of water, located six hours from KL by car. Urban stress simply vanishes as you enter its world of calmness and beauty. The greenery that envelopes you is a lush, eco-friendly environment where flora and fauna abound amid jungle and water. This vast lake borders the states of Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south. Its 340 small islands were formerly hill peaks and highlands before the whole area was flooded. The Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Plant there built between 1978 and 1985 generates electricity. Its reservoir holds 23.6 million cubic metres of water and occupies an area of 38,000 ha. The water level varies and is highest during March and April. Some 30 rivers run into the lake teeming with 30 species of freshwater fish that feed on algae growing on the dead submerged trees. They include game fish like the Lampam Sungai (Barboides), Kelah (Malaysian Mahsee), Toman (Snakehead), Kawan (Friendly Barb), Kalui (Giant Gouramy) and Kelisa (Green Arowana). Hence, Kenyir is an angler’s haven with many private fishing boat operators. The million-year-old tropical rainforest around the lake is home to 200 species of fauna such as wild elephants and tigers, two endangered animals in the Malaysian jungle. They thrive amid 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 types of plants and trees, 300 species of fungi, 800 different butterflies, 370 orchid species and 1,000 bird species. Lasir Waterfall Blessed with a rich biodiversity, Lake Kenyir offers countless nature-based activities for adventurous vacationers. Its outdoor setting is ideal for rest and recreation besides nature education. The rainforest and tranquil waters form the backdrop of the 60-acre Lake Kenyir Resort and Spa sited on the lake’s banks. This international class resort is situated next to Pengkalan Gawi, where you find a parking area, jetty and water sports facilities. Pengkalan Gawi is also the nearest gateway to Malaysia’s National Park or Taman Negara. To enter the park, get permits for your camera, fishing rod and camping gear from the Wildlife Department at the tourist information centre. Many people like to explore the lake by boat or canoe. Others enjoy jungle trekking with knowledgeable guides to show the way. Lasir Waterfall, located about 45 minutes away by boat, has a 500 feet high cascade with five tiered levels. At each level, Bird watching NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST Waterfalls – Saok and Lasir Caves – Bewah and Taat Hill regions – Mount Chergau and Mount Gagau Taman Negara (National Park) – jungle walks Bird watching – Sungai Buwek Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Dam Herbal Island TRAVEL & LEISURE splashing pools offer a cool refreshing dip. There are picnic spots, a camping area and hiking trails leading up to its top. ACCOMMODATION After a RM10 million upgrade and refurbishing, the four-star Lake Kenyir Resort and Spa boasts 135 comfortable timber chalets styled in traditional Malay architecture, besides a newly renovated lobby, restaurants, spa, conference rooms and staff hostels. Sited amid landscaped gardens, each chalet has its own private balcony commanding views of the lake and is ideal for bird-watching, especially to sight nine species of hornbills found there. Installed with modern amenities and facilities, the chalets have large and spacious interiors. The rooms have king or twin beds, individually controlled air conditioning, ceiling fan, colour TV, IDD phone, minibar, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer and en suite bathroom. DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Tembat Restaurant specialises in Western and Malaysian food. Its outdoor dining terrace overlooks the lake, while the main restaurant has air-conditioned comfort and equally scenic views. The Pool Side Café serves light meals like pizzas, sandwiches and desserts. Its casual ambience is perfect for a long, lazy lunch. Quench your thirst with a long cool drink from the Pool Bar. Jenagor Bar and Lounge in the main building provides live music in the evenings. Guests can relax under its high roof and take in breathtaking vistas of the lake’s surroundings while sipping drinks. Chalet accommodation Ulik Mayang Spa lies perched right on the water’s edge in the resort. Its welltrained staff pamper guests with a range of spa treatments such as royal Malay massage, aromatherapy massage, royal Balinese massage, royal Thai massage, Swedish massage, neck, back, shoulder massage and foot reflexology. The resort’s meeting rooms accommodate up to 320 people for seminars, meetings, conferences and banquets. The Sekayu Ballroom can hold up to 250 persons for theme parties and dinners. GETTING THERE From Kuala Lumpur, drive to Kuantan via the Karak Highway and take the Jerangau-Jabor Hghway to Lake Kenyir. The Transnational coach from Hentian Putra Station in Kuala Lumpur passes by and drops passengers at the resort. Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia have daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport while Firefly from Subang and Penang lands at Kuala Terengganu Airport. Book the resort’s shuttle service for the 40-minute ride from the airport. Public taxis also ply the route. From Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Terengganu Kuala Terengganu – Resort Kuala Lumpur – Resort Other resort services are a business centre, 24-hour security, broadband Internet access, limousine and car rental, convenience store, local tours, gift shop, air ticket confirmation and laundry. For reservation and enquiries, kindly contact Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa at 609-666 8888 or email to [email protected]. For more details, you can go to www.lakekenyir.com. Distance 455 km 60 km 520 km Time 50 min 45 min 6 hrs By Air Car Car RECREATION ACTIVITIES Outdoor – swimming, lake cruising, kayaking, paddle boating, fishing, tennis, squash, picnicking, cycling, bird watching, nature treks. Indoor games – table tennis, chess, darts. Team building – board games, congkak and snooker 31 2 Silaturrahim Dierat Menjadi Satu DRB-HICOM H ari Keluarga yang sentiasa dinanti-nantikan oleh kesemua ahli Kelab Sukan DRB-HICOM (KSDH) telah berlangsung di Tiara Beach Resort, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan pada 1 dan 2 Ogos 2009. Seramai lebih daripada 700 ahli kelab bersama keluarga masing-masing telah hadir memeriahkan acara. Pelbagai program telah diatur seperti Pencarian Harta Karun, yang menyaksikan sebanyak 30 buah kereta mengambil bahagian. Pencarian bermula dari Shah Alam, Selangor ke Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Selain menjawab soalan, para peserta juga perlu membuat tugasan yang diberikan seperti memakan durian dan membuat ‘L Parking’. Pada sebelah petangnya, acara sukaneka telah diadakan dengan pelbagai aktiviti menarik seperti Phua Chu Kang, Charlie Chaplin dan Back Catch. Selain itu, pertandingan bola sepak pantai juga telah berlangsung dengan menyaksikan pihak pengurusan menewaskan pasukan warga kerja dengan jaringan 2-1. Sejurus selepas itu, menyusul pula perlawanan di antara pasukan ahli keluarga menentang pasukan warga kerja DRB-HICOM yang berkesudahan pasukan warga kerja menang dengan jaringan 2-1. Jamuan makan malam yang bertemakan “Kampung Nelayan” telah berlangsung pada sebelah malamnya. Para hadirin tidak kering gusi dengan lawak jenaka bersahaja yang dijayakan oleh Nabil dan Zizan, selaku selebriti jemputan pada majlis tersebut. Kesemua yang hadir pulang pada keesokan harinya dengan penuh keceriaan.