Latest news with #Pandak
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
UPLIFTING BUMI ENTREPRENEURS
THE 'Raise the Floor' initiative, under the government-linked enterprises activation and reform programme (GEAR-uP), is a pertinent effort in fostering inclusive economic progress to drive the growth of bumiputera communities and businesses. In line with this framework, UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), via its subsidiary PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS), has demonstrated commitment to this initiative by creating greater access to economic opportunities for bumiputera vendors. Aligned with the recently launched 13th Malaysia Plan, this initiative emphasises the participation and empowerment of all communities, particularly in bumiputera development and small and medium enterprise (SME) upliftment. One such effort involves provisioning retail and business opportunities at PLUS rest and service areas (RSA), which serve as high-traffic commercial hubs across the expressway network. Pandak Ngah (right) and his team at their kiosk located at the Sg Perak RSA (southbound). — Photo courtesy of PLUS As the country's largest toll expressway operator, PLUS has partnered with more than 500 local entrepreneurs across its 29 RSAs, 50 lay-bys and four overhead bridge restaurants. Through its ongoing PLUS Business Partner Incentive Programme (BPIP), the company continues to empower 600 business partners across its highway network. Under the programme, entrepreneurs receive structured training in regulatory compliance, including halal and BeSS (Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat) certifications, as well as exposure to initiatives for entrepreneurship development and technology adoption, particularly in cashless transaction readiness. These partnerships reflect a sustained commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing the range of goods available to highway users. 'Not only does this (PLUS) endorsement help to increase sales and awareness, but it also enhances consumer trust in our products,' said Muiz Hot Chicken (Seremban RSA) manager Mohamad Fahazri Mohd Nasir. — Photos by LOW BOON TAT/The Star Thriving local entrepreneurs Among PLUS' bumiputera partners are individuals who have brought their own distinct stories and offerings to the RSA retail scene, such as Pandak Ngah. Pandak is one of eight Orang Asli entrepreneurs showcasing handcrafted goods and traditional forest-sourced products at PLUS RSAs, under the purview of the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) in Kuala Kangsar. Amran believes initiatives like BPIP build more than just retail spaces; they equip local bumiputera entrepreneurs with the skills to succeed. These entrepreneurs offer products such as Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah, wild honey and various traditional herbs. Pandak operates a kiosk at the Sg Perak RSA (southbound) and has been a vendor partner with PLUS for 26 years. Beginning his journey with PLUS in 1999, Pandak's stall continues to operate to this day, reflecting a deep-rooted resilience in promoting the Orang Asli community's craftsmanship skills and knowledge of our forests. He said that he is grateful to the company for all the support both he and his community have received over the past two decades. 'They've given us so many opportunities – providing kiosks for us at RSAs and various entrepreneur training programmes to help us run our businesses,' said Pandak. Diba Cafe (Seremban RSA) manager Hanif Abdul Wahid. 'This has provided our community with jobs and has helped us keep our traditions alive. 'Our goal has never been to become rich, but to help the public by giving them access to these traditional herbs and remedies. Most people wouldn't know how to source these products on their own, so we gather them from the forest and offer them to the public at our kiosks.' Displaying the same dedication, Diba Cafe, located at Seremban RSA (southbound), has steadily built a strong reputation since partnering with PLUS in 2023. Specialising in locally sourced products and beverages, such as teh tarik and kopi tarik, the cafe is known for its freshly brewed coffee, crafted using high-quality locally sourced beans. Diba Cafe (Seremban RSA) manager Hanif Abdul Wahid said that in just one year of operation, the cafe has maintained consistent sales. 'Since we opened here, we have observed a 40-60% increase in sales. Nik Airina said the establishment of RSAs has created over 3,000 jobs and empowered 520 entrepreneurs, who saw a remarkable growth in profits. 'The footfall here is very encouraging as it is one of the focal points for highway users to make stops.' Hanif added that through PLUS BPIP, the team has also improved their business standard operating procedures (SOPs), with numerous programmes available for them to build competencies in cleanliness and customer service. Additionally, the Muiz Hot Chicken fast-food chain, under Muiz Food Industries Sdn Bhd, has grown into a notable local brand with the help of PLUS. Currently, the brand operates at Dengkil RSA, Tapah RSA and Tanjung Malim RSA, with another kiosk set to open at Ayer Keroh RSA. Having started with just an RM800 seed fund and a rice cooker, founder Muhamad Muizzuddin Remle initiated the business by frying chicken at a humble roadside stall, before slowly expanding to over 280 kiosks and food trucks nationwide today. Muiz Hot Chicken (Seremban RSA) manager Mohamad Fahazri Mohd Nasir said support from the community has been instrumental in the brand's success, especially after becoming a PLUS strategic partner. 'After becoming a strategic partner, our sales and brand awareness have boomed,' said Mohamad. 'RSAs are high-traffic areas and the response from customers has been very positive, which has empowered our team to continue to upgrade and improve the quality of our products and services.' He added that PLUS even runs campaigns to promote their strategic partners to the public, further driving sales growth. 'Being promoted by PLUS has also been very beneficial for our business. Not only does this endorsement help to increase sales and awareness, but it also enhances consumer trust in our products.' Empowering communities UEM Group managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin said that initiatives like BPIP go beyond providing mere retail spaces, as they strategically invest in local entrepreneur capacity building. 'By offering comprehensive training programmes and high-traffic commercial environments, we equip bumiputera entrepreneurs with the practical skills and market visibility necessary for their businesses,' he said. 'Through these efforts, we aim to transform emerging small ventures into robust enterprises that drive substantial economic progress within their communities and the nation at large.' Reflecting the same vision, PLUS managing director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar shared that the establishment of RSAs has created over 3,000 job opportunities for local communities along its operated highways, which collectively serve over 1.8 million users every day. 'Over 520 entrepreneurs have received structured capacity-building and support through PLUS' BPIP,' she said. 'The programme ensures consumer confidence in the operational standards.' Nik Airina explained that the effects of this incentive are evident based on the performance of participating business partners, which have observed a revenue growth of 35% in 2024. 'This reflects our continuous commitment to uplifting the socio-economic status of bumiputera communities along the PLUS highway network,' she added.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
SEA Games dream hinges on $ettling old debts
PETALING JAYA: There is fresh hope for the national handball team to make a return to the SEA Games in Thailand this December. But first, the Malaysian Handball Federation (MAHF) need to settle an old debt. Their president Datuk Pandak Ahmad said their meeting with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) on Aug 13 yielded a positive outcome, with the national body given conditional approval to feature at the Games provided the outstanding debts amounting to RM133,419.20 are paid. The debt stems from unpaid participation fees for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang, which previously led to MAHF's membership being revoked by OCM. As part of the proposal, MAHF suggested a repayment plan of RM3,000 to RM5,000 a month and are determined to clear the debt earlier if possible. 'Our discussion with OCM went smoothly. If this plan is approved, we will start payments next month. 'We want handball to return to the SEA Games. Preparations have already begun, including the Under-16 Championship in Terengganu this year,' said Pandak. With both parties now reaching a positive agreement, Pandak is also optimistic that OCM will approve MAHF's reinstatement into the national body. For now, the national handball squad have been placed under Category B for the SEA Games in Thailand, which means they will have to bear their own participation costs. Even so, Pandak is confident that the team's return to the biennial Games will produce encouraging results. Malaysia last won SEA Games handball medals in 2007 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, taking home two bronzes. Since then, the sport has only returned once – at the 2021 Hanoi Games – but Malaysia did not take part.
Calgary Herald
21-06-2025
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Rotary convention kicks off at Stampede Park with House of Friendship grand opening
Article content Thousands of Rotarians from around the world gathered at Stampede Park on Saturday to kick off their annual convention. Article content Rotary International, a worldwide service organization, boasts more than a million volunteer members with a common goal of making change both within their communities and globally. More than 15,000 Rotary members, visiting from more than 120 countries, are expected to gather in Calgary for this year's convention, which runs June 21-25. Article content Article content Article content Article content The convention's scheduled sessions and events officially begin on Sunday, but thousands gathered for the grand opening of its House of Friendship — a gathering place for attendees throughout the conference — on Saturday morning. Hundreds of booths display Rotary's many humanitarian projects, partner organizations and fellowship opportunities for members to get involved with. Article content Article content Rotary International's core priority, the eradication of polio, was a featured exhibit at the House of Friendship. Over the last 35 years, Rotary has helped to reduce polio cases by 99.9 per cent globally. Article content Article content 'We've made tremendous progress, but we're not quite there,' said Carol Pandak, director of Rotary's PolioPlus program. Article content 'We need to continue to fundraise, raise awareness and advocate with governments, both those affected by polio and the donor governments, to make polio eradication a priority,' Pandak said. Article content This year's convention also saw the instalment of a permanent peace pole — Rotary's symbol of peace and unity — at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Calgary. Article content 'It brings people with the same values together,' she said. 'When you come to an event like this, you know that you're meeting with people who are just like you and who want to make the world better.'
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hygiene woes swamp Gelang Patah
Pandak at the state assembly sitting raising his constituents' concerns about safety and cleanliness. LACK of cleanliness and the presence of foreign workers in shoplots in Gelang Patah can tarnish the area's image, says a Johor assemblyman. Speaking at the state assembly sitting, Datuk Pandak Ahmad (BN-Kota Iskandar) said quick action was needed to ensure the area remained clean, safe and comfortable for residents. 'Many of the three-storey shophouses near an industrial park in Tanjung Pelepas, Gelang Patah, have been turned into foreign workers' accommodation. 'The area could be labelled as a 'little Bangladesh town' due to the presence of these foreigners. 'Some of these foreigners are even operating sundry shops without valid licences,' Pandak said in his speech during the debate session of the state assembly meeting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar. He expressed hope that the Labour Department, Iskandar Puteri City Council and related agencies would address these issues because rubbish strewn in the back alleys of the shoplots had become a common sight. Separately, Tan Eng Meng (BN-Pekan Nanas) in his speech thanked the state government for not sidelining Pontian in development plans. He was glad that serious attention had been given to districts such as Pontian, where his state constituency is located, rather than just focusing on economic developments only in areas such as Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang. 'One of the significant developments in Pontian is the Tropicana Industrial Park in Pekan Nanas, involving a major investment of RM2bil by Alton Industry Ltd Group. 'This development will create new job opportunities for locals and strengthen the industrial sector that forms the backbone of the district's economic development. 'In fact, the presence of this new facility, which functions as a research and development hub, marks a major leap for Pekan Nanas,' said Tan. Alton is a US-based global supplier of consumer and commercial tools, appliances and floor care. Tan pointed out that the project had opened up vast opportunities for local talents to develop their potential in the high-tech field, which was becoming increasingly vital.
The Star
13-05-2025
- The Star
Reeling from sudden loss
TELUK INTAN: A heavy silence settled outside the Teluk Intan Hospital mortuary as grieving families gathered to identify the bodies of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers killed in a tragic road accident. The nine personnel – eight who died at the accident site on KM15 Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, and one who passed away at the Teluk Intan Hospital red zone – were in an FRU vehicle when a sand-laden lorry crashed head-on into the vehicle yesterday. Among those at the hospital was 71-year-old Pandak Rompan, who is still mourning the recent loss of his grandchild and must now also face the tragic passing of his son. The grief-stricken Pandak said his third child Kpl Nurit, 34, who had been with the force for 15 years, was among the casualties. 'He was previously with FRU Cheras before being transferred to Sungai Senam, Ipoh. He used to commute daily from Kampar to work. Usually, he would return home on his days off,' he said. 'I knew he was on duty in Teluk Intan, but I never expected to receive news of his death.' According to the retired police officer, the last time he saw his son was two weeks ago at their family home in Kampar. 'He was a good person, quiet and very friendly with never gave me, his mother, or his siblings any trouble,' he said. He added that Nurit was married and had a child who passed away five months ago due to heart complications after being critically ill for over a year. 'We just lost our grandchild, and now our son is gone too,' Pandak lamented. The wife of Kpl Amiruddin Zabri, 38, could not hold back her tears when talking about the tragedy. Norazian Mohd Joned, 38, a civil servant at the Kampar police headquarters, said she last met her husband on Monday afternoon, shortly before he left to carry out his duty in Teluk Intan. The mother of three children, aged between 15 months and 12, from Gopeng said she was used to his out-of-town travel for work. 'This morning, I received information in some chat groups regarding the accident and I immediately called my husband, but the calls went unanswered. 'I called a friend of my husband's, who told me to be calm, and then he broke the news to me,' she said. The brother of Sjn S. Perumal, 44, another personnel who died in the accident, said his older brother was supposed to take his family in his car to the Chitra Pournami festival in Teluk Intan. Ahren, 41, a teacher, said his brother had told his wife, a nurse at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, and two young children to come along to the event and that he would drive. Perumal leaves behind two daughters aged five and seven. He had been in the police force since 2011. Ahmad Saat, 75, the father-in-law of Kpl Mohd Pozli Jaudin, 41, said he received the news from his daughter, a teacher in a school in Ipoh. 'My son-in-law was a good man and a father of three girls aged between five and 13. I don't know what to say. It's fated,' said Ahmad, who lives in Hutan Melintang.
