04-08-2025
Pansar poised to capitalise on Sarawak's infrastructure drive
KUCHING: Pansar Bhd is eyeing more large-scale public infrastructure projects to be funded under the Sarawak government's 2025 state budget.
Executive chairman Datuk James Tai Cheong said out of the RM10.9bil allocated for development expenditure in Sarawak's 2025 budget, 62% or RM6.76bil is earmarked for rural infrastructure projects, reflecting the state government's strong commitmentto enhancing land connectivity and upgrading infrastructure for rural communities.
'This ongoing focus continues to generate significant business opportunities (for Pansar),' he said in the company's 2025 annual report.
In the 12 months ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), Tai said Pansar, via its wholly-owned subsidiary Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd, secured several new infrastructure contracts worth a combined RM2.1bil.
These include infrastructure works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System's (KUTS) Autonomous Rapid Transit Blue-Line Package 2 (contract value of RM805mil), the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (RM777mil), as well as the design and build of the Serian-Gedong-Samarahan dual carriage highway (RM478mil), slated for implementation between FY25 and FY28.
Pansar acquired Perbena Emas for RM151mil in 2021 to diversify its business into the construction industry.
In FY25, the construction and infrastructure segment remained Pansar's largest revenue earner, contributing RM505.8mil (45.8% of the group's total revenue of RM1.1bil),up 13.2% from FY24.
According to Pansar's management, the segment's order book remained robust at RM2.2bil.
'Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the continued growth of the construction and infrastructure industry, especially public sector projects in Sarawak.
'Leveraging the positive outlook, we will continue to actively replenish our order book and strengthen our execution capabilities to capitalise on upcoming project opportunities,' the company said.
To undertake the KUTS Blue-Line project, Perbena Emas has set up a 51-49 joint venture, PESB CRM JV Sdn Bhd, with China Road & Bridge Corp.
Moving forward, Tai said the group expects to navigate more challenging conditions shaped by heightened market competition, rising global uncertainties, and the yet-unknown impact of the government's increase to the sales and service tax.
He said these factors are expected to exert downward pressure on consumer sentiment as the market adopts a wait-and-see attitude, which might affect its profits.
The company plan to drive sales growth through targeted market efforts and customer engagement, as well as adopt tighter inventory management and strengthen its service infrastructure.
'Through these measures, the company is positioned to adapt to external pressure while building a more agile, resilient and customer-centric business,' added Tai.
