Latest from Focus Malaysia
Focus Malaysia
7 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
IT outfit MMCS empowers Malaysian youth via strategic CSR initiatives in education and sports
MM Computer Systems Sdn Bhd (MMCS) has re-affirmed its commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment by sponsoring two impactful initiatives aimed at promoting educational enrichment and sports excellence among Malaysian youth. On July 6, the leading IT solutions and services provider through its wholly owned subsidiary Micro Technology Solution Sdn Bhd (MTS) supported the History and Patriotism Quiz Competition at AEON Mall Alpha Angle in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur. This event was intended to encourage secondary school pupils to deepen their understanding of Malaysian history while fostering a sense of national pride and patriotism. MMCS's sponsorship played a crucial role in facilitating this meaningful educational initiative, thus reflecting the company's dedication to nurturing informed and well-rounded future leaders. Further emphasising its commitment to youth development, MMCS contributed RM11,000 to the MBPJ (Petaling Jaya City Council) youth hockey team during the National Youth League event on July 10 at the MBPJ Headquarter. This financial support enabled young athletes to sharpen their skills, strengthen teamwork and showcase their potential at the national level. 'MMCS is committed to investing in our community, particularly in initiatives that support youth development and empowerment,' commented MMCS' director Macken Young. 'We firmly believe that education and sports are powerful tools for developing leadership, teamwork and a deep sense of community responsibility among young Malaysians.' At the end of the day, both initiatives form part of MMCS's broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy which emphasises sustainable impact through meaningful community engagement. By supporting educational and sporting programmes, MMCS continues to empower Malaysian youth to strive for excellence and make positive contributions to society. – July 15, 2025
Focus Malaysia
7 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
MCA: 'Smart Parking System should not harm but protect local govt authorities, Malaysian citizens'
AN MCA leader has expressed concern over the recent decision by the Selangor state government to implement the Smart Intelligent Parking (SIP) system across four local councils starting Aug 1, saying the approach, aimed at addressing the issue of low parking fee collection, appears to have been poorly thought through. Its vice president Datuk Lawrence Low said this in response to Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim's announcement of the concession deal during the Selangor state assembly sitting last week. Ng had said that the state was implementing the SIP system to modernise on-street parking using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing local councils to focus on other duties. The agreement, signed in March, involves four local councils, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA). '(Ng) stated that the privatisation is part of the state's strategy to combat the low parking collection rate, which currently stands at only 30 per cent across 1,000 designated parking bays,' said Low. 'However, the pressing question remains: why hasn't the state government tackled the underlying issues within the local government authorities (PBT)? 'There are various avenues to explore, such as improving mobile applications, strengthening enforcement, offering staff incentives, or even revising local PBT regulations.' Low cautioned that while privatisation may seem like a quick fix, it comes at a significant cost, whereby local PBTs are now required to share 50% of their revenue with the SIP operator Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd. 'This revenue is crucial for PBTs and, ultimately, for the welfare of the community,' he argued. 'Two local associations, PJ Sejahtera and the Sustainable Petaling Jaya Association, have raised concerns that MBPJ could lose up to RM10 mil annually due to the implementation of SIP. 'Will Ng take full responsibility for this loss? Who truly stands to benefit from this decision; the public, or political insiders?' Calling for the state government to urgently conduct a thorough review of the situation, Low said any necessary changes, including amending or even cancelling the concession, should be made to protect PBT revenues and ensure the wellbeing of the community. Under the new arrangement, 50% of parking revenue will be allocated to the concessionaire, while the remaining 50% will go to the state government. Of the state's portion, 40% will be distributed to the local councils involved, with the remaining 10% directed to Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI). ‒ July 15, 2025 Main image: Carz Automedia Malaysia
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Should we continue to gamble with the safety of bus passengers?
RECENTLY, I wrote ' Main reason why professionalism is lacking in most commercial vehicle operations ', which was published on July 1. I attributed it to the government's policy of granting permits to many small companies over the past decades so that many can profit from the business of transporting goods and passengers. But small players lack the resources needed to provide high standards of service and safety. If safety is to be given top priority now, a two-prong approach is needed. The first is new permits for express bus (Bas Ekspres) and excursion bus (Bas Persiaran) should be granted only to companies that have the resources and commitment to operate at least a fleet size of 20 buses. Bas Berhenti-henti permits are to be issued freely, as there are few applicants, and so are Bas Pekerja and Bas Sekolah, as these buses are mostly operated by individuals. But they should not be allowed to be chartered for excursions, as it would be too risky driving on unfamiliar routes. Existing express and excursion bus companies operating with less than 20 buses are to be given not more than five years to merge or consolidate, or their permits would not be renewed. A medium-size or large operator would have the infrastructure to ensure that all operations staff, especially drivers, are well trained to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, and bus services are run efficiently and safely. Without a change in fundamentals, many bus accidents that result in horrific injuries or loss of lives will continue to occur, and various authorities would respond only with knee-jerk reactions. The powers that be will have to decide between using express and tour bus permits to promote entrepreneurship for many small players, or restrict the transport of passengers to companies with adequate resources to deliver professional service with safety as the core value. ‒ July 15, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The New Straits Times
Focus Malaysia
9 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Elridge Energy welcomes its first GLIC-linked substantial shareholder in Urusharta Jamaah
BIOENERGY-based Elridge Energy Holdings Bhd has landed its biggest government-linked institutional investor (GLIC) to-date after Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd emerged the company's substantial shareholder with direct holding of 105.19 million shares or 5.26% stake in the company. This came about after the Minister of Finance Inc wholly owned investment holding and asset management company acquired 7.19 million shares in Elridge on July 9 via Citigroup Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd, according to the company's Bursa Malaysia filing today (July 15). The group which is principally involved in the manufacturing and trading of biomass fuel products, particularly PKS (palm kernel shells) and wood pellets, was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Aug 22 last year. Other major institutional investors in Elridge include Mikro MSC Bhd (20.62% stake/412.5 million shares); Kayavest Sdn Bhd (16.37%/327.32 million shares); Bio Eneco Holding Sdn Bhd (9.32%/186.5 million shares) and Norges Bank Investment Management (2.95%/59 million shares). Elridge kickstarted its 1Q FY2025 ended March 31, 2025 on a positive note with a net profit of RM13.58 mil on the back of RM109.67 mil in revenue that were mainly contributed by customers based in Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. PKS remain the cornerstone of the group's operations by contributing RM95.81 mil or 87.36% of total revenue while the remaining RM13.87 mil was derived from the trading and manufacturing of wood pellets. According to Coherent Market Insights, the PKS industry in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8.9% from US$308.6 mil (RM1.4 bil) in 2024 to US$366.1 mil (RM1.7 bil) by 2026. The wood pellet market in the region is also forecast to expand at a CAGR of 8.6% to reach USD$12.5 bil (RM57.1 bil) in 2026 from US$10.6 bil (RM48.4 bil) in 2024. 'To support this growing market, we're executing our expansion plan with the development of new manufacturing sites in Pasir Gudang (Johor), Kuantan (Pahang) and Lahad Datu (Sabah),' revealed the group's executive director and CEO Oliver Yeo. 'These facilities will each house two PKS production lines with a combined annual output of 240,000 metric tonnes per site. The capacity expansion will enhance our ability to secure long-term export contracts and reinforce our position in the regional biomass supply chain.' At the close of today's (July 15) market trading, Elridge was up 0.5 sen or 0.79% to 64 sen with 17.48 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM1.28 bil. – July 15, 2025
Focus Malaysia
9 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Community compatibility matters when buying property
BUYING a home isn't just a financial decision. It's choosing the kind of life you want to build. While price, location, and design matter, one of the most underrated factors is the community you're moving into. Living among people with similar lifestyles, values, or income levels can significantly impact a person's well-being and daily happiness. When residents share common ground with their neighbors, whether it's life stage, family priorities, or economic status, it's easier to feel at ease. There is less pressure to 'keep up,' and more opportunities for authentic relationships. Social compatibility also creates a shared sense of respect. In some communities, privacy is the norm; in others, neighborly chats and group events are the glue that holds everyone together. Living in sync with those expectations makes your environment feel natural rather than forced. More importantly, like-minded communities offer real support. Whether it's borrowing tools, helping with school carpools, or simply watching over one another's homes, neighbors with shared values tend to look out for each other. On the flip side, living in a community that feels culturally or economically mismatched can lead to social stress, isolation, or a constant sense of not quite fitting in, even if the house itself is perfect. That said, the high-flying career individual, business-minded entrepreneurs and larger-than-life personalities will relate very well with the latest development by award-winning property developer HCK Capital. Platinum Premium Suites at Damansara Perdana is set to become the nucleus of an affluent community. That said, networking opportunities abound for the business savvy resident who chooses this prestigious address. More than that, the life of luxury is made complete by the massive Hextar World shopping mall so conveniently placed just below the development. Find out more about Platinum Premium Suites at: —July 1, 2025 Main image: HCK Capital
