Stay abreast with the latest happenings in Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad.

Sarawak Museum Campus & Heritage Trail Project achieves Safety Milestone

Sarawak Museum Campus & Heritage Trail project achieves Safety Milestone – 1,000,000 Working Hours Without Injury

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Kuching (Sarawak), Monday, 2 July 2018 – Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMS) today announced that the Sarawak Museum Campus & Heritage Trail project, constructed by its subsidiary PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (PPES Works), has recently completed more than 1,000,000 man hours without injury. The announcement was made at an event on Friday, 29 June at project site office, attended by key personnel involved in the Museum & Heritage Trail project from CMS, PPES Works, the Sarawak Museum, DOSH, and consultants involved in the project.

It was reported at the event that the project team has maintained a consistent and uncompromising commitment to a safe work culture by focusing on the company’s stringent safety rules, backed by a strong and visible leadership from line management. By setting an example by which others should follow, the line managers ensure everyone goes home, without harm, every day, safe in the knowledge that the same rigorous safety parameters is enforced every day. The relevant authorities continue to ensure that health and safety rules and regulations are not only met but exceeded and the project has achieved this injury-free milestone.

In his speech, CMS Group Chief Executive Officer – Operations, Mr Goh Chii Bing congratulated the project team on their achievement: “The one million incident free man hours is a real milestone and testament to your hard work and efforts to promote safety in the project and I urge the team to continue with this commitment until the completion of the project. This extremely important milestone follows many others, including the project’s Bronze Certification in the 2017 Chief Minister’s Environmental Award (CMEA), consistent with CMS’ philosophy to work sustainably with full consideration to the environment. I extend my sincere thanks to the whole team for their contribution in achieving this memorable milestone, which reflects one of our core principles of putting our people and the communities in which we operate first.”

In 2017, the site was visited by JKR Perak to understand the best practices being deployed at the Heritage Trail & Museum Project that could be replicated in Perak. The project site was also the most popular site in Kuching used by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for educational development – specifically for Site Safety Supervisor Students and Safety and Health Officer Students.

Today, the site is used by JKKP Sarawak/DOSH for Standard Certification (NIOSH ISO Audit) and is used by CIBD for Skilled Workers’ Accreditations.

The site has also been visited by the Minister of Tourism and the Sarawak State Secretary, in addition to joint ERP exercises conducted with BOMBA, police and the Sarawak General Hospital. Interest in the project has been incomparable, and expectations remain high for its completion, currently scheduled in 2020.

TPS set to stun audiences with Annie Jr production

TPS set to stun audiences with Annie Jr. production

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Tunku Putra School (TPS) is set to present the musical Annie, Jr., running from 6th to 8th July, inclusively, with shows starting at 7.00pm. The globally-renowned and much-loved family production is directed by the school’s Head of Creative and Performing Arts, Angela Williams, and features the timeless story of the plights of Little Orphan Annie (permission of Musical Theatre International) book by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The heart-warming musical bounds onto the stages of TPS for the first time with plucky and ever-positive Annie charming her way into everyone’s hearts. Fans are encouraged to join her fun-filled adventure as she finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace and loveable mutt, Sandy, with all the music you know and love, including “Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and “Hard Knock Life.”

With notorious characters, such as the mean Miss Hannigan, played by Sharifah Afra Arijah (who played the formidable Miss Sherman in last year’s performance of Fame Jr!), alongside Alvira Amalia as Annie and Hanif Arip as the self-made billionaire Oliver Warbucks, the cast offers the audience a depth and breadth of both seasoned and upcoming talent. The participants range from eight to seventeen years of age, and for some this is their first-ever performance under the dazzling stage lights whereas for others, it will be their last production before leaving school to begin their November exams. The cast also includes Daniel Wee, playing devious Rooster alongside Keesha Lau as Lily St Regis. Audience members will also be treated to the lovely voice of Sharifah Nuralwiah Alsree, who is playing Warbuck’s secretary, Grace Farrell, who is the epitome of her name.

The performances will be held at TPS Multi-Purpose Hall on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July, with performances starting at 7.00pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling Pei Sheng on 016-223 2108 and are priced at RM50 for general admission or RM100 for front row seats.

Financial_Construction Materials & Trading

Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad reports improved earnings for 1Q 2018

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Kuching (Sarawak), Tuesday, 15 May 2018 – Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB – 2852), the State’s leading infrastructure facilitator, is pleased to announce its financial performance for the first quarter ended 31 March 2018 (1Q 2018). The Group reported a total revenue of RM354.99 million and a pre-tax profit (PBT) of RM56.96 million for 1Q 2018. Both Revenue and PBT increased by 15% and 27%, respectively, in comparison to the preceding year’s corresponding quarter’s (1Q 2017) result of RM307.68 million and RM44.85 million.

Quarter-on-Quarter, the Group’s profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATNCI) of RM38.98 million for 1Q 2018 was 51% higher than the RM25.86 million reported for 1Q 2017. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 3.63 sen versus 2.41 sen from the corresponding three-month period of last year.

For 1Q 2018, the increase in the Group’s revenue was mainly attributable to the Construction & Road Maintenance, Construction Materials & Trading and Cement Divisions. Meanwhile, the improvement recorded in the Group’s PBT and PATNCI results was mainly due to an increase in the share of profits in associates and, in particular, due to profits recorded from OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, the Group’s 25% associate.

The Group recorded a PBT of RM36.05 million in 1Q 2018 from the share of results of its associates, a significant improvement of 972% in comparison to 1Q 2017’s loss of RM4.13 million. This was largely due to OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s turnaround, whose performance is expected to be sustained if ferrosilicon and manganese alloy prices and production outputs are maintained at their current levels. Furthermore, the Group also recorded improved profit contribution from its other associate companies including SACOFA Sdn Bhd.

The Cement Division, however, reported a lower PBT of RM6.57 million in 1Q 2018 by 55% in comparison to 1Q 2017’s PBT of RM14.46 million, despite a 7% increase in its revenue. The lower PBT was mainly due to repair costs from the planned maintenance shutdown exercise carried at its clinker plant during the months of January and February this year. This was the first extensive maintenance shutdown exercise carried out by the Management since it took over the plant in 2007. The shutdown allowed the Division to carry out the required repair works within the plant, which included replacing certain parts that were in use since the plant’s inception in 1996. As the clinker plant is some 22 years old, it is critical to immediately attend to all necessary repair works as we have major infrastructure works ahead including the Pan Borneo Highway and the Baleh Dam.

The Construction & Road Maintenance Division maintained a healthy PBT level of RM18.13 million, an increase by 2% in comparison to 1Q 2017’s profit of RM17.86 million. This was on the back of higher revenue from the construction of Pan Borneo Highway project and from the Miri-Marudi road rehabilitation project. There was also an increase of road length maintained (for State roads) during 1Q 2018.

The Construction Materials & Trading Division reported a PBT of RM9.19 million for 1Q 2018, 9% higher than 1Q 2017’s PBT of RM8.47 million. This was mainly contributed by higher earnings from the Division’s quarry and trading operations. However, during the reporting period, the premix operation was impacted due to inclement weather and higher bitumen and diesel prices.

In comparison to the preceding year’s corresponding quarter, the Group reported lower PBT from the Property Development Division and from share of results of its joint-ventures. This was mainly attributable to the lower sales of properties and reduced contribution from the private equity management company, respectively.

Commenting on the results, CMSB Group Chief Executive Officer – Corporate, Dato Isaac Lugun, said: “The improvement in our financial performance for 1Q 2018 has mainly been due to the strong turnaround of our associate, OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, which was buoyed by the improvement in commodity prices, and improved contributions from our other associate companies. We believe that our growth strategy for our strategic investments, to drive the next wave of growth for CMS Group, is beginning to come to fruition. The aim of this growth strategy is for our traditional core businesses and our strategic investments to equally contribute to double the Group’s earnings in the next three to five years.”

“For FY2018, we also expect to see upsides for quarry products and cement-based materials as the Pan Borneo Highway project gathers momentum, therefore boosting earnings from our traditional core businesses.”

“We believe that CMSB continues to be the best proxy for Sarawak’s economic growth. With its healthy balance sheet, the Group is well positioned to benefit in all key growth areas in the State: through OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd in the Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative, through SACOFA Sdn Bhd in the State’s push to fully embrace the digital economy and through PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and our construction materials supply companies in the roll-out of the Pan Borneo Highway project, other infrastructure projects and the State’s rural transformation plan.” added Dato Isaac Lugun.

Chairman steps down, DS Mahmud interim Chairman_media

Y A M Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail to step down as Chairman of CMSB leaving a Legacy of Transformational Business Growth, Strong Fiscal Management and Compassionate Leadership

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Y Bhg Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib will become interim Group Chairman ensuring continuity as a high-trajectory company

Kuching (Sarawak), Monday, 23 April 2018 – Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) today announced that Y A M Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail is stepping down from his current position as CMSB Group Chairman effective 9 May 2018 on expiry of his contract. CMSB have also announced that Y Bhg Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, currently, CMSB’s Deputy Group Chairman will take the helm as interim Group Chairman on 10 May 2018, while CMSB sources a permanent candidate for the position.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad on 10 May 2006. He was subsequently appointed as Group Chairman on 1 July 2006.

Speaking on behalf of CMSB, its Board of Directors, staff and shareholders, Y Bhg Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, CMSB’s Deputy Group Chairman, said: “I would like to thank our Y A M Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail for his stewardship and unrivalled commitment to the company for almost 12 years. Tan Sri’s legacy has been wide-ranging and vast during a tenure where he oversaw and implemented pioneering changes, introduced new and innovative strategies and played a transformational role in implementing the company’s long-term strategic plan to expand and diversify CMSB’s business portfolios, which has enabled our businesses to grow and prosper.”

Y Bhg Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib added, “2006 became a turning point for the Group under Tan Sri’s leadership as he steered and transformed the organisation into an outstanding and high performing listed entity – one which, today, is highly regarded and recognised in areas of strong corporate governance practice and unprecedented financial performance. Since 2006, the Group has made a remarkable turnaround and made significant strategic investments in tandem with the State’s industrialisation journey. During Tan Sri’s leadership the share price rose significantly from RM 0.35 (price after the split and bonus)‎ and to a high of RM 6.00 in July 2015 representing an increase of 1,614%. This alone was one of the greatest achievements for our Group in terms of shareholder value creation. Aside from that, there were other great achievements and accolades under Tan Sri’s tenure as Group Chairman. In 2013, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad joined the ranks of other listed entities in the top 100 Malaysian companies in terms of share capitalisation. In the same year, CMSB received the acclaimed EDGE Billion Ringgit Club award for the ‘Highest Profits Growth’ and ‘Best Performing Stock – Industrial Products Sector’ for the 1st time. CMSB bagged this award again in 2014. We owe these successes to you Tan Sri.”

From 2015 to the present day, Tan Sri has consolidated CMSB’s position, growing the business exponentially to meet the new challenges of a rapidly developing State.

Speaking about his tenure as Group Chairman, Y A M Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail, said: “Our transformation over the last 12 years to become a company firmly ranked in the top 100 Bursa listed companies with steadily upward trending profits growth, resilience in the face of headwinds and an exciting portfolio of businesses strategically focused on the Sarawak Growth Story, has been well documented. I would like to say thank you to all those who made it a reality. To the communities in which we operate, to the employees with whom we have grown and evolved, to the shareholders who have believed in us, to our loyal customers and suppliers, and to the Government and communities where we operate, I say again, thank you. In those years we have successfully overcome many challenges, risen to realise new opportunities and we have maintained a commitment to the quality of our products and services, and to growth. CMS is far more than a business.

We have become an institution of record and a resource for the State’s development. As I stand down as Chairman, CMSB can reflect, with pride, on a legacy of professional integrity, financial prudence and sustainable growth.”

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail will also be missed for his wise counsel, critical business insights, exemplary leadership styles; coupled with a warmth, humility and compassion that was experienced by everyone he worked alongside.

Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad has evolved from a single product manufacturer of cement beginning in 1974 to become a corporation focused on its Vision “To be the PRIDE of Sarawak & Beyond.” Today, the company’s portfolio spans over 35 companies involved in cement manufacturing, construction materials, trading, construction, road maintenance, property development, financial services, smelting, telco infrastructure, education and services.

PM's visit

Miri-Marudi Road Rehabilitation ahead of schedule with almost 50% of upgrades completed and smooth passage expected during Gawai and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive holidays

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Kuching (Sarawak), Wednesday, 11 April 2018 – Rehabilitation of the 43.2km road connecting Miri to Marudi is progressing well ahead of its original 30-month schedule. By 25 March 2018, the road rehabilitation was scheduled to be 42.87% complete but stands at 49.28% complete – the equivalent of 6.41% ahead of schedule. CMS Roads Sdn Bhd is targeting road rehabilitation works completion of 68% by the Gawai holidays to help ensure smooth passage for commuters as they celebrate Gawai and for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period, thereafter.

To make commuters’ passage of the road as smooth as possible over these festive holidays, CMS Roads is making every effort to expedite the road’s completion in key areas, without compromising on quality. CMS Roads is also assuring the public that they are ‘pulling out all the stops’ to make sure road users can make the road journey with as little inconvenience as possible.

The road rehabilitation began on 15 September 2016, and in view of the extensive public interest in the rehabilitation of this road link due to its unsatisfactory condition and growing importance, CMS Roads volunteered in March 2017 to provide quarterly updates on the project’s progress.

Speaking about the fifth update of the road rehabilitation, Mr Goh Chii Bing, CMS Group Chief Executive Officer – Operations, commented: “We are pleased to report that notwithstanding the many challenges ranging from the road’s challenging geographical location in terms of getting materials in, weather and the need to keep the road open to users as much as possible whilst works are underway, we are still ahead of schedule, contractually. In carrying out and exceeding the project targets, we have carefully considered the different type of vehicles that access the road – before during and after the busy Gawai and Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday periods – and their impact on the road’s development and rehabilitation. After over 18 months since the project’s commencement, the focus remains on expediently providing long-lasting upgrades to the road so it is safe and fit-for-purpose for those who travel between Miri and Marudi. We are also mindful of the increase in road users over these festive periods, and so we wish to reassure Miri-Marudi road users that all efforts are being made to minimise delays to ensure smooth passage when the road is at its most busy.

“We are also grateful to have had the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak on the positive progress when he made a brief visit to the site on 4 April 2018.”

Status updates for the project as at 25 March 2018

  • Scheduled Physical Progress of Road Rehabilitation: 42.87%
  • Actual Physical Progress: 49.28%
  • Ahead of Schedule by 6.41%
  • Premix Surfacing Completed: 15.83 km
  • Completed Sub-Base (up to 1st layer): 39.21 km
  • Completed Road Base: 28.9 km
  • Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culverts: 17 completed out of 21
  • Roadside Drains – Flat area: 8.5 km completed both sides. Hilly area: 2.0 km completed on both sides
  • JKR and Land & Survey Department are assisting with outstanding land matters. However, CMS Roads have been given permission by the land owners to proceed with the works on the affected sections of the road and works are progressing.

CMS Roads’ next planned update on this project is scheduled for Q3 2018.