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CMS Tribal Run

CMS Tribal Run 3.0 raises RM133,000 for local charities

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Kuching (Sarawak), Monday, 28 August 2017 – Kuchingites and out-stationed runners in Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri dusted off their running shoes and adorned fashionable tribal outfits to pace and dash the streets for the CMS Tribal Run 3.0, which took place yesterday, Sunday, 27 August 2017. Boasting an impressive 3,100 participants (2,639 in Kuching; 461 in Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri), the sporting event ran with the tagline ‘Run for a Good Cause’, and theme ‘Go Tribal’ was organised by CMS (Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad).

100% of entry fees collected from participants amounted to RM133,000.00 was equally donated to 10 local charitable organisations, with each receiving RM13,300.00. The recipients were, the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak, Kuching Autistic Association, Home of Peace, Purple Lily Foundation, Sarawak Cheshire Home, Sarawak Society for Parents of Handicapped Children (PIBAKAT), Sarawak Society for The Deaf, Salvation Army, Society for Critically Sick Children (SOS Kids) and Society for The Urban Poor.

Comprising a 5km Fun Run and a 10km Competitive Run, participants ran in impressive tribal wear to compete for the ‘Most Creatively-Dressed Male and Female’ awards. Prizes were also given to the top 10 male and female finishers in the 10km category, along with a host of lucky draw that included a Polygon foldable bicycle as the top prize.

CMS Group Managing Director, Dato’ Richard Curtis, said: “The broad participation from employees, charitable organisations, the general public and the business community is indicative CMS’ culture of giving back to the communities in which we live and work, particularly the underprivileged in our community, and I would like to thank everyone who supported and contributed in one way or another in making the CMS Tribal Run 3.0 a huge success.”

He continued, “The CMS Tribal Run is part of our ‘CMS Doing Good’ initiative, which is essentially a culture within the company that inculcates a sense of concern and a caring attitude for the community, and is a core company value. Our Doing Good projects, which commenced in the mid-1990s, have thus far included a combination of financial aid, contributions in-kind and, in-particular, staff volunteerism.

And to make this event even more special, CMS sponsored 10 children and teachers each from the Kuching Autistic Association and Salvation Army, and 14 youths from the Sarawak Society for the Deaf to participate in the event.

In this the final series of the CMS Tribal Run, we also received massive corporate support, with representation from some of the State’s and international business communities’ biggest names, including Ernst & Young, KKB Engineering, Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, KTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, Naim Holdings Sdn Bhd, the Rotary Club of Kuching Central, Sarawak Cable Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), SACOFA Sdn Bhd, The Spring Management Services Sdn Bhd, Titanium Project Management Sdn Bhd, Yung Kong Co. Berhad and Yung Kong Construction Sdn Bhd.

After completing the 5km run, Dato’ Richard Curtis, added: “When the run was first organised in 2010 – the CMS Health Run as it was called then – we began to promote a healthier lifestyle amongst CMS employees and their families. The CMS Tribal Run has since become “a must” run event, showcasing community spirit and a common endeavour to help the people in our society who need it most. Far more than raising money for good causes, the CMS Tribal Run 3.0 is about the very best of Sarawak and its diversity – and the chance to burn off a few calories along the way!”

Finishers were awarded with a uniquely Sarawakian medal that can also be used as a key chain. The design is in the form of a Bunga Terung (Eggplant Flower), which is the first tattoo a Borneo male receives. The spiral at its centre known as Tali Nyawa – means the rope of life and it symbolises the beginning of a new life, reminiscent of the collective efforts of the participants to help local causes.

Projek Bandar Samariang Sdn Bhd celebrates 20 years of growth and development with event extravaganza

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Kuching (Sarawak) – Saturday, 26 August 2017 – Under the event tagline, “20 Tahun Ngan Kitak” (meaning “20 Years With You”) Projek Bandar Samariang Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) – celebrated its 20th Anniversary in style on 26 August with an all-day, action-packed extravaganza of activities organised for the Bandar Samariang community. The event was supported by local radio station Cats FM which promoted the event live on air, highlighting the day’s entertainment and myriad of activities to mark what is a special milestone for Projek Bandar Samariang and the community it serves.

The day which started with Zumba, also included a blood donation drive, basic health screening, kids’ colouring contests and lucky draws. The fun and excitement momentum was kept up all day by special performances by a veritable who’s-who of local artists performing local and international hits. Bandar Samariang’s memorable day was capped-off in the final lucky draw which saw one Bandar Samariang resident winning a Modenas V15 motorcycle.

Before welcoming guests and formally opening the day of celebrations, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Group Managing Director of CMSB spoke in local Sarawakian Malay to mark the important milestone during which he thanked the people for coming, and for the support of the Bandar Samariang community for the past 20 years and hopes for their continued support for the development of Bandar Samariang.

The development of the Bandar Samariang township is consistent with Sarawak’s greater plan to continue on its growth path that is delivering opportunities and development for the State and its people. It is this drive for success and a responsible approach to all its stakeholders that underpins CMSB’s culture to create stronger, better communities with the resources to grow and prosper.

Other major highlights from the day included showcases by local artists, Stage Games organised by CATS FM, concluding with the 20th anniversary finale – a special concert with performances from Ashraf Hardy, At Adau, Eleena Harris, Ricky Andrewson, The Double Shoes, Floor 88, Ila Damia, Noh Salleh, Misha Omar and Hazama.

Projek Bandar Samariang Sdn Bhd owns an overall 5,245 acres of the up-and-coming new township in northern Kuching, Bandar Samariang. With the first phase of development, which includes over 665 acres of land, almost completed, development is starting on the second phase, which has been spearheaded by the sale of 500 acres of land to Sentoria Group Bhd to build the Borneo Samariang Resort City – a mixed-use development which will include its signature components: a 200-acre water theme park, safari park, hotel and convention centre with MICE facilities that will further enhance and attract visitors from outside Kuching and Sarawak to Samariang.

Projek Bandar Samariang Sdn Bhd was launched on 23 August 1997. Back then, Samariang was largely still undeveloped and in its natural state. The land was soon cleared and development of the housing got underway, beginning with the first hundred homes in 1998 to eventually include upward of 2,500 homes today. As the development progressed, so too did the level of quality workmanship and sophisticated design, spearheaded by CMS Property Development’s philosophy to build on spec, on time, to a high standard.

Phase one comprises 600 acres with 5,000 units of houses being completed, with 2016 and 2017 witnessing the first Mydin hypermarket and a light industry park, creating new jobs. Dato Richard, added: “It has quickly established itself as a mature and increasingly vibrant and dynamic environment, exceeding basic needs and meeting societal expectations – all set within the unspoiled natural beauty of Sarawak.

CMSPD - Rivervale Residences_fb

CMSB’s pre-tax profit reported at RM135 million for 1H17

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Kuching (Sarawak), Friday, 25 August 2017 – Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB – 2852), the State’s leading infrastructure facilitator, is pleased to announce its financial performance for the first six months of 2017 (1H17). The Group reported a total revenue of RM670.57 million for 1H17, a 10% decrease to the preceding year’s corresponding period’s (1H16) revenue of RM745.72 million. This was mainly due to lower sales volume in the Construction Materials & Trading and Cement Divisions. Furthermore, the Construction & Road Maintenance Division also reported lower revenue due to reduced federal road maintenance work and due to the completion of major projects in 2016.

The Group’s pre-tax profit (PBT) of RM135.44 million reported for 1H17, however, increased by 106% from 1H16’s PBT of RM65.67 million. The profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATNCI) also increased to RM87.39 million in 1H17 from RM8.95 million in 1H16. Earnings per share stood at 8.13 sen versus 0.83 sen from the corresponding six-month period of last year.

The main contributors towards the earnings for 1H17 were the Cement, Construction & Road Maintenance, Construction Materials & Trading and the Property Development Divisions. The Cement Division reported a PBT of RM47.04 million for 1H17, exceeding 1H16’s PBT of RM41.69 million by 13% attributable to lower handling costs, cheaper imported clinker and lower clinker production cost due to stable production and lower coal prices. Moreover, with the commissioning of the Integrated Cement plant in Mambong, the Group’s cement sales are no longer required to be supported by imports.

The Construction & Road Maintenance Division recorded a PBT of RM36.11 million in 1H17 – a 6% decrease in comparison to 1H16’s PBT of RM38.43 million – as a result of reduction in road length maintained due to the construction of the Proposed Pan Borneo Highway project. The Construction Materials & Trading Division reported a PBT of RM29.50 million for 1H17, 39% lower than the PBT of RM48.22 million reported during 1H16. This was mainly attributable to lower sales due to slower implementation of Government projects during the first half of the year.

The Property Development Division reported a PBT of RM26.10 million during 1H17, an increase by 271% in comparison to 1H16’s PBT of RM7.03 million. This was mainly due to the revenue recognition of the Rivervale housing project and, additionally, improved sales of residential properties and the rental income from a hypermarket in Bandar Samariang.

The Group also recorded a higher share of profit of RM20.55 million in 1H17 from the share of results of its joint-ventures in comparison to 1H16’s profit contribution of RM2.34 million. The increase was mainly attributable to the excellent performances by CMS Opus Private Equity Sdn Bhd and two private equity funds.

Furthermore, CMSB recorded lower losses of RM7.48 million in 1H17 from the share of results of its associates, an 85% improvement in comparison to 1H16’s losses of RM48.90 million. This is largely due to the Group’s 25% associate, OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s improved performance. Its performance levels are expected to continue to improve as the plant is ramping up towards full production and the market sectors are beginning to observe demand growth and price improvements.

Commenting on the results, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Group Managing Director of CMSB, said: “The first six-months of 2017 has been an important phase in terms of meeting performance against targets, despite the challenging market and operational conditions faced by our Group. The macro factors include low commodity selling prices and generally the sluggish regional private and public sectors resulting in reduced demand for construction materials and related services. Despite the challenges, the Group recorded significant achievements namely by its Cement, Construction & Road Maintenance, Construction Materials & Trading and Property Development Divisions. Overall, the results for the first six-months of this year are viewed positively as they provide reassurance that the Group is on track towards achieving a very much-improved performance for its FY2017 financial results as against FY2016.

“Our confidence in our prospects is supported by our healthy balance sheet, our experienced management team and our focused portfolio of core business Divisions, which are well positioned to benefit from the State’s ever-growing infrastructure needs, including the RM27.0 billion Pan Borneo Highway project, which is now gathering momentum. Furthermore, the projected improvements in both the global and the Malaysian economies for 2017 and 2018 also bodes well for our businesses. Looking further to the future, CMSB’s potential high growth investments in its associate companies including SACOFA Sdn Bhd, and OM (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd are expected to materially transform our longer-term profits growth.

We believe that CMSB continues to be one of the best proxy listed investments for Sarawak’s economic growth. This is consistent with the State’s promotion of energy-intensive industries under the Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative, its rural transformation plans, its focus towards establishing a digital economy and the infrastructure and related services that will therefore be required across the State. These various drivers, which reflect CMSB’s business focuses, are set to propel the State’s economy and CMSB to new heights in the long term.”

Cement stabilised pavement being laid at KM8.3 of the Miri-Marudi Road

CMS reaffirms that the Miri to Marudi Road is ahead of schedule to meet Completion Date

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Kuching (Sarawak), Tuesday, 15 August 2017 – CMS Roads Sdn Bhd today moved to confirm that they are not only on track but ahead of schedule to meet their ‘Baram Regatta’ commitment of having a tar-sealed road stretching 15.95km from Kilometre Marker 0 to Kilometre Marker 15.950.

CMS Construction & Road Maintenance Division’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Jit Yaw, said: “Overall, this challenging project will take 30 months to complete. However, we have factored into our plans key dates and key cultural observations which will receive priority. Tar-sealing the 15.95km stretch of road that facilitates the Baram Regatta is one such priority. This commitment by us will be completed on time.”

“Road users should also be aware that the intention to seal almost 16km was to ensure a smooth ride. A smooth ride is achieved after laying and compacting the road base. To date, we have laid a road base of approximately 15.95km. All other technical factors considered, the total length for the smooth ride currently stands at 17.225km. Premix has already been laid down until the 10.64km mark and is scheduled to continue until 22 August 2017. That means, even if we cannot seal the first 15.95km (due to wet weather or other extraneous factors), the smooth riding surface has exceeded the estimated 16km to be done before the Regatta, giving participants peace of mind,” added Lim Jit Yaw.

“There is a misconception that building the 43.2km Miri-Marudi road can happen quickly and easily. We wish that were the case but we have constraints. This is not the case as the proposed road varies from steep hills to flood-prone low-lying swamplands. In most of these cases, the gradient of the hills does not meet safe road criteria, whereas the swamplands can be below flood levels. In both these instances, the steepness of the hills needs to be cut down to a compliant gradient, whereas the swamplands need to be filled-in and raised so they do not wash-away during heavy rains. In a lot of places, the road is in practice too narrow and inappropriate for larger vehicles to use. These narrow roads need to be widened and the bases of the widened areas also need to be reinforced.”

“When we drew-up the 30-month plan, we factored in all of these variables such as difficult earthworks, equipment accessibility for our heavy machinery and also severe adverse weather into the equation. We are currently 14.81% ahead of the 30-month schedule. With the years taking their toil, the Miri to Marudi road has long been deteriorating under natural conditions and unavoidable wear and tear. The road is currently undergoing a full rehabilitation to raise standards, improve safety and make for a more enjoyable driving experience for road users. The work to convert it from tired road to class Modified R1 Standard road, cannot happen overnight. We realise that the surrounding communities are excited at the prospect of finally having a Modified R1 Standard road to use; however, it will require a little time and we at CMS Roads will ensure that we continue to do our best to deliver on-spec and ahead of the 30-month schedule we promised the local communities.”

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Dato’ Richard Curtis, Group Managing Director of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad to retire at the end of the year – Dato Isaac Lugun and Mr Goh Chii Bing to take over helm

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CAHYA MATA SARAWAK POISED TO REALISE CONTINUED GROWTH UNDER DATO ISAAC LUGUN AND MR GOH CHII BING

“CMSB’s Solid Succession Plan Ensures Continued Trajectory As High Performing Company”

Kuching (Sarawak), Friday, 21 July, 2017 – Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB or CMS) today confirmed that Y Bhg Dato Isaac Lugun and Mr Goh Chii Bing will helm the CMSB business juggernaut as Group Chief Corporate Officer and Group Chief Operating Officer respectively, when Y D H Dato’ Richard Curtis retires from his role as Group Managing Director on 31 December 2017. Dato’ Richard Curtis will remain as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director until the end of 2018.

Y A M Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad Group Chairman said, “On behalf of everyone at CMS, I would like to thank Dato’ Richard for his hard work and commitment to the company over the last 11 years. Dato’ Richard played a big role in implementing the company’s 10-year strategic plan to expand and diversify CMS’ business portfolios, allowing CMS to lay solid foundations for growth, realising the company’s full potential, while always playing an active role in the community.”

“Between them, Dato Isaac and Mr Goh have over 45 years with CMS, working closely with Dato’ Richard and the Board of Directors to deliver on our unprecedented decade of growth. This intimate understanding of CMS’ businesses, shared belief in the company’s direction, proven track-record and profound business acumen means absolute continuity that we can leverage on as we usher in a new era of leadership. The Board is delighted to see Dato Isaac and Mr Goh taking these top-two positions because we know them, their qualities, expertise and capabilities.”

“This familiarity with Dato Isaac and Mr Goh instils the Board with absolute confidence that our succession planning is sound, solid and geared for even greater successes. Both gentlemen will report to and work closely with Y Bhg Datuk Syed Ahmad Alwee Alsree, Group Executive Director.”

CMSB 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.