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

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

Miri-Marudi Road Upgrading Works: Still Ahead Of Schedule

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Kuching (Sarawak), Tuesday, 4 July 2017 – CMS Roads Sdn Bhd today confirmed that the upgrading of the 43.2km road connecting Miri to Marudi continues to progress ahead of its 30-month schedule, starting 15 September 2016.

In view of the extensive public interest in the upgrading of this road link due to its unsatisfactory condition and growing importance, CMS Roads volunteered in March 2017 to provide regular updates on the project’s progress with the next one due at the end of June 2017.

Speaking about the second update for the project – which coincided with a road site inspection by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, and the Director of CMS Roads, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Dato’ Richard commented: “We are pleased to report that notwithstanding the many challenges ranging from the road’s remote location in terms of getting materials in, weather, crop compensation issues and the need to keep the road open to users as much as possible whilst works are underway, we remain ahead of schedule. We are also looking closely at the Deputy Chief Minister’s concerns about the different type of vehicles that access the road and their impact on the road’s development and upgrading.

“We are confident that our promise to have 16km fully sealed and driveable in time for this year’s Baram Regatta in August 2017 will be exceeded. Our ability to also mobilise our Cold-in-Place-Recycling Machine has enabled us to recycle existing road materials so as to strengthen the road’s sub base and to speed up the works.”

Status updates for the project as at 20 June 2017 are set out below with the status as at March 2017 in brackets after:

  • 0.0km to 8.34km – road base laid and premix surfacing completed (9 March 2017: 2.1km)
  • 8.34km to 14.6km – road base laid (9 March 2017: 2.3km)
  • 15.925km to 16.5km – 30% of site clearing (9 March 2017: 5%) and 0% of earthworks completed (9 Mar 2017: 0%)
  • 24.3km to 25.4km – 100% of site clearing (9 March 2017: 70%) and 97% of earthworks completed (9 Mar 2017: 75%)
  • 30.1km to 30.65km – 100% of site clearing (9 March 2017: 80%) and 98% of earthworks completed (9 March 2017: 96%)
  • 31.3km to 43.2km (flat area) – 90% of drainage clearing completed
  • 14.6km to 42.3km – all untouched sections are being maintained (by JKR) as gravel roads

CMS Roads’ next planned update on this project is scheduled for late September 2017.

CMS Tribal Run 3.0

Running for Local Charities: Registration for CMS Tribal Run 3.0 is now open

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Kuching (Sarawak), Friday, 30 June 2017 – It’s that time of the year again when Kuchingnites dust off their running shoes and prepare for one of Sarawak’s biggest organised run – the CMS Tribal Run 3.0. Now in its third year, and sporting the tagline of ‘Run for a Good Cause’, the CMS (Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad) organised event proudly donates 100% of the entry fees to local charities.

Comprising a 5km Fun Run and a 10km Competitive Run, participants are encouraged to sign up fast to secure their spot before the registration closes on Sunday, 23 July 2017 or when registration reaches 2,500 participants. We will also be giving out a limited number of free slots to children with special needs to participate.

The CMS Tribal Run 3.0 will take place on Sunday, 27 August 2017 at MBKS and flag-off for both the 10km and 5km runs is at 6.30am and 6.45am respectively.

Date                            :        27 August 2017 (Sunday)

Venue                         :        MBKS Council Building, Kuching (start & finish)

Categories / Flag off    :     10km Competitive Race (6.30am), 5km Fun Run (6.45am)

Closing Date               :      23 July 2017 (Sunday)

Interested individuals can either register via RevRun (Brooks) at the Green Heights Mall, Kuching or online at tribalrun.eventtech.com.my.

Prizes will be given to the top 10 male and female finishers in the 10km category, best dressed male and female participants in tribal wear (for both the 5km and 10km categories), along with a host of lucky draws.

The design is of this year’s finisher’s medal is quintessentially Sarawakian 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. The finisher’s medal is unique as it can be used as a key chain.

Last year’s CMS Tribal Run attracted 2,600 participants, with RM120,000.00 raised for 10 local charities, making it one of CMS’ most important and impactful community initiatives. The run is part of CMS’ company-wide ‘Doing Good’ programme, whereby employees volunteer their time to support community efforts, aimed to enhance and improve the quality of life in the communities in which we live and work.

In addition to CMS being the annual event organiser, this year’s run is supported by RevRun Co, with official drink sponsors, REVIVE, INDOCAFE and VICO. Meanwhile, MBKS Council Building, Kuching is hosting the run venue.

Ahead of his participation in the 5km run, Group Managing Director of CMS, Dato’ Richard Curtis, said: “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!”

Race packs will be available for collection from 25 to 26 August 2017, 11.00am – 7.00pm at RevRun Co. (Brooks), Green Heights Mall. Please present your payment slip for collection of the race pack.

For further enquiries, please contact RevRun Co. at 082 459 397, Albert Tan (016-589 2233) or Yahya (013-821 0401).

Tribal Run
Kuching's Golden Anniversary Bridge Project

Kuching’s Golden Anniversary Bridge nears completion as the works connect mid river symbolically establishing a dramatic new connectivity between Kuching North City and South City

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Kuching (Sarawak), Friday, 16 June 2017 – A joint venture between PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Naim Land Sdn Bhd as the contractors, along with the Sarawak State Government and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation as the clients saw a major milestone in the construction of the Golden Anniversary Bridge Project today with the successful joining of the last segments of the steel walkway at the Sarawak River Waterfront, connecting Kuching North City and South City. The bridge is a welcome sight for Sarawakians, adding to the growing list of iconic landmarks the city has to offer, and one that involves the State’s historic river waterfront and adjoining areas.

The Golden Anniversary Bridge Project was awarded on 20 December 2013 on a Turnkey (design and build) basis to PPES Works (Sarawak) and Naim Land JV and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2017. Once completed, this unique curved 330 metre-long pedestrian bridge will be supported by cables from two 45 metre-tall and 48 degree outward angled steel towers topped out with stylised hornbills.

In addition, two covered viewing platforms will provide pedestrians with a resting spot, complete with panoramic views across the city’s heritage focal points. As well as being both functional and convenient, the bridge will provide easy-access for residents, commuters and tourists from Kuching Waterfront at the Southern Bank to the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Complex, Orchid Garden and Fort Margherita at the Northern Bank. The bridge will also become an integral part of the planned Legacy Park and Halaman Heritage Trail.

Speaking about today’s important milestone, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad Group Managing Director, said: “This iconic site is indicative of Sarawak’s unique past and rich heritage, and it represents the dynamism and growth of Sarawak into a progressive and rapidly-developing State with an upwardly mobile diverse population and a thriving tourist industry. It is highly appropriate, therefore, that today’s landmark, bringing together both sides of the river, coincides with the upcoming Hari Raya Eid al-Fitr celebrations – a global and State-wide symbol of unity, community and thanksgiving.

The Golden Anniversary Bridge is designed exclusively for pedestrians, including the disabled, with easily manageable gentle gradients to ascend and descend. Motorised traffic of any kind is therefore prohibited for safety reasons.

CMS Adopt-a-Mosque

Embracing The Values Of Ramadan: CMS donates RM140,000 to Mosques in Sarawak

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Kuching (Sarawak), Tuesday, 23 May 2017 – In line with Cahya Mata Sarawak’s (CMS) ongoing commitment to community development and investment, the company is donating a total of RM140,000.00 to the Muslim communities of Sarawak during the holy month of Ramadhan as part of its Adopt-a-Mosque programme.

Since Friday, 19 May 2017, CMS has been distributing cheques to 70 mosques and suraus throughout Sarawak starting with Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Kuching on 23 May 2017. The total disbursement this year covers Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Betong, Sarikei, Bintangor, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu. Each received RM2,000.00 to help fund their Ramadhan activities. CMS has been continuing this yearly commitment towards the community for the past 15 years.

Recognising its role as a leading facilitator for growth in the State, with a legacy spanning over 40 years, the Adopt-a-Mosque initiative is part of CMS’ wider CSR programme to give back to the communities in which it operates through community outreach, corporate philanthropy and health, safety and awareness campaigns.

Speaking about the Adopt-a-Mosque programme, Group Managing Director of CMS, Dato’ Richard Curtis, said: “The holy month of Ramadhan is a time for reflection about the things that matter most to us – the people who enrich our lives and the communities to which we belong. Ramadhan is one of our community’s constants – an annual and timeless reminder about the importance of giving, and it’s in that spirit that we continue to invest in the maintenance continuity of mosques and suraus throughout Sarawak.”

CMS’ ongoing social responsibilities are carried out in line with its ‘Doing Good’ philosophy and group-wide employee volunteer programme that guides employees to act as responsible and caring representatives of the organisation and as citizens.

Financials_CRM Division

CMSB reports pre-tax profit at RM39 million for 1Q17

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Kuching (Sarawak), Monday, 15 May 2017 – 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 2017 (1Q17). The Group reported a total revenue of RM282.30 million for 1Q17, a 19% decrease from preceding year’s corresponding quarter’s (1Q16) revenue of RM346.91 million. This was mainly due to a 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 RM38.54 million reported for 1Q17, however, increased by 68% from 1Q16’s PBT of RM22.91 million. The profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATNCI) also increased to RM22.66 million in 1Q17 from RM1.05 million in 1Q16. Earnings per share stood at 2.11 sen versus 0.10 sen from the corresponding three-month period of last year.

The main contributors towards the earnings for 1Q17 were the Construction & Road Maintenance, Cement and Construction Materials & Trading Divisions. The Construction & Road Maintenance Division recorded a PBT of RM17.86 million in 1Q17 – a 2% increase in comparison to 1Q16’s PBT of RM17.58 million – mainly due to profits being recognised upon closing of certain completed projects. The Cement Division reported a PBT of RM14.46 million for 1Q17, exceeding 1Q16’s PBT of RM9.62 million by 50% attributable to lower handling costs and cheaper imported clinker. 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 Materials & Trading Division reported a PBT of RM8.47 million for 1Q17, 50% lower than the PBT of RM16.98 million reported during 1Q16. This was mainly attributable to a lower sales volume and a lower gross profit margin.

The Group also recorded a higher share of profit of RM11.44 million in 1Q17 from the share of results of its joint-ventures in comparison to 1Q16’s profit contribution of RM1.64 million. The increase was mainly attributable to the excellent performances by a private equity management company and two private equity funds.

Furthermore, CMSB recorded lower losses of RM4.13 million in 1Q17 from the share of results of its associates, which is 74% lower in comparison to 1Q16’s losses of RM16.16 million, largely due to the Group’s 25% associate, OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s better performance. This upturn is expected to sustain with performance levels rising further during the second half of 2017 to 2018 when the market sectors are likely to see demand growth and price improvements.

Commenting on the results, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Group Managing Director of CMSB, said: “This has been an important quarter 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 Construction & Road Maintenance and Cement Divisions. Overall, the results for 1Q17 are viewed positively as they reassure that the Group is on track towards a much-improved performance for our 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 kicking off. 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 SACOFA Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Phosphate Additives (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and OM (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd are confidently 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 medium and long term.”