Latest news with #Johor-based
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
13-year-old girl rescued after years of alleged abuse, neglect
KUALA LUMPUR: A 13-year-old girl's life of quiet suffering came to light after she was rescued from years of alleged abuse and neglect at the hands of her adoptive mother in Taman Bendahara, Kuala Selangor. The girl had been raised by the suspect and her husband since she was an infant but what should have been a safe and loving home instead turned into a place of fear and pain. The case surfaced after George Wilson, founder of Johor-based welfare group Persatuan Kebajikan Ikhlas, was alerted by a neighbour who had long suspected the girl was being mistreated. He later rushed to Kuala Selangor and lodged a police report at the Kuala Selangor police station around 6.40pm on June 28. George claimed he then returned to the suspect's home to wait for the authorities, where he personally witnessed another act of abuse. The girl had just returned with a packet of food when she was verbally assaulted and struck repeatedly by the suspect. "She was bleeding from her temple. I couldn't just stand there," he said. Police arrived shortly after and detained the suspect. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment. George said the child's biological father is reportedly incarcerated, and she has had no access to formal education since birth. "Neighbours confirmed that she was often seen wandering around the area in tattered clothes, looking for food." "It's heartbreaking. No child should endure what she has lived through. And it's shocking that no one stepped in sooner." Kuala Selangor district police chief Superintendent Azaharudin Tajudin confirmed that a report was received at 6.40pm on June 28, triggering a swift response from the Criminal Investigation Division. Officers moved in and arrested the suspect, 54, at the house around 8.15pm. The child was immediately taken to Tanjong Karang Hospital for medical attention. The suspect, a housewife, has been remanded for six days, until July 4, to assist in the investigation. The case is being probed under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which deals with abuse and neglect. Police are now calling on members of the public who may have information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation. Anyone with details can contact the Kuala Selangor police operations room at 03-3289 1222 or visit the nearest police station.
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
PGB Eyes Strong Growth from Industrial and Residential Developments After Record Profit Year
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Johor-based property developer Paragon Globe Berhad (PGB) is positioning itself for sustained growth in the industrial and residential sectors, supported by strategic projects and Johor's buoyant economic prospects, following a record-breaking financial performance in its recently concluded financial year. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, PGB achieved a remarkable net profit of RM105.6 million, reversing a previous year's net loss of RM1.2 million. Revenue surged to RM306.3 million from RM51 million the year before, primarily driven by strategic land disposals and robust industrial property sales.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM4,000 starting salary to retain Johorean talent
KULAI: While there is nothing to stop Johoreans from working in Singapore, job seekers should also look for opportunities within the state as its talent development council is teaming up with industry players to offer a basic salary of RM4,000, says exco member Aznan Tamin. The state education and information committee chairman said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been collaborating with industry players in sectors such as manufacturing and data centres to offer salaries that are higher than the market rate. He said various companies have started offering a higher salary scheme since the initiative was mooted by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. 'We do not stop people from taking up jobs in Singapore, but we want them to know that there are opportunities for them to earn attractive salaries here without having to cross the border. 'During a premium job fair in Johor Baru recently, many companies offered starting salaries of RM4,000 and above for high-skilled degree holders. Some of the job seekers I met there also expressed their willingness to return to work in Johor. 'Besides the pay, they cited reasons such as convenience and time, as they do not have to commute across the border daily, as among the factors considered,' he said yesterday. JTDC, he added, is also involved when investors sit down with Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, as a move to ensure the state government's vision of having high-paying jobs is realised. Aznan earlier witnessed the signing of a note of understanding between JTDC and Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, a Johor-based bus manufacturing company. He added that the company has set a new benchmark for the industry with their willingness to accept the state government's call to offer a basic salary of RM4,000 to high-skilled workers. 'Through this initiative, JTDC and Sun Bus Tech will also offer on-site training to match the industry's needs. 'Their participation reflects how local industries can help to champion and build a stronger future for Johor's talent development,' he added. Meanwhile, the company's chief executive officer Shyan Phang said about 200 vacancies with the premium salary scheme are available, with around 40% already filled. 'Through this programme, we will welcome trainees into our workshops and assembly lines for immersive on-the-job training. 'They will learn directly from our engineers and technicians, mastering the skills that turn raw materials into buses that serve communities across the region,' she said, adding that the company's aim is to attract, groom and retain Johor talents.
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PR frenzy, poor fundamentals: Disappointing IPO darlings
KUALA LUMPUR: Over the past 18 months, Bursa Malaysia witnessed a surge in new listings, many accompanied by high expectations and polished narratives. Behind the scenes, public relations consultants and investment advisors played pivotal roles organising media briefings, analyst meetings and investor briefings to generate interest and drive early demand. However, as the dust settles, some of these companies have fallen short of their promises, with share prices slipping below IPO levels despite the initial fanfare. Here are three companies that illustrate the disconnect between pre-listing optimism and post-listing realities: Alpha IVF Group Bhd •Recent Price: 28 sen (as of June 6) Alpha IVF, a fertility services provider, made its debut on Bursa Malaysia with a compelling narrative centred around expanding fertility awareness and clinical capabilities. The company positioned itself as a beacon of hope for couples struggling to conceive, backed by cutting-edge technologies and a regional footprint. Public relations consultants heavily promoted the IPO, emphasising emotional branding - stories of successful IVF journeys, warm imagery of smiling babies - and reassuring interviews with founders and doctors. Investor briefings were held, reinforcing the company's regional growth story. The IPO was oversubscribed, and the stock saw a slight uptick upon listing. However, the honeymoon phase was short-lived. Analysts began to question the valuation multiples, especially given the thin margins and rising operational costs of running fertility centres. The company's expansion plans, initially perceived as bold, began to look like expensive bets in a niche and price-sensitive market. Despite the promotional efforts, Alpha IVF's share price gradually declined, slipping below its IPO price and staying there. Notably, the IPO price of RM0.32 corresponded to a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.92x, based on a net profit of RM54.79 million and earnings per share (EPS) of 1.46 sen for the financial year ended May 31, 2023. This valuation was higher than the industry's average P/E ratio, raising concerns about the company's valuation amidst the optimism. CPE Technology Bhd •IPO Price: RM1.07 •Recent Price: 71 sen (as of June 6) CPE's entry into Bursa was anything but quiet. As a precision engineering company with clients in the semiconductor, life sciences, and industrial automation sectors, it was touted as a proxy for Malaysia's high-tech ambitions. The IPO narrative leaned heavily on its global supply chain connections, particularly its exports to the US, Europe and China. In the weeks leading up to its listing, CPE's name was everywhere. PR consultants rolled out a carefully staged campaign: glossy investor kits were circulated, media interviews were arranged with top executives, and photos of high-tech assembly lines flooded financial pages. There were even organised tours for analysts and key fund managers to CPE's Johor-based facilities, complete with safety helmets, walkthroughs, and sales pitch presentations over coffee. The message was clear: CPE was not just another component maker - it was a growth story in a fast-evolving tech ecosystem. Investors initially responded with enthusiasm. The IPO was oversubscribed, and there was buzz about CPE being well-positioned to ride the next wave of industrial demand. But reality, as it often does, proved more complicated. Just a few quarters in, cracks began to appear. Order flows from major clients slowed as the global tech sector cooled. Margins came under pressure, not least due to rising raw material costs and a strong US dollar. Earnings missed early projections, and suddenly, the glow around CPE started to fade. The same analysts who had attended the factory tours began to revise their outlooks. Despite the polished communications campaign and well-managed listing strategy, CPE's share price drifted below its IPO level. The company had a credible story - but not enough momentum to keep the market convinced. DXN Holdings Bhd •IPO Price: 70 sen •Recent Price: 50 sen (as of June 6) DXN's return to the stock market after years in private hands was framed as a rebirth. PR consultants spoke of a "new chapter" for the direct-selling giant, with aggressive outreach to media and investor groups. Yet, cracks began to appear when earnings underwhelmed and overseas sales growth slowed. Despite the well-orchestrated relisting campaign, investors began to question whether DXN's golden era was behind it. Conclusion: Hype Fades, Fundamentals Remain Industry observers said new IPOs often arrive on a wave of excitement, backed by slick presentations, aggressive PR campaigns, and promises of untapped potential. But investors must learn to separate story from substance. Just because a stock is trending or being heavily marketed doesn't mean it's a good buy. PR blitzes can create temporary buzz, but they can't sustain valuations if earnings disappoint and growth stalls. The observers said the message is clear: don't get carried away by headlines or hype, and stick to fundamentals, scrutinise the financials and invest with discipline.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia ahead in stingless bee farming
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Dr Mohd Khairuddin said Unison's hive technology offers durable and secure habitats for stingless bees, a native pollinator species vital to Malaysia's ecosystem. Kuala Lumpur: Unison Technology & Manufacturing (M) PLT is introducing modular hive systems and training initiatives to strengthen stingless bee farming and rural livelihoods in Malaysia in line with the country's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. In a statement, the Johor-based company said it has developed patented beehive structures made of concrete composite materials, which are designed to improve hive durability and reduce long-term maintenance. Senior lecturer at Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and lead innovator at Unison Technology & Manufacturing Dr Mohd Khairuddin Ramliy said the global decline in bee population threatens biodiversity and food security, as bees are responsible for pollinating about 75 per cent of crops consumed worldwide. 'In response, Unison is reimagining stingless bee farming by developing patented bee modular boxes and concrete composite beehives designed to improve honey yields and simplify hive management. 'By modernising traditional apiculture, Unison is linking ecological restoration with economic opportunity, positioning Malaysia as a sustainability-driven innovator ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka,' he said. Dr Mohd Khairuddin said Unison's hive technology offers durable and secure habitats for stingless bees, a native pollinator species vital to Malaysia's ecosystem. 'The use of concrete composite materials reduces the need for frequent replacement, cutting down environmental waste and increasing the lifespan of each hive,' he said. He added that the innovation supports higher pollination rates for crops, native plants, and fruits, ultimately boosting agricultural yields. 'In line with the United Nations Environment Programme's call for nature-based solutions, Unison's technology directly contributes to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem resilience. 'Tailored for Malaysia's tropical climate, the hive design demonstrates how engineering and ecology can work hand in hand to support both productivity and environmental sustainability,' he said. He also said Unison's bee farming model goes beyond ecology by supporting rural livelihoods through training, equipment, and tools that lower entry barriers for aspiring beekeepers. 'The model is intentionally inclusive, providing women, youth, and marginalised groups with opportunities to earn sustainable incomes through honey harvesting and the production of value-added products such as propolis, bee pollen, and beeswax items. 'This diversification supports financial resilience and long-term self-sufficiency while revitalising traditional ecological knowledge and enabling communities to adopt climate-resilient practices that are both economically viable and socially inclusive,' he said. Dr Mohd Khairuddin further said Unison's modular hive system is engineered for ease of use, consistency, and scalability, with a standardised structure that ensures optimal hive conditions, supports bee health, and improves productivity for users ranging from backyard farmers to large-scale producers. 'The company's work is supported by training, technical assistance, and collaboration with agricultural institutions, enabling Unison to refine its products based on real-world feedback and adapt them to various environments and farming needs. 'By offering a reliable and scalable system backed by rigorous product development, Unison is supporting the growth of a structured, high-quality apiculture sector in Malaysia while advancing national goals in food security, biodiversity restoration, and regenerative agriculture,' he said. Additionally, he said the company's work aligns with Malaysia's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which focuses on designing a future society that balances progress with sustainability. 'Unison's approach demonstrates that pollinator protection is not only an ecological responsibility but also a strategic opportunity to drive prosperity, empower communities, and foster harmony between people and nature. 'As Malaysia prepares to present its sustainability vision on the global stage, Unison stands as a proud example of how local innovation can deliver global relevance,' he said. Expo 2025 Osaka, a world expo organised and sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will be held in Osaka, Japan, for the second time from April 13-Oct 13, 2025. It hosted Expo 1970. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
