Latest news with #Malaysian-made
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
40-year crunch with a cult following
Recipe for success: A worker preparing an order of muruku in Guar Perahu, Bukit Mertajam — Bernama BUKIT MERTAJAM: A proudly Malaysian-made snack has stood the test of time since 1984, gaining loyal customers locally and abroad thanks to its unique recipe passed down through the generations. The homegrown brand, run by a husband and wife team from Guar Perahu, here, continues to thrive with its authentic flavours and commitment to natural ingredients. Idris Alias, 67, and Fatimah Ishak, 63, started their muruku business from home after Fatimah inherited the recipe from her mother-in-law. Fatimah said the uniqueness of their product lies in its use of natural ingredients without any colouring and it contains no eggs, anchovies or other animal-based products. 'Because of that, our muruku is suitable for those on a vegetarian diet,' she told Bernama. She said that when they first started the business, she was seven months pregnant. 'As a result, we only made small batches. We had little capital, but I still gave it a try by taking orders from friends. 'We started at home and gradually expanded our business. Nine years ago, we opened a shop in Kubang Semang. 'We reinvested our profits and the business gradually grew,' she said. Fatimah said over 85% of their customers are from the Chinese community, with Chinese New Year being the peak season every year. 'We once received an order from Taiwan but had to turn it down due to high shipping costs. However, the customer came here personally and bought a large quantity to bring back,' she said. Fatimah said they currently use two frying machines, although only one operates on normal days with a production capacity of 150kg per day. During festive seasons, output can reach up to 200kg daily. Meanwhile, Idris shared that their family business is now supported by their son and daughter-in-law. Speaking about the challenges faced as entrepreneurs, he said limited operating space remains the main issue in meeting high demand, which has even led them to decline offers to place their product in a convenience store chain. Nevertheless, the couple is determined to expand the business in the future, with hopes of passing it on to their only child. 'My advice to young entrepreneurs is to first identify your product and your target customers. Patience is essential in the business world. 'Most importantly, as Muslims, we must always give charity and pay zakat. That is the key to sustained blessings, not just in terms of income, but also health,' Idris said.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Margma calls for tariff talks with US over glove duty hike
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) has urged the government to promptly enter sectoral tariff negotiations with the United States (US) following Washington's decision to raise import duties on rubber gloves to 25 per cent from Aug 1, 2025. MARGMA president Oon Kim Hung said members were ready to support the government's efforts in engaging with the US to seek an exemption or, at minimum, maintain the existing 10 per cent tariff. "These gloves are not luxury items but essential medical supplies. A 25 per cent tariff will disrupt supply chains, drive up healthcare costs, and hinder patient safety,' he said in a statement today. The association said Malaysia's glove industry has long collaborated with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to curb trans-shipment abuse and maintain its reputation for quality and responsible manufacturing. MARGMA called on Malaysia's trade negotiators to seek the same sector-specific consideration granted to other strategic industries, to ensure continued access for US healthcare providers to Malaysian-made gloves. It noted that Malaysia supplies nearly half of the US demand for natural rubber and nitrile gloves - critical healthcare products subject to strict US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. With US demand projected by MITI to reach US$4.17 billion by 2030, MARGMA warned that higher tariffs could threaten patient care and drive up costs for hospitals and other healthcare providers.(US$1 = RM4.24). "Rather than undermining US manufacturing, Malaysian glove makers have demonstrated their commitment to the American market. For example, Supermax Corporation Bhd has invested US$350 million in a production facility in Texas, highlighting our industry's long-term dedication to supporting US healthcare,' Oon said. He added that MARGMA reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable global supply and expressed hope for a tariff outcome that balanced fair trade with public health priorities in both countries. - Bernama
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Smarter machines coming to Penang factories
Participants of the AI showcase looking at a demonstration of artificial intelligence at work. — Courtesy photo BIG changes are coming to Penang's manufacturing sector involving artificial intelligence (AI) that can spot problems, make decisions and take action without waiting for human instructions. Global tech giant IBM and Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association introduced agentic AI at a recent showcase event in Penang. Unlike older automation systems, agentic AI does not just follow strict coding. It can detect patterns, set its own goals and adjust its actions in real-time, making it ideal for complex manufacturing environments where speed and accuracy matter. This means that local factories could soon rely on machines to predict breakdowns before they happen, inspect products for defects on the spot or manage the flow of materials through supply chains, all without human input. The technology is being pitched as a major productivity booster, especially for Penang's export-driven industries. 'Agentic AI isn't just another upgrade,' said IBM Malaysia country manager Dickson Woo. 'In manufacturing, it's a game-changer helping companies make faster, smarter decisions and automate entire processes. 'This leads to smarter factories, fewer delays, better quality and a stronger global edge for Malaysian-made goods,' he said. The event drew business leaders, tech providers and policymakers looking to future-proof Penang's industrial backbone and keep pace with a fast- moving global market where intelligent automation is now essential.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KPDN eyes RM300,000 in sales through KBBM at Southern Zone tour
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is targeting over RM300,000 in sales through the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) during its Southern Zone Carnival Tour 2025, which began here yesterday. KPDN Business Development Division director Adiratno Che Ani said the KBBM pavilion recorded RM93,910 in sales on the first day alone, despite coinciding with several large-scale events in the state. 'We are confident that Johor consumers' purchasing power will help us surpass RM300,000 in total sales over the three-day programme, which involves 63 vendors,' he told Bernama at the carnival in Puteri Harbour today. He said the pavilion features entrepreneurs from Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, representing a variety of local brands that are gaining traction among consumers. 'Among the well-known names taking part are Zus Coffee, Adabi, Mamee Double Decker and Simplicity (Gaya Loop), along with strategic partners such as Proton and Perodua, which are showcasing their products outside the pavilion,' he said. Adiratno said the campaign not only focuses on food and beverages, but also highlights household items, health and beauty products, clothing and other lifestyle goods produced by local entrepreneurs. 'KBBM has been revitalised to boost public awareness and confidence in locally made products, which are comparable in quality to international brands. It also provides more space for local entrepreneurs to tap into wider markets,' he said. He also urged the public to visit the carnival this long weekend and support local vendors, many of whom may not yet be widely recognised as Malaysian-made brands. 'Some products are so well branded that people don't realise they are local. This is the perfect opportunity to identify, try and support Malaysian-made goods,' he said. The KBBM 2025, launched by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali yesterday, aims to expand the market reach of local products, reduce reliance on imports, boost domestic economic growth, and support local entrepreneurs, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KPDN launches KBBM 2025 to boost local MSME sales in Malaysia
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has launched the 2025 Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) under the theme 'Jom Beli Lokal' to strengthen domestic economic growth and support local entrepreneurs. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali highlighted that the campaign aims to enhance sales value and market penetration for Malaysian-made products while reducing reliance on imports. 'This initiative directly supports local entrepreneurs and contributes to national economic growth,' he said during the launch at Puteri Harbour Convention Centre. The campaign will involve multiple ministries, government agencies, and private sector collaboration to promote local products as a preferred choice. Armizan emphasised that KBBM will expand to e-commerce platforms, leveraging partnerships with major operators like TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada. 'E-commerce plays a crucial role in reaching wider audiences, and we recorded over RM347 million in sales through KBBM in 2023 and 2024,' he added. The three-day Southern Zone Roadshow in Johor marks the beginning of a nationwide tour, covering five additional zones. The event includes consumer advocacy programmes, local product exhibitions, and government agency showcases. Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and state committee chairman Lee Ting Han were also present at the launch.
