Latest news with #Penang-based
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
More than just guards
Mohamad Shafiq Muraly (second from right) at the Pensec AGM. THE Penang Security Practitioners Organisation (Pensec) is working to remove the stigma tied to the security profession. Indeed, long hours, low pay and little respect are what most people might think of when they see security guards. But, the job that was once seen as the last stop for retirees or the unqualified is no longer just that. Security roles today are becoming critical parts of operations in high-value logistics, construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing. As such, the Penang-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), formed in 2001 for local security guards, is trying to change public perceptions of these personnel. 'There are degree holders in this job now. Some have engineering or IT qualifications. 'They're not here because they failed. They chose this,' said Pensec chairman Mohamad Shafiq Muraly Abdullah. He said a trained graduate security personnel would take home about RM4,000 a month. This amount excludes overtime pay, phone allowance and other benefits. 'This is not about manning a boom gate anymore. 'It's about protecting data, securing supply chains and responding to crises,' Mohamad Shafiq said after Pensec's annual general meeting (AGM). Pensec together with the Penang Skills Development Centre have trained more than 2,500 personnel. Among the courses offered are Fundamentals in Security Practices and Mastering Effective Security Practices. These cover everything from cyber hygiene and password protocols to social engineering, incident response, and access control. 'Security is now part of a company's operational backbone,' he said. Mohamad Shafiq Muraly admitted that many Malaysians still treated security as a fallback job. 'But, we're making progress.' One of Pensec's newest courses is Industrial Investigation Techniques that teaches incident analysis and compliance, especially for high-risk sectors.' Pensec now has about 150 active members. The NGO hopes its outreach and programmes will pull in a new generation of security professionals.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Oxford Innotech opens IPO applications at 29 sen to raise RM41.6mil
KUALA LUMPUR: Oxford Innotech Bhd has opened applications for its initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market at an issue price of 29 sen per share, aiming to raise RM41.6 million. The IPO comprises 143.5 million new shares, representing 20.2 per cent of the integrated engineering solutions provider's enlarged share capital, along with an offer for sale of 50 million existing shares. Based on the IPO price, the Penang-based firm is expected to attain a market capitalisation of RM205.9 million upon listing. Proceeds from the IPO will fund the company's expansion plans, including the construction of a new 67,722-square-foot (sq ft) manufacturing facility slated for completion in 2027. Managing director Ng Thean Gin said the company is also preparing to add 39,392 sq ft of new capacity by the third quarter of 2025 to meet near-term demand. "With these two additional facilities, our total manufacturing area will increase by 124.9 per cent to 192,896 sq ft," Ng said in a statement. Of the total proceeds, RM23.1 million or 55.5 per cent will go towards factory construction, RM11.2 million (26.9 per cent) for the purchase and refinancing of machinery, while the remainder will be allocated to working capital and listing expenses. The new shares include 35.5 million units for application by the Malaysian public, 27 million for eligible directors, employees and contributors to the group, and 81 million to be placed out to selected Bumiputera investors approved by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. The offer for sale also includes a private placement of 50 million existing shares — 7.8 million to ministry-approved Bumiputera investors, with the balance to selected investors. For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, Oxford Innotech's revenue jumped 87.6 per cent year-on-year to RM92.9 million, while profit after tax surged 93.7 per cent to RM15.6 million. The growth was driven primarily by its precision engineering segment, which contributed 48.2 per cent of total revenue. Applications for the public issue are open from today and will close on July 16 at 5pm. The company is scheduled to list on July 29. Malacca Securities is the principal adviser, sponsor, and underwriter. It is also joint placement agent together with Kenanga Investment Bank, while WYNCORP Advisory is the corporate finance adviser.
Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Straits Times
Tourists urged to be vigilant against illegal tour guides in Penang
Penang Tourist Guides Association warned that unlicensed tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar and evading enforcement. ST FILE PHOTO Tourists urged to be vigilant against illegal tour guides in Penang Tourists must play their part in curbing illegal tourism activities, said Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang. He warned that unlicensed guides and tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar, often finding ways to evade enforcement. With these illegal players still active in Penang, tourists hold the power to help weed them out, said Mr Liang. 'A collective effort from tourists can go a long way in improving the quality of the tourism experience. 'They should conduct background checks on tour guides, operators and packages, before making any bookings, including reviewing credentials and reading online reviews,' he said on June 19. He was responding to a statement by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on June 1 6, which revealed that a Penang-based company had been convicted of operating as an unlicensed tour operator. The Sessions Court fined Renewage Group RM30,000 (S$9,080) after it pleaded guilty under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. In default, the company faces a 12-month jail term. The ministry has pledged to step up enforcement to ensure only licensed operators are allowed to run tourism businesses. Mr Liang cautioned against falling for suspiciously cheap or overly ambitious tour packages, noting that such deals often come with hidden risks. 'Cheap or over-committed tour packages don't always bring good memories. Don't fall into the trap or compromise safety just to save money,' he said. He also encouraged tourists to use online tools to verify whether a tour guide or company is properly licensed and to share their experiences after the trip. 'Honest reviews, public feedback and even warnings can help future travellers make better choices. 'This kind of community vigilance has proven effective in raising the industry's standards,' he said. All licensed tourist guides in Malaysia must be registered under a recognised association, which allows for greater accountability, Mr Liang added. 'If we receive complaints about a guide, we will investigate and take the necessary action. 'We work closely with tourism authorities to uphold high ethical and professional standards,' he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
20-06-2025
- The Star
Public vigilance can curb fake tour guides
Taking in the sights: A tour guide giving an explanation to a group of tourists at the Goddess of Mercy Temple in George Town, Penang. GEORGE TOWN: Tourists must play their part in curbing illegal tourism activities, says Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang. He warned that unlicensed guides and tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar, often finding ways to evade enforcement. ALSO READ: Nationwide clampdown begins on illegal tourism players With these illegal players still active in Penang, tourists hold the power to help weed them out, said Liang. 'A collective effort from tourists can go a long way in improving the quality of the tourism experience. 'They should conduct background checks on tour guides, operators and packages, before making any bookings, including reviewing credentials and reading online reviews,' he said yesterday. He was responding to a statement by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on Monday, which revealed that a Penang-based company had been convicted of operating as an unlicensed tour operator. The Sessions Court fined Renewage Group RM30,000 after it pleaded guilty under Section 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992. In default, the company faces a 12-month jail term. The ministry has pledged to step up enforcement to ensure only licensed operators are allowed to run tourism businesses. Liang cautioned against falling for suspiciously cheap or overly ambitious tour packages, noting that such deals often come with hidden risks. 'Cheap or over-committed tour packages don't always bring good memories. Don't fall into the trap or compromise safety just to save money,' he said. He also encouraged tourists to use online tools to verify whether a tour guide or company is properly licensed and to share their experiences after the trip. 'Honest reviews, public feedback and even warnings can help future travellers make better choices. 'This kind of community vigilance has proven effective in raising the industry's standards,' he said. All licensed tourist guides in Malaysia must be registered under a recognised association, which allows for greater accountability, Liang added. 'If we receive complaints about a guide, we will investigate and take the necessary action. 'We work closely with tourism authorities to uphold high ethical and professional standards,' he said.
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sipitang steel plant to show progress by July
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (June 13): Esteel Enterprise's RM31 billion steel processing plant at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) is expected to show visible physical progress by July this year. State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the ministry recently received a formal letter from the company reaffirming its commitment to the project. Following the issuance of the Federal Manufacturing License in January 2025, Esteel quickly moved to sign a gas supply agreement with Sabah Energy Corporation and Petronas in February. Phoong said the months of March and April were dedicated to a competitive bidding process to appoint a joint tender (JT) contractor in China. This process concluded with the selection of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on May 30. 'This marks the official beginning of the project's implementation phase. Both Esteel and CCCC are confident that by July and August 2025, we will witness substantial transformation at the SOGIP site,' he said. Phoong, who is also Luyang assemblyman, criticised Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong for politicising the matter and lodging a police report alleging a lack of progress at the site. 'As elected representatives, we can raise such issues during State Assembly sittings. There's no need to resort to police reports. Ask me in DUN — I am ready to answer any question about Esteel,' he said at a press conference at Wisma Kewangan today. 'Don't politicise genuine investors. It deters our efforts to attract more investments and grow the state's industrial sector.' He assured that the green steel manufacturing project will proceed as planned, stressing the strong commitment from both Esteel and the state government. Phoong also highlighted that the project has been thoroughly vetted by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. He added that Esteel's parent company, Singapore-based GreenSteel Limited, is a legitimate entity — recently acquiring shares in Penang-based Southern Steel Bhd and already owning Antara Steel in Labuan.
