July – September 2004
MALAYSIAN
TIN PRODUCTS
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
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PRESIDENT MR. JASON LEE HENKEL (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD VICE-PRESIDENT MR. MAMORU KAWASAKI(ALTERNATE – MR. LOH YOON SOON) SELAYANG SOLDER SDN BHD HON. SECRETARY MR. C.S. LIM METAL RECLAMATION (IND) SDN BHD TREASURER MR. TEOH LAY HOCK NIHON SUPERIOR (M) SDN BHD |
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS MS. GAY LEONG ROYAL SELANGOR INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD EN. AB. PATAH MOHD PERUSAHAAN SADUR TIMAH MALAYSIA (PERSTIMA) BHD MR. KOJI TSUBONO SENJU (M) SDN BHD |
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SECRETARIAT ADDRESS The Malaysian Tin Products Manufacturers’ Association (MTPMA) 8th Floor, West Block Wisma Selangor Dredging 142-C, Jalan Ampang 50450 KUALA LUMPUR. |
EDITORIAL SUB-COMMITTEE
MR.
JASON LEE MR.
C.S. LIM MS.
GAY LEONG MR.
LOH YOON SOON TN.
HAJI MUHAMAD NOR MUHAMAD CIK FARIDA FARID |
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Dear Members
During the third quarter, the tin price climbed higher and higher and our Prime Minister tabled the 2005 National Budget. According to the Economic Report, the outlook for the Malaysian economy remains favourable in 2005 even as its growth momentum is set to be hit by negative external factors like high oil prices and an expected slowdown in the rate of global economic growth.
With the price of tin surging past RM30.00 per kilo recently, many people are interested in mining again. They are talking about reopening abandoned mines and opening up new mines. Tin has taken on a new lease of life as a versatile, non-toxic and environmental friendly replacement for lead with multiple uses. Therefore, there is much greater demand for tin these days. Even solders that used to contain a combination of tin and lead, is now lead free.
Tin consumption is buoyant now but there is a tight tin concentrates supply situation. Although Malaysia has tin reserves still waiting to be mined, there is little opportunity to explore new areas due to tin being viewed as an old, environmentally damaging industry. According to Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ajib Anuar, CEO of Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (MSC), there are hundreds of applications to renew mining in Malaysia, but state governments are hesitant because there is a perception gap on tin damaging the environment. The tin industry has also to focus on sustainability. Apart from environmental problems there are social and safety issues. Meanwhile, China remains the world’s largest tin producer and also the largest tin consumer.
Thank you.
Jason Lee
President
ELECTRONIC SECTOR NEWS
The Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) has revised its export sales forecast this year from 12 per cent to almost 21 per cent on the back of an increasing global demand for semiconductor products. Its chairman Datuk Wong Siew Hai said sales of electronics and electrical products by the group's member companies are expected to reach RM75.7 billion this year, against last year's RM62.6 billion. In February, MAEI, which groups 19 American electronic companies and is part of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham), had forecast export sales to expand by 12 per cent.
Speaking at a media conference to announce MAEI's annual survey results in Kuala Lumpur recently, Wong said MAEI exports sales for 2003 surged by 21.8 per cent over 2002 export sales. "This has exceeded our previous forecast sales growth of 5.6 per cent for 2003," he said. He said MAEI member companies contributed 16.4 per cent of Malaysia's total export earnings and 30.2 per cent of the country's electrical and electronic exports. Wong noted that the outlook for the semiconductor industry has been looking positive since 2000. "The communications, computer and consumer sectors are forecast to drive growth, as consumers migrate to a new mobile technologies, the wireless business strengthens and businesses upgrade information technology systems," he said. At the same time, he said, local procurement of goods and services had been also forecast to improve further. "Local procurement for last year stood at RM8.44 billion, while this is expected to increase to RM9.55 billion this year," he said.
Wong, who is also the governor of Amcham, said the industry will see more research and development investment pouring into Malaysia. He said research and development expenditure by member companies tripled over the last three years, to RM650.1 million last year. However, he said the investment will mainly be in the expansion of design and development activities, rather than in research works which will continue to be done outside Malaysia. He also said faster growth in the US and China has in a way increased shipments of semiconductors and other electronic products from Malaysia. MAEI's total semiconductor sales in 2003 were at RM25.7 billion, which represented 32.2 per cent of Malaysia's total semiconductor sales of RM78.5 billion. According to the survey, increased demand may boost investments by US electronics makers in Malaysia by 13 per cent to RM1.7 billion this year. Investments rose 7 per cent in 2003, the group said. Wong said since the group's inception in Malaysia 30 years ago, its members have invested close to RM30 billion, with an annual average investment of about RM1 billion.
Asked whether MAEI will change its 2004 forecast due to US Federal Reserve's move to raise interest rates, Wong said the move will not disrupt the group's sales outlook for 2004. "We have spoken to our members and they do not expect any change in plans. The momentum will carry on through to the end of the year," he said. The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee raised interest rates this week, lifting the overnight lending rate to 1.25 per cent. On concerns that foreign companies may pull out from Malaysia and relocate their operations in emerging China market, Wong said MAEI members are expected to continue their expansion programmes here because of the many advantages of doing business in Malaysia. These included Malaysia's stable government, a mature electronic industry, operational competencies and a skilled workforce, a well-developed infrastructure and intellectual property rights protection.
Amcham president Datuk Tim Garland noted that there has not been a major exodus of US companies out of Malaysia in favour of the cheaper China market over the last few years. "There may be lots of new investments in China, but we believe that they were meant for the China market and its surrounding region. Some companies were setting up factories in China because they want to be where the market was. Malaysia has other good characteristics because for some investors, lower labour cost was not the only criteria to be considered. Lower labour cost is not the only thing to be considered. We also need to look at the overall total cost of doing business and MAEI members believe Malaysia is still competitive," he said. He said the high number of companies consolidating and moving into Malaysia particularly in the design and development activities also spoke well for Malaysia's current performance.
(Source: The Business Times, 3 July 2004)
South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co said recently its second quarter net profit almost tripled to US$2.7 billion but its "spectacular" figures still fell short of investor expectations. Operating profit also rose more than three times to 3.73 trillion won from a year earlier but this was less than the 3.9 trillion won the market had been expecting, leading to an initial drop in the company's share price.
The world's largest maker of computer memory chips said sales in the three months to June rose 52.3 per cent to 14.9 trillion won. Samsung Electronics' investor relations head Chu Woo-Sik described the second quarter results as "spectacular". "All the business sectors of the company performed very well in the second quarter. In particular, the semiconductor sector was at its best," said Chu.
Following the announcement, Samsung Electronics shares momentarily fell 1.5 per cent but rebounded 3.6 per cent on bargain hunting to 423,000 won after the company projected a positive outlook for the second half of this year. Many investors were also hoping the stock, which reached a peak of 637,000 won in April, had bottomed out after recent sustained losses. The second quarter results looked good compared with a year earlier but when set against the previous quarter, net profit fell 0.2 per cent and operating profit was down 7.0 per cent. Second quarter sales, however, were up 4 per cent from the first quarter.
(Source: The Malay Mail, 17 July 2004)
Malaysia is 5th Largest Supplier of Electronic Goods to India
Malaysia has emerged as the fifth-largest supplier of electronic goods to India, exporting to it about 16.6 billion rupees (100 rupees = RM8.38) worth of goods during April 2002-March 2003 period. The US, China, South Korea and Singapore were the only countries, which supplied electronic goods of greater value to India during the year. In the April 2003-January 2004 period, up to which detailed trade figures are available, Malaysia has already surpassed the 2002-03 exports, supplying to India 16.8 billion rupees worth of electronics goods.
As against this, Malaysia's imports from India have in fact declined in 2002-03 to 1.1 billion rupees from 2.5 billion rupees in 1996-97. Malaysia's imports from India have gone up to 8.4 billion rupees in 2001-02, before declining to 1.1 billion rupees in 2002-03. Malaysia has been giving all the encouragement to the electronics industry to enable it to emerge as industry leaders in the South-East Asia region, says D.K. Sareen, executive director of the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council. As an example, Sareen said that the Malaysian Government has invited Intel to set up a plant in the country to manufacture chips and integrated circuits.
(Source: Business Times, 5 August 2004)
The world's chip factories operated at their fastest rate in almost four years in the April-June period, boosted by demand for chips for cell phones and digital appliances such as flat-panel TVs. The utilisation rate was 95.4 per cent during the period, posting quarter-on-quarter growth for the sixth straight quarter, the Semiconductor International Capacity Statistics (Sicas) group said recently. The rate was the highest since the 96.4 per cent registered in the third quarter 2000. After a boom that year, the semiconductor market went into a severe downturn in 2001 and 2002. A Sicas official said that utilisation rates were likely to remain relatively high for the rest of the year before heading lower next year. "Obviously, there is a backlog of orders out there. But, at the same time, some of the products made recently at these high usage rates go into inventory. We may start seeing inventory build-up," he said. Global semiconductor sales are expected to record only modest growth next year and possibly contract in 2006 after growing nearly 30 per cent this year.
(Source: The Star, 25 August 2004)
Sitt Tatt Bhd plans to establish a joint venture company in China with a local partner to carry out semiconductor-related businesses, executive deputy chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohan M.K. Swami said. The plan was expected to materialise during the financial year ending March 31, he said, adding that discussions with potential partners in China would move into higher gear this year. "We are going to China via Singapore. Some of our clients have moved on to Shanghai, so we need to follow them to continue the business," he said recently.
However, Dr Mohan did not give details of the investment Sitt Tatt was likely to make in the proposed company. "We are studying the economies. So far, it seems to be profitable and economically sensible for us to (go to China)." Sitt Tatt is an investment holding company, with subsidiaries and associate companies in such businesses as label printing and processing, the marketing of industrial gases and chemicals, and the manufacture and distribution of welding electrodes. In 1999, the company divested its gas business to Air Products & Chemical Inc and moved into the semiconductor related businesses following its acquisition of three Singapore companies – Pyramid Manufacturing Pte Ltd, CEM Machinery Pte Ltd and PMI Plating Service Pte Ltd. Dr Mohan said the company was also looking at other countries. Asked on its financial outlook, Mohan said: "We did very well (in the first quarter). We hope to maintain that."
For the first quarter ended June 30, Sitt Tatt registered a pre-tax profit of RM5.19mil, up from RM576,000 in the previous year's corresponding quarter. Turnover stood at RM21.5mil, up from RM16.27mil previously. For the year ended March 31, Sitt Tatt posted a pre-tax profit of RM13.757mil, up from RM1.21mil in the year before, on turnover of RM77.85mil, up from RM25.63mil before.
(Source: The Star, 9 September 2004)
The sharp rise in oil prices along with strong demand for chips and semiconductors boosted Malaysia's overseas sales in May. Exports may have grown by 23.2 per cent during the month compared to the corresponding period a year ago, according to the average forecast of eight economists in a Business Times poll. This is similar to the pace seen in April, cementing the view that Malaysia may turn in another quarter of strong growth after the first quarter's exceptional performance.
Imports are likely to have grown even faster, rising 32.5 per cent during the month, economists said. Intermediate imports, essentially parts and materials used in production, make up over 70 per cent of total imports. Higher imports usually lead higher production and exports, and signal manufacturers are confident in their outlook. Oil prices were strong throughout May, after a string of attacks in Iraq and Saudi Arabia pushed the price of crude oil above US$40 per barrel. Earlier in the week, Petroliam Nasional Bhd announced its highest profit ever, benefiting from year-long volatile oil prices. For the financial year ended March 31 2004, the national oil corporation recorded a net profit of RM23.7 billion on the back of RM97.5 billion revenue.
The demand for electronics and electrical goods, accounting for more than half of Malaysia's exports, is riding on the recovery in major markets such as the US and Japan, as well as the insatiable demand from China. Exports shot up 27.3 per cent to a record high of RM39.7 billion in April, while industrial production grew 14 per cent during the month. Singapore, whose advance release of economic figures offers a clue of how Malaysia may have performed, reported that its exports grew 27.7 per cent in May. However, while the outlook for Malaysia's exports and production look solid for now, economists cautioned that there is a possibility that economic growth momentum could ease from the second half onwards as global growth moderated. The trade numbers for May will be released today.
(Source: Business Times, 2 July 2004)
Business confidence for the second quarter was the highest in more than a year, boosted by strong sales, both at home and exports. The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (Mier) quarterly surveys nevertheless showed that consumer confidence was slightly distracted by the consolidating stock market and creeping prices. Mier's Business Condition Index (BCI) recorded the highest jump in one-and-a-half years, while Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) fell for the first time after four quarters of gain. The BCI rose 12.1 points to 124.1 while the CSI lost 5.1 to 112.4 points.
Explaining the diverging perception, the BCI's gain "is a better reflection of the second-quarter performance since firms respond to the surveys based on their production records, while consumers tend to be more emotional and fickle in their judgement," said the independent think-tank in its economic outlook report. Consumer sentiment tend to be more volatile, and sometimes do not actually reflect the accurate spending behaviour, Mier said. Consumers also tend to be influenced by their perception of the future rather than the present. "One should not read too much into it, but it could be an indication of what is to come in the third and fourth quarter," executive director Dr Ariff Kareem said at the presentation of the surveys in Kuala Lumpur recently. However, while the optimism has come off its first quarter peak, the survey found that there are hardly any plans to cut back on spending among the 1,200 households. Consumers are starting to worry about the economy's future and becoming less sure about their current jobs, but they continue to be interested in big-ticket items such as cars and homes. "Shopping plans remain relatively ambitious in the second quarter, showing that consumers are ready and willing to shop," said the report.
The CSI, which stayed above 100-point threshold of expansion mode, may have been dampened by poor stock market performance, string of news on terrorist attacks, and especially by higher inflationary expectations. Expected by four out of every five respondents, the last factor may actually spur faster spending as households race to purchase before prices climb higher. Businesses, however, do not have such compulsion. They remained unfazed by the high oil prices and the interest rate rise in the US. "This is hardly surprising given the accelerating pace in exports and factory output and a turnaround in domestic investments," said Mier. Apart from the machinery producers, all sectors posted better sales during the quarter, which subsequently spurred higher production activities.
Almost half of the 750 respondents saw increase in overseas orders, a pace that is "exceptionally strong", said Mier. One in three saw higher local orders. With capacity utilisation remaining above 80 per cent, and inventories level trending down, businesses are ready to invest. Thirty per cent of the businesses polled are beefing up capital spending – twice as many as the preceding quarter. "The prognosis is that the Malaysian economy, which has performed well during the first half, has enough stamina to sustain the growth momentum," the report said. "But there are speed-bumps ahead. Of growing concerns are the rising US interest rates, the widening current account deficits, higher oil prices and the policy attempt to slow an overheating Chinese economy.
(Source: Business Times, 21 July 2004)
M'sia May Review Economic Strategies
Malaysia may have to review its economic strategies if world oil prices continue to rocket over the next three to six months, said Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of national economic planning. He declined to reveal the type of new strategies needed but said the Government would not alter its plans to rein in the burgeoning fiscal deficit. "We are firmly on track as far as fiscal consolidation is concerned," Mustapa said recently.
US oil prices hit a new record high recently, just short of US$45 a barrel, as violence in Iraq disrupted crude output and exports from the country's southern fields, compounding fears that tight global supplies may be inadequate to meet demand. High oil prices have dampened sentiment in the stock market as investors worry that dearer energy costs would stall Malaysia's rapid economic growth and trim corporate earnings. Mustapa said Malaysia, as a net oil exporter, stood to benefit in the short term from high oil prices as Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) raked in higher revenue. But in the medium term, perhaps as early as 2005, if crude prices remained high, Malaysia could suffer from second-round effects such as inflation and contracting trade demand, he said. "If it sustains for three to six months, then we will have to relook at our strategies because we are a trade-dependant country," Mustapa said.
The economy had grown 7.6 per cent in the year through the first quarter – the fastest rate in nearly four years – and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said it stands a good chance of meeting, if not exceeding, official growth forecasts of 6 per cent – 6.5 per cent for 2004. Abdullah had said in May that the Government might be able to reduce the 2004 budget deficit below the estimated 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The deficit was 5.3 per cent of GDP in 2003 and the Government plans to bring it down to between 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent next year. The Government is due to unveil the 2005 budget on September 10.
(Source: The Star, 11 August 2004)
Brisk foreign demand for our manufactured goods pushed the real gross domestic product growth to 8 per cent in the second quarter this year – the strongest in four years. The last time the country saw such results was the 8.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2000. The first quarter's figure was 7.6 per cent. Overall, the country achieved 7.8 per cent growth for the first half, said Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Azizi recently. She said it is likely the economic growth for the whole year will surpass the earlier official estimates at between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent.
The new forecast would be announced in Budget 2005, scheduled to be presented on Sept 10, she added. On the prospects for the second half, she said the index of leading indicators point to further expansion. "Improved consumer and business confidence, favourable commodity prices, stable employment conditions and rising incomes are expected to support further growth in private consumption and investment," she told a media briefing. She said Malaysia is not concerned about the rising crude oil prices for now as the country is a net oil exporter. She said Bank Negara's estimates that a US$1 increase per barrel in oil price could bring in between RM100 million and RM200 million net gains to the government after providing for petroleum subsidies. She also said the present interest rates will be maintained "for some time to come", adding that there is no reason to review the ringgit peg either.
On the whole, the private sector continued to be the main growth driver, as its consumption grew by 11.4 per cent compared with 5 per cent a year before. But the growth of public sector consumption slowed to 7.1 per cent from 12.6 per cent because of the government's fiscal consolidation. The star performer in the second quarter was manufacturing, up by 12.1 per cent compared with 6.2 per cent in the same period last year. Export-oriented goods took the lead and expanded by 18.3 per cent. There was strong demand for electronics and electrical products, chemicals and rubber goods. Major agriculture commodities and minerals also pushed up exports. But while palm oil and saw log exports were driven entirely by strong prices, rubber, crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports rose due to higher prices and volume. Interestingly, although the mining sector grew only 1.1 per cent, it advanced by 27.1 per cent in nominal price as a result of higher prices for crude oil and natural gas. Services also saw marked growth at 7.4 per cent. Its largest components – the wholesale retail trade, hotels and restaurant - grew by 10 per cent due to higher consumer spending and tourist arrivals. The construction sector, however, shrank by 1.7 per cent, due to fewer civil engineering activities and lack of new projects.
(Source: The Sun, 26 August 2004)
Malaysia recently offered substantial market opening measures – allowing the establishment of up 49 per cent foreign equity ownership and the presence of Asean professionals in the country. And in a landmark move, foreign equity ownership will be unlimited in computer and related services covering hardware installation, advisory services on software and data base services. The concessions are better than the commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and were made under the Asean Framework Agreement in Services (AFAS).
Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz recently signed the Protocol to Implement the Fourth Package of Commitments under the Third Round (2002-2004) of services liberalisation during the 36th Asean Economic Ministers Meeting held in Jakarta. "The services liberalisation initiative offers opportunities for Malaysian service providers, especially in professional services, information and communications technology and construction, to synergies market opening measures in other Asean countries," said Rafidah. Under the services liberalisation package, professional, business support, computer and related services, telecommunication, construction, tourism and maritime services will be open for foreign equity.
Under the professional services, auditing and book-keeping services will be allowed to have up to 40 per cent foreign equity ownership. Other services include taxation services (35 per cent). In business support services, market research services (35 per cent), advertising services (35 per cent). Telecommunication services covering data and message services, mobile data, telegraph, voice telephone, mobile telephone and paging services (49 per cent). Under construction services covering construction work for buildings, civil engineering, assembly, installation, building completion and finishing (49 per cent). In the tourism industry covering hotel lodgings and travel and tour operators (35 per cent). In the maritime services, offer of charter of vessels (bareboat and with crew) will be allowed to have a maximum of 30 per cent foreign equity.
During the meeting, Asean ministers also agreed to endorse the roadmap for the integration of 10 out of the 11 priority sectors. The priority sectors are wood-based products, automotives, rubber-based products, textiles and apparels, agro-based products, fisheries, electronics, e-Asean, healthcare and tourism. "The measures agreed in the roadmaps are to accelerate tariff elimination for the nine priority sectors on goods by three years from 2010 to 2007 for Asean-6 and from 2015 to 2012 for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam," said Rafidah. The Roadmap will also strengthen co-operation to facilitate trade and investment flows by adopting clear time lines in areas relating to removal of non-tariff barriers, standards, harmonisations and customs co-operation.
(Source: New Straits Times, 4 September 2004)
A. A. Milne created the magical Hundred Acre Wood with its loveable inhabitants as bedtime tales for his young son, Christopher Robin. Winnie the Pooh, the title character, is based on Christopher Robin's beloved Edwardian teddy bear. Inspired by Milne's stories, Royal Selangor is presenting the Winnie the Pooh collection of 13 designs crafted in pewter. Each
design brings to life scenes from the stories.
An intriguing piece is the music carousel, inspired by the story In Which Piglet is Surrounded by Water where Pooh and Christopher Robin braved the floodwaters in an upturned umbrella to rescue Piglet. The pewter umbrella revolves when the key is turned and with the handle moving backward and forward to the Winnie the Pooh signature tune, the effect is quite realistic. Shaped as a wishing well, the Tigger musical coin box also plays the popular tune when the crank is turned. Tigger twirls to the music as he holds on to the spire. Adapted from Disney's All's Well That's Wishing Well, the coin box retains the classic look that characterises this range. Sculpted around the walls of the well are scenes of Pooh, Piglet and Rabbit floating in a large bucket surrounded by coins. It is a good way to encourage young ones to save!
Another piece is the Stuck photo frame which adopts a scene from Pooh Goes Visiting and Gets Into A Tight Place. Pooh is stuck in Rabbit's doorway! This is a unique piece as one can see both sides of Pooh, with his front half being pulled by Christopher Robin on the outside and his rear still stuck inside Rabbit's home. Behind the frame, one can see poor Rabbit trying hard to eject chubby Pooh from his burrow. Intricate details on the three dimensional sculpture give a very tactile quality to the piece. A novel gift for the curios little adventurer is the Honey Tree periscope. It is decorated with pewter panels crafted with a scene taken from the memorable tale of Pooh & the Hunny Tree. This range also includes mugs, documents holders and rattles, each with their own tale to tell. Prices for these designs begin at RM90 and are available at all Royal Selangor outlets and online at www.royalselangor.com.
Tin plate prices are expected to rise further this year given the current shortage in steel supply, says Perusahaan Sadur Timah Malaysia (Perstima) Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ab Rahman Omar. He said tin plate prices had risen more than 20 per cent over the past one-and-a-half years, and with demand for steel in China showing no sign of easing, the prices were unlikely to go down. "As long as the steel price increases, we have no choice but to increase the prices (of tin plates)," he said recently.
Ab Rahman said the outlook for the group this year was expected to be good with robust sales and strong contribution from its overseas market. The domestic sales currently contributes 80 per cent of Perstima's revenue. He said its plant in Vietnam, which began commercial production last October, had targeted to increase its capacity to 5,000 tonnes a month by year-end from 3,000 tonnes currently. The plant has a capacity of 90,000 tonnes a year, which would be utilised when demand in the Vietnamese market increased. He estimated that demand currently stood at 50,000 tonnes a year.
Locally, Perstima controlled over 80 per cent of market share, Ab Rahman said. The group would seek to raise it to 100 per cent, he added. Its plants in Malaysia and Vietnam had a combined capacity of 290,000 tonnes per annum. The group had targeted to run on full capacity for its two plants this year. He added the group were also looking at expanding its export market to countries like Iran, India and Bangladesh. For the financial year ended March 31, 2004, the group posted a 12 per cent in net profit to RM17.29 million against RM15.39 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 37 per cent to RM377.24 million from RM274.45 million previously.
(Source: The Edge Financial Daily, 27 July 2004)
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre organised its first-ever taxi campaign at its centre in Setapak recently. The campaign was organised to show gratitude to taxi drivers who helped in bringing tourists to the centre.
The event saw drivers parking their taxis in a long line, making it the main attraction at the centre. Present at the campaign was Royal Selangor directors Datin Paduka Chen Mun Kuen and Tham Tuck Hoong who also presented the cabbies with a goody bag each. "It's a great opportunity for us here at Royal Selangor to meet and get to know our unofficial ambassadors," said Tham. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre has received many local and foreign visitors since its official opening by the Sultan of Selangor in March 2004. Entry is free, and visiting hours are from 9am to 5pm daily. For details, the centre can be reached at 03-4145 6000.
(Source: The Malay Mail, 10 September 2004)