MUKAH: Mukah has placed itself in the nation’s history for being the birth place of aluminium in Malaysia.
According to Press Metal Group CEO Tan Seri Datuk Paul Koon Poh Keong, the existence of an aluminium smelting plant in Mukah has also turned Malaysia into an exporter of the commodity.
“Mukah is not only the birth place of aluminium in Malaysia but it also turned the nation from an importer to an exporter of a very important commodity.
“This is so because almost everything is made from aluminium; from our homes, to vehicles, trains, buildings, gadgets and many more,” Paul said in his speech at Press Metal Sarawak (PMS) Staff Annual Dinner 2018 held on Friday.
The dinner was also to mark PMS’ 10th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of its Mukah Aluminium Smelting Plant.
Paul also disclosed that it was not an easy journey; right from the setting up of the plant costing RM1billion in 2008 and to become one of the major industry players in the world.
He attributed their success to the management, workers and all those involved, including the suppliers of the building materials and also the local government departments and agencies.
Paul added that PMS’ achievements also put Mukah as among the top aluminium-producing regions of the world.
“We have also imported our aluminium products to traditional producers such as many countries in Europe.
“To be able to penetrate the European market is by itself an indication of the high quality products produced by our plant here,” he said.
In his speech earlier, PMS Group general manager Choa Wei Keong also expressed his appreciation to the pioneers of PMS.
“Give a hand to them for their vision, courage and persistence in making this a reality in Mukah and for laying the foundation,” he said.
Choa considered 2018 as a challenging year for them due to the market which saw a significant increase in the cost of raw materials.
“The increase in the cost of raw materials was higher than the aluminium price. Nevertheless, operationally we added a new casting line and additional wire rod line.
“Given these actions and with your commitment, competency and contribution, we improved our high value-added product from 30 percent in 2017 to 40 percent which is one of our key corporate goals,” he added.
He then revealed that the company was recognised for business excellence by being awarded Champion Award for Press Metal Bintulu and Merit Award for Press Metal Sarawak in the 8th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environment Award 2017/2018.
“We expect the market place this year to be challenging as well. Economic factors, trade wars and aluminium market may introduce uncertainties into the business,” Choa said.
Several awards, namely the Best Employee Award, 10-year Service Award and Role Model Employee Award were also presented during the event themed “Together We Build Our Future”.
The night was a memorable one for one foreign worker when he won the grand prize of a lucky draw in the form of a 50gram 99.999 gold plate.
Also present at the function were Balingian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo, PMS Group executive vice chairman Koon Poh Ming, group executive directors Datuk Koon Poh Tat, Roy Koo Poh Weng and Tony Koon Poh Kong and executive director of Press Metal Bintulu and Press Metal Sarawak Koji Waki.
