MANUFACTURING company DIC Compounds (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is getting ready to engage with its customers and put itself on the right track.
Its managing director Yasuki Saji said the company suffered losses between 25 and 30% in revenue during the earlier period of the movement control order (MCO).
“We received a late approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to resume our operations.
“Hence, we struggled a bit to meet the demands of our customers. It also affected our import-export activities. We lost a few customers too,” Saji told Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the factory in Lorong Perusahaan Baru 2, Prai industrial area today.
Saji said the factory served various industry sectors such as telecommunications, textile, automotive, medical, agricultural, electronic, electrical, machinery, packaging and furniture.
The company specialised in manufacturing masterbatches, plastic colourants, conductive compounds and engineering plastics.
Saji said the company would continue to adhere to the strict guidelines set by Miti to curb the spread of the Covid-19.
“We practise social distancing, conduct body temperature screening, wear the face masks and observe other safety and preventive measures to keep our employees safe,” he said.
Chow thanked Saji for his hospitality.
“We understand the challenges faced by your company and other companies as well during this trying period.
“The Penang government will do its best to assist the factories affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in this together.
“As the state gradually opens up its economy, we will be welcoming most of the business sectors when they resume their businesses tomorrow (May 8),” Chow said.
The Penang government had come up with the ‘Penang Gradual Recovery Strategy’. It is divided into three phases – Preparation (May 4 to 7), Familiarisation (May 8 to 12) and Opening (beginning May 13).
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chairman Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock and Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto.
Representatives from the factory include corporate affairs general manager Tan Chu Lai, business planning general manager Lee Shik Khim and its factory and technical director Takehiko Nakamura.
Chow and his team were taken on a tour of the production area and the operation centre of the company.
Established in 1988, DIC Compounds (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DIC Corporation headquartered in Japan that has 174 group companies in 64 countries and territories worldwide.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud