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On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, the PUNB Sarawak Regional Office hosted a courtesy visit from representatives of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA). The RECODA delegation comprised Ms Khairina Dawek, Director of Investment and Strategic Development; Mr Aloysius Claudius Rumpu, Manager of Socio-Economic and Mr Edward. Representing PUNB were Shariza Sapuan, Head of the Sarawak Regional Office; Rosalina Suai from the Business Relationship Team; Mohamad Amir Ashraf Halim and Fatin Athirah Abg Jalani.
As a statutory body established by the Sarawak Government, RECODA plays a key role in driving and coordinating socio-economic development across major growth corridors in the state, including the Central, Northern, and Highland regions. Its ongoing initiatives continue to create meaningful opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to grow and thrive within these regions.
The engagement session provided a valuable platform for both parties to exchange insights and explore potential areas of collaboration. Discussions focused on strengthening efforts to support and develop Bumiputera entrepreneurs, particularly within the regional corridors under RECODA’s purview. The session also allowed PUNB to present its range of products and services, highlighting how these offerings can complement and enhance existing development initiatives.
This visit marks a positive step towards building stronger strategic partnerships, and both parties look forward to future collaborations in advancing inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial development.

PUNB on 6th April 2026 conducted a Courtesy Visit to Puspakom Sdn Bhd (PUSPAKOM) in Shah Alam. The visit aimed to provide PUNB with a clearer understanding of PUSPAKOM’s vehicle inspection processes. Discussions during the session also explored potential areas of collaboration between PUNB and PUSPAKOM, with an emphasis on technical training, especially within the automotive sector.

The PUNB delegation was led by Encik Fauzi Hashim, Head of Special Project and Automotive Unit, accompanied by representatives from Entrepreneur Development Department. The delegation was received by Encik Lim Tick Beng, Head of Marketing and Business Development and its officers from PUSPAKOM.

The Courtesy Visit reflects PUNB’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with industry players to promote sustainable growth, strengthen safety standards, and advance the development of Malaysia’s automotive industry.

IKHLAS RESMI (M) SDN BHD– Rakan Usahawan PUNB

For more than two decades, Ikhlas Resmi (M) Sdn. Bhd. has quietly but steadily grown into one of Malaysia’s trusted names in sustainable water solutions. Founded in 1999, the company began with a simple but important mission—providing reliable, high-quality water systems for industrial use. In its early years, Ikhlas Resmi supported projects such as water systems for gas turbine operations in the energy sector, where precision and reliability were essential.

As the years passed, the company saw a bigger calling. Water was no longer just about supply—it was about responsibility. This realisation led Ikhlas Resmi to expand into wastewater management, a field that carries greater environmental significance. Today, wastewater treatment forms the core of its operations, reflecting a thoughtful shift towards solutions that protect both people and the environment.

Built on Experience, Driven by Purpose

With over 26 years of experience and a dedicated team of 15 skilled professionals, Ikhlas Resmi proves that impact does not depend on company size, but on consistency, care, and commitment.

The company is known for its practical and cost-effective engineering approach. Instead of offering overly complex or expensive systems, Ikhlas Resmi focuses on solutions that clients can realistically adopt and sustain. This has made environmental technology more accessible, especially for industries that often struggle with budget limitations.

Making a Difference in Industrial Wastewater

One of the proudest milestones in Ikhlas Resmi’s journey is its collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) on a pilot project treating palm oil mill effluent (POME)—a highly polluted wastewater by-product known for its dark colour and high organic load.

The success of this pilot project led to real-world implementation at IOI Plantation facilities in Johor, and later expanded to multiple sites across Malaysia. What started as an experiment eventually became a practical solution making a real environmental difference.

Encik Roslaini, who leads the company’s vision, strongly believes that progress comes through continuous learning and experimentation. Today, the team is still pushing forward—working on improving systems that can further reduce wastewater colour before discharge, making water safer for ecosystems and surrounding communities.

Beyond that, the company is also exploring new ideas in agricultural sustainability, including solutions for rice straw waste. Instead of open burning—which contributes to air pollution—Ikhlas Resmi is looking at ways to convert agricultural waste into compost, supporting a more circular and responsible economy.

Giving Back to Communities

Ikhlas Resmi’s story is not only about industry and innovation—it is also about people.

The company has quietly supported rural and underserved communities by providing clean water systems where access is limited. During flood disasters, they have also stepped in to help restore access to safe water for affected families.

These efforts reflect a simple belief at the heart of the company: clean water is not a luxury, but a basic human need. Through these contributions, Ikhlas Resmi continues to support healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

Facing Real-World ESG Challenges

As sustainability and ESG awareness grow, Ikhlas Resmi has seen first-hand the challenges faced by many small and medium enterprises.

For MSMEs, cost is often the biggest barrier. Many businesses want to be more sustainable but struggle to balance long-term environmental goals with short-term financial pressures. On the other hand, larger corporations tend to move faster, driven by regulations, investor expectations, and formal sustainability commitments.

Ikhlas Resmi understands both sides of this reality and continues to bridge the gap by offering practical, scalable solutions that make sustainability more achievable.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

“Innovation remains at the heart of everything we do,” shares Encik Roslaini.

One of the company’s upcoming projects is the development of a mineral water bottling plant in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, in collaboration with Angkasa. The initiative aims to supply clean mineral water to hotels, cooperatives, and retail markets—supporting both local economic growth and responsible consumption.

Despite its growth, Ikhlas Resmi remains grounded in its purpose: to solve water challenges in ways that benefit both the environment and society. The company continues to believe that progress should not only be measured in business success, but also in the positive impact created along the way.

Encik Roslaini often encourages young entrepreneurs to start with strong foundations, stay curious, and build businesses that matter. For him, the journey is not just about engineering solutions—it is about creating value for people, the environment, and future generations.

Article by Amira Rafhan

 

Water is more than a basic necessity — it is a critical resource that impacts industries, communities, and economic growth. As businesses move towards more sustainable practices, effective wastewater management has become increasingly important in protecting the environment while supporting long-term development. From innovative treatment technologies for industrial waste such as palm oil mill effluent (POME) to community-driven clean water initiatives, sustainable water solutions are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and industries alike. Understanding these challenges and innovations is key to building a greener and more resilient future.

PUNB, AWS Malaysia and 1CloudHub convened at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Malaysia Head Office in Kuala Lumpur to implement PUNB Velocity, a digital transformation initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and advancing the utilisation of AWS GenAI among Rakan Usahawan.

Grounded in the principles of the Kerangka MADANI, this initiative supports national efforts to cultivate a progressive, innovative and digitally capable society. By accelerating technology adoption, strengthening human capital and promoting sustainable economic participation, PUNB Velocity aligns with the MADANI values of “Keusahawanan, Keterjaminan dan Kesejahteraan” through the application of modern, technology-enabled business practices.

The programme delivered a constructive and informative session that provided participants with the opportunity to share real operational challenges and examine practical, technology-based solutions. Through open dialogue and collaborative engagement, the session demonstrated how digital tools and artificial intelligence can streamline workflows, reduce operational pressures and enable business expansion.

The overall positive environment reflected the strong commitment of participants. Their active participation, openness in sharing insights and readiness to embrace innovation were key contributors to the programme’s success. Our sincere appreciation is extended to all Rakan Usahawan who attended and engaged meaningfully.

As the next step, 1CloudHub will continue to build on the progress achieved by collaborating with interested Rakan Usahawan to co-develop proofs of concept in the coming weeks.

The steadfast support provided by AWS Malaysia remains vital in enhancing the digital readiness of Bumiputera entrepreneurs. This initiative represents a significant milestone in a broader national agenda and we look forward to further strengthening cooperation to unlock new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth, in line with the MADANI vision for a resilient, inclusive and future-ready Malaysia.

A BIG thank you to all our Rakan Usahawan who made the 2025 LEAD Workshop a success!

Special appreciation to MDEC for being our steadfast partner from day one. Together, we’ve gained invaluable insights on the Sharing Economy for Business – and PUNB is committed to championing the national digitalisation initiative side together.
Moving forward, we’re excited to roll out the Digital Maturity Assessment (“DMA”), a powerful tool to help businesses assess their digitalisation level and identify the next steps to strengthen competitiveness.
Let’s drive growth, digital readiness, and global competitiveness – together!

The Company Secretary and Governance Department organised the ESG Awareness and Accountability Programme on 2 October 2025 at The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The programme was attended by members of the Board of Directors and management, including En. Badrulnizam Bahaman, Puan Adleen Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer En. Izwan Zainuddin, EXCO members and Heads of Departments.

The programme aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and to strengthen accountability in embedding sustainable practices within organisational operations and strategic decision-making.
The session featured Puan Aqim Marzuki, a distinguished sustainability and climate change expert with extensive experience in leading regional and global initiatives.

A tariff is a tax that a government charges on imported goods (products brought in from other countries). Usually, a tariff is an added cost on imported goods and services, which is normally passed on to the consumer.

Why Do Governments Use Tariffs?

  • Rescue for the Government – Taxes collected from imported goods and services help fund public services.
  • Protect Local Businesses – Makes imported goods cost more, so customers buy local.
  • Trade Measure – If a country is trading unfairly, tariffs can be used as leverage to negotiate better trade terms.

Example: The Toy Story 

Imagine:

Malaysia makes teddy bears for RM 20 each.

China also makes teddy bears but sells them for RM 15 (cheaper because of lower labor costs).

Without Tariff:

Malaysians buy Chinese teddy bears because they’re RM 5 cheaper.

Local toy makers lose business.

With 20% Tariff:

China’s teddy bears now cost RM 15 + 20% tax = RM 18.

Malaysians think: “Hmm, local bears (RM 20) are only RM 2 more… I’ll support Malaysian-made!”

So, Local toy makers survive. It ensure fairness for local product to compete with exported product.

Good or Bad? It Depends!

Good for: Local workers, factories and governments.

Bad for: Consumers (pay higher prices) and exporters (lose sales).

Think of it like this to in simpler terms:

Tariffs are like a “shield” for local businesses.

But if used too much, they can start a trade war, where other countries retaliate in the same manner by increasing tariffs on your exported products and services.

Quick Summary

Tariff = Tax on Imports
Goal = Help Local Businesses
Side Effect = Higher Prices

MAXIPURA SDN BHD – Rakan Usahawan PUNB

 

Building A Legacy in Automotive Sector

“At Maxipura, we sell happiness to our customers,” said Encik Zuraiman, who has led Maxipura Sdn. Bhd. for nearly 15 years. The meaning behind its name is special, rooted in Sanskrit meaning “sacred city”. Encik Zuraiman initially took over Maxipura from his friend, knowing its potential to penetrate the market that was predominantly dominated by non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs at the time.

From one single outlet to eight outlets did not happen in the blink of an eye. From five staff to now over 155 staff outlets, this growth exemplifies Encik Zuraiman’s dedication and passion to thrive in the highly competitive automotive industry. His indument in the automotive industry started at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he joined the sales and marketing team despite initially being offered the role of Regional Auditor for Asia Pacific on his rarely aetheric background.

Collaborative Effort of All Team Members

When asked what sets Maxipura apart from competitors, Encik Zuraiman emphasises: “I have good team members and competent staff who have supported me from the beginning.” Managing 155 staff is not an easy task, however, with strong leadership from top management, especially from Encik Zuraiman himself, Maxipura able to sustain its market presence while planning strategic growth and diversification. He also mentioned that Maxipura did not differentiate its staff based on gender or race. The company welcomes individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli communities. “As long as they are willing to learn and have the right attitude, we are more than happy to accept them to be part of Maxipura,” he said.

Customer’s Happiness

The reason behind Maxipura’s slogan of “selling happiness” is simple yet meaningful. “When people come to us, their faces show how stressful it is when the car breaks down. We are here to help them, reassure them, and fix the problem. You can see their face enlightened after that,” he said. That is why it became Maxipura’s slogan, as customer happiness and satisfaction are ultimately the company’s main goals.

Business Is About Networking

Networking plays a vital role in Maxipura’s business strategy, enabling the company to build strong relationships with stakeholders and better understand their needs and expectations. Through active networking, Maxipura gains valuable insights into market trends and customer preferences, supporting with more informed decision-making. Additionally, networking fosters collaboration and innovation, driving sustainable growth. It also opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships, strengthening the company’s competitive edge. Ultimately, effective networking is essential for meeting diverse stakeholder needs and ensuring long-term success.

PUNB’s Role in Maxipura

Encik Zuraiman knew about PUNB in 2004 while working with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. At that time, he mentioned that he did not see the need for financing for his business. However, in 2013, recognising the importance of securing funds to expand the company, he decided to apply for financing with PUNB. He was encouraged by the dedication shown by PUNB’s team, who were committed to supporting his success in the industry.

Future Vision of Maxipura

Encik Zuraiman believes there is always room for improvement and considers Maxipura to be the second-leading tyre service provider in the market. This mindset drives the company to continually learn from the best and aspire to become the best. Looking ahead, Encik Zuraiman plans to expand Maxipura to other states across Malaysia, with the goal of establishing 50 outlets, with the objective of making it convenient for their customers.

Additionally, Maxipura aims to contribute to society through a tailored corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. The company plans to initiate an outreach program with schools to promote environmental awareness. Encik Zuraiman believes that CSR is not only a key part of Maxipura’s branding strategy but also strengthens its image within the community.

Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Encik Zuraiman believes that three key factors are essential for becoming a successful entrepreneur: learning the fundamentals of business, having the courage to start, and having a genuine passion for running the business. He also emphasises the importance of building a strong network before starting a business, as it provides valuable opportunities to learn from others’ experiences. Last but not least, he mentioned that the intention behind doing business must be good, while at the same time, one must continue praying, making dedicated efforts to run the business, and have tawakkal, as everything comes from Allah the Almighty.

What Is Ecosystem Mapping?

Ecosystem mapping is a strategic tool that helps organisations visualise the relationships and interdependencies among various stakeholders in their business environment. It provides a holistic view of how value is created, exchanged and sustained within a network of actors.

Rather than focusing only on direct supply chains or internal structures, ecosystem mapping highlights external connections and cross-industry interactions that influence a business’s performance and opportunities.

Ecosystem mapping empowers businesses to see the bigger picture, uncover hidden opportunities and design more adaptive strategies. In a world where collaboration is often more powerful than competition, understanding your ecosystem is no longer optional — it’s essential.

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