A4 Mag Ad FA Outlined · F@Û Bulletin 0X93 K Issue No.93 MªMªK K AAdvisersdvisers e ÛFø +, ·...
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Transcript of A4 Mag Ad FA Outlined · F@Û Bulletin 0X93 K Issue No.93 MªMªK K AAdvisersdvisers e ÛFø +, ·...
Editorial and Publication Committee
2014 12 (Dec 2014)Issue No: 5/2014
KDN: PP8722/12/2012(031293)THE ASSOCIATED CHINESE CHAMBERS OF
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF MALAYSIA
Published by
THE ASSOCIATED CHINESE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF MALAYSIA6th Floor, Wisma Chinese Chamber, 258, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603-4260 3090/3091/3092/3093/ 3094/3095Fax: 603-4260 3080E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.acccim.org.my
Bulletin 93 Issue No.93
AdvisersAdvisers
Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew HoongDatuk David Chua
ChairmanDato’ Low Kian Chuan
Deputy Chairman
Tan Sri Dato’ Teo Chiang KokChief EditoChief Editor
Chow Mun Seong
Deputy Chief EditoDeputy Chief EditorChristine Poo
Executive EditorLee Chung Yen
Assistant Editors Poh Wan Kh’ngSeow Mei Yin
Kelly WongTan Ai JooCyndi Tang
Felix CheahLim Yen Ling
Cover design and Artwork :Lin Graphic17B, Jalan SR 3/2, Taman Serdang Raya, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.Tel: 603-8945 3933 Fax: 603-8945 2933
Printed by:Len & Hup Printing (M) Sdn. Bhd.No. 7, Jalan SR 7/11, Serdang Raya, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.Tel: 03-8948 1698 Fax: 03-8941 6386
Contents2 Notes by Chairman of the Editorial and Publication Committee
3 New Year Message by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM
4 Crucial Role and Contributions of Rubber Business Pioneers in the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations
7 “Rubber Diplomacy” had Facilitated the Establishment of
Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations: Contributions by Chinese Business Pioneers Must Be Recognised
10
ACCCIM Together with 24 Organisations Strongly Oppose the New Mandatory Online Renewal and the Imposition of Online Service Charge on Foreign Workers Work Permit (PLKS)
16 Highlights on ACCCIM Survey Report on 2014 SME Survey
23 Review of Minimum Wages Order 2012
26 ACCCIM Supports the Advocacy of Moderation
29Free Market Mechanism is
the most Effi cient Economic System, ACCCIM Support the Removal of RON 95 and Diesel Subsidies
30ACCCIM Support Unity Internship
Programme To Strengthen Job Trainings of Students of all Races and Foster Unity
32ACCCIM Urge Government to Review the
Move to Allow More Foreign Convenience Stores Entering Malaysia
32To Maintain and Strengthen
“The Sedition Act 1948”- Must be Based on the Principle of Safeguarding Social Stability and Harmony
33 ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers Raised / Donated RM 2.2 million for Flood Relief
42 Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo
44 Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) – Intellectual Property (IP) Conference
46 Closing Ceremony for the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Malaysia
48 Briefi ng on GST for ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers
49 ACCCIM Delegation to Manila, Philippines in participation of the 110th
Anniversary Celebration of The Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
50 ACCCIM Trade and Investment Promotion Mission to Maldives and Sri Lanka
51 ACCCIM Delegation to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Dongguan, China
52 ACCCIM Trade and Investment Delegation to Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap, Cambodia
53 ACCCIM Delegation to Xiamen and Yunxiao, China in Participation of Overseas Entrepreneurs Investment Matching Session
54 China Fujian-Malaysia Economic and Trade Promotion Fair
55 2nd Klang Yiwu Friendship Cities International Commodities Exhibition &
Yiwu Fair at Malaysia
56 Visit by Delegation of Liaoning Provincial Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
Visit by Prof. Dr. Yang Pan-Chyr, President of the National Taiwan University
Visit by Delegation of Science and Information Technology of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Dato’ Low Kian Chuan
Malaysia was hit by massive flood at the end of year 2014. ACCCIM and its 17 Constituent Chambers vigorously formed the “ACCCIM Flood Relief Task Force” to raise donation in cash and kinds for fl ood victims irrespective of race. ACCCIM would like to thank all members and public who have rendered their helping hands.
ACCCIM joint force with 24 national level chambers of commerce and trade organisations convened a Joint Media Conference to strongly oppose the New Mandatory Online Renewal and the Imposition of Online Service Charge on Foreign Workers Work Permit (PLKS). A Joint memorandum has been submitted to YAB Prime Minister, YAB Deputy Prime Minister and related Ministers in seeking their intervention to request the Immigration Department to re-open and retain the public counter service, and the MyEG online system as optional and not be imposed as a mandatory requirement.
The ACCCIM SME Survey 2014 focused on 3 important issues, i.e. the understanding and preparation of SME towards GST, the impact of National Minimum Wage system to SME, and the concerns of SME on online banking services and e-banking. This issue of the Bulletin contains the summary of the report.
Notes by Chairman of the Editorial and Publication Committee
In response to the request by numerous former representatives of rubber trade associations in Malaysia, ACCCIM has organised a Media Conference to reaffirm and commended the outstanding contribution and proactive role played by Malaysian rubber pioneers towards the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China on 31st May 1974.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia hosted a dinner to mark the Closing Ceremony for the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Malaysia. We are happy to inform that 13 leaders and offi ce-bearers of ACCCIM were granted the Special Award for their contributions to China-Malaysia Friendship.
For details of other activities by ACCCIM, please refer to the current issue of ACCCIM Bulletin.
On behalf of the ACCCIM, I wish all members of Constituent Chambers and readers of ACCCIM Bulletin a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2015 !
New Year Message byDato’ Lim Kok CheongPresident of ACCCIM
4 Highlights
Crucial Role and Contributions of Rubber Business Pioneers in the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations
(20-11-2014)
Mr. Lee Keng Bin, son of rubber magnate Mr. Lee In Tong presented a book entitled “The Biography of Mr. Lee In Tong – From Coolie to Magnate” to ACCCIM, which was received on behalf by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM. From left: Dr. Leong Kai Hin, Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Mr. Lee Keng Bin, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Mr. Wong Nam Wah, Dato’ Dr. Ong Eng Long, Mr. Khoo Ee Ping and Mr. Lim Tai Soon.
Highlights 5
In response to the request by numerous former representatives of rubber trade associations in Malaysia, the ACCCIM has organized a press
conference on 20th November 2014 with the purpose to reaffi rm the proactive role played by Malaysian business community leaders, in particular, the rubber business entrepreneurs, in inf luencing Government towards the establishment of diplomatic Relations with China on 31st May 1974, and to commend the outstanding contributions of these foresighted business pioneers.
Four decades have gone by, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. In the decade of Seventies in the last century, it was unthinkable that Malaysia would become the first nation in the South East Asian region to establish formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, given the adverse domestic political and international cold war scenario at that point of time. Against all odds, it really did happen!
In May 1971, Malaysia sent its fi rst ever high level trade delegation to visit China, which had the opportunity to meet with Premier Zhou En Lai, and resulted in a reciprocal visit to Malaysia by an offi cial trade delegation from China, which was similarly granted audience by Prime Minister Y.A.B. Tun Abdul Razak. These were the ice-breaking missions which led to subsequent offi cial negotiations, resulting in the formal establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
However, it is not generally known that the ice-breaking mission from Malaysia to China, and from China to Malaysia, was in fact orchestrated by Malaysian rubber business pioneers who foresaw the tremendous socio-economic benefi ts to our nation in making the historic move.
In a special article entitled “Malaysia-China Trade Development” written by the former Executive Director of ACCCIM Mr. Ong Kim Seng for the Commemorative Edition of ACCCIM 68th Anniversary published on 20th August 2014, significant events leading to the ice-breaking visits and subsequent development are concisely highlighted, and based on factual historical events and analysis, the term “Rubber Diplomacy” is used to describe the forging of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations.
6 Highlights
role and contributions made by our rubber business pioneers. In fact most of these entrepreneurs were leaders or members of the ACCCIM family. ACCCIM wish to particularly mention Mr. Lee In Tong, the outstanding Malaysian rubber magnate who orchestrated the ice-breaking mission to China and reciprocal Chinese mission to Malaysia. There were numerous other business leaders who played contributive role in convincing the Government to take positive action towards establishing diplomatic relations with China, they include the late Datuk Choong Han Leong, 6th President of ACCCIM, the late Datuk Koh Pen Ting, 7th President of ACCCIM, the late Tan Sri Lee Yan Lian, 8th President of ACCCIM and Tan Sri Gan Teck Yeow. There were also other contemporary leaders of ACCCIM’s Constituent Chambers involving in promotion of Malaysia-China Relations through rubber trade such as the late Mr. Lee Seng Peng, the late Mr. Khoo Siong Chi, the late Dato’ Yeoh Tiow Tiong, the late Dato’ Yeoh Kian Yam, the late Datuk Tan Hoay Eam, the late Dato’ Peh Seng Koon, the late Mr. Ng Eng Kee and so on, whose untiring efforts had contributed much to the long lasting friendship between Malaysia and China.
The press conference was chaired by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM. Also present were Deputy President Datuk Ter Leong Yap, National Council Members Dr. Leong Kai Hin, Mr. Lim Tai Soon, Adviser of Working Committee Mr. Lee Keng Bon (son of Mr. Lee In Tong), Deputy Chairman of Working Committee Dato’ Tan Tian Meng, Deputy Chairperson of Working Committee Mdm. Lee Yow Chee, Deputy Honorary Secretary-General of KLSCCCI Mr. Khoo Ee Ping (son of Mr. Khoo Siong Chi), Former Executive Director of ACCCIM Mr. Ong Kim Seng etc.. Former President of Federation of Rubber Trade Associations of Malaysia (FRTAM) Mr. Wong Nam Wah, Former Deputy Director General of the Malaysian Rubber Board Dato’ Dr. Ong Eng Long, Head of Contemporary China Studies Unit, Department of Chinese Studies (Klang Valley Campus), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Dr. Chin Chong Foh, Manager of Lam Seng Hang Mr. Lee Shu Hock, Assistant Manager of Lam Seng Hang Madam Lee Swee Ching etc. attended the press conference to share their stories.
Mr. Ong’s article has stirred up positive responses of many traditional rubber entrepreneurs who are still around, who have witnessed, or even participated in the momentous historic events leading to the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic Relations on 31st May 1974. They have expressed concurrence with Mr. Ong’s narrative of history which refl ects the actual events at that point of time. It must be noted that although these factual events had a crucial bearing on the success of Malaysia-China Relations, virtually no publicity had been given to the general public at that point of time owing to political sensitivity. And over time, the remarkable role and contributions of the rubber business pioneers seem to be diminished in history, as other versions like “Ping Pong Diplomacy” have often been cited in respect of Ma lays ia - C h i n a Relationship.
As Mr. Ong r ightly pointed out in his article, the Malaysian economy was largely commodity-based in early decades of her Independence, and rubber export was indeed the major foreign exchange earner for Malaysia during that period of national development. It was through the wisdom, courage and efforts of the rubber business pioneers that the Malaysian Government was convinced to negotiate for the establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, for the betterment of socio-economic development and benefit of millions of multiracial Malaysians who depended on rubber production for livelihood.
After the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China, China had substantially stepped up imports of Malaysian rubber annually, and for many subsequent years, it had become the world’s largest importer of Malaysian rubber, until the decade of 1990s. Malaysian economy has since grown from strength to strength, to become what we are today. But we should never forget where our strength originally came from.
ACCCIM concurred with the aspirations of the rubber trade circle, to review that particular chapter of our history, and to bring to light again the extraordinary
Highlights 7
In May 1971, Mr. Lee In Tong arranged a Malaysian trade delegation to visit China, and was granted audience by Chinese Premier H.E. Zhou En Lai and Vice Premier H.E. Li Xian Nian.
“Rubber Diplomacy” Had Facilitated the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations: Contributions by Chinese Business Pioneers must be Recognised
Mr. Wong Nam WahFormer President of Federation of Rubber
Trade Associations of Malaysia
8 Highlights
In August 1971, Mr. Zhang Guangdou led a China trade delegation to pay a courtesy visit to Y.A.B. Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia. Also present was Tan Sri Zaiton Ibrahim Ahmad, Secretay General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Aug ust 1971, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah shake hands with Mr. Zhang Guangdou after the signing of Joint Communique. 2nd from left was Mr. You Yang, Deputy Chief of the China trade delegation.
Highlights 9
In August 1971, during a visit to Felda Gedangsa, Mr. Zhang Guangdou exper iencing rubber tapping.
Special Features10
ACCCIM Together with 24 Organisations Strongly Oppose the New Mandatory Online Renewal and the Imposition of Online Service Charge on Foreign Workers Work Permit (PLKS) (12-1-2015)
Representatives from 25 national level Chambers of Commerce / Trade Organisations attended the Joint Media Conference.
(from left) Mr. Lim Kok Boon, President of MPMA, Mr. Davies Danavaindran, Vice President of FMM, Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Secretary General of ACCCIM cum Chairman of the Media Conference, Mr. Teh Kee Sin, President of SME Association, and Dato’ Sri Tan Thian Poh, President of MTMA.
Special Features 11
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)
Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI)
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
SME Association of Malaysia
Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA)
Federation of Malaysian Foundry & Engineering Industries Association (FOMFEIA)
Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)
Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA)
Malaysia Printers Association (MPA)
Malaysian Wood Industries Association (MWIA)
Malaysia Furniture Council (MFC)
Malaysian Iron & Steel Industry Federation (MISIF)
Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Association (MRPMA)
25 National Level Chambers of Commerce and Trade Organisations Jointly Submitted Memorandum:
Malaysian Panel Products Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA)
The Malaysian Wood Moulding & Joinery Council (MWMJC)
Malaysian Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (MACRA)
Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (MFMA)
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM)
Malaysian Association of Foreign Maids Agencies (PAPA)
The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM)
Malaysia Seafood Industries Association (MSFIA)
Malaysia Foodstuffs and Toys Merchants Association (MFTMA)
Malaysia Sauce Manufacturers Association (MSMA)
Malaysia Fruits Farmer Association (MFFA)
Malaysian Bakery, Biscuit, Confectionery & Mee Merchants’ Association
Special Features12
Special Features 13
2. A service fee of RM38 per renewal would be imposed for the online renewal system for foreign workers work permit (PLKS); and
3. Closure of public counter service at the Immigration Department for the renewal of foreign workers work permits (PLKS).
In regard to the above, the business community would unanimously like to bring the following matters to the Government’s attention:
1. The Repercussion Of The New Mandatory Online Renewal And The Imposition of the Online Service Charge for the Renewal of Foreign Workers Work Permit (PLKS); and
2. Proposals From The Businesses Community
Press Statement on New Mandatory Online Renewal and the Imposition of Online Service Charge on Foreign Workers Work Permit (PLKS) was as follows:
The business community in Malaysia was stunned with the sudden implementation of the new mandatory online renewal and the imposition of online service charge on the online renewal system for foreign workers permit (PLKS) which came into force on 5th January 2015 without any advance notice or dialogue/consultation with the business community.
The Immigration Department has on 5th January 2015 implemented the following:
1. Mandatory online renewal of foreign workers’ permits solely through only MYEG;
Special Features14
THE REPERCUSSION OF THE NEW MANDATORY ONLINE RENEWAL AND THE IMPOSITION OF THE ONLINE SERVICE CHARGE FOR THE RENEWAL OF FOREIGN WORKERS WORK PERMIT (PLKS)
a) RISING COST OF LABOUR
Businesses across Malaysia have been seriously and adversely affected over the last couple of years by a spike in cost arising from the imposition of several policies and regulations by the relevant authorities. It started with the implementation of the minimum wage policy, followed by the increase in the foreign workers’ levy and then the imposition of hospitalisation insurance (SKHPPA). Subsequently, the processing fees for work permit renewal was similarly increased, and the latest being the implementation of mandatory online renewal for PLKS.
With the latest implementation of the mandatory online renewal service fee, the industries and businesses across the nation feel that they have been weighed down repeatedly, and increasingly, by the Government’s regulations and policies, particularly in the area related to human capital. Businesses and enterprises have to continuously cope with the constant increase in foreign labour costs.
b) SINGLE AND SOLITARY OPTION OF RENEWAL
The processing fees payable to the Ministry was revised and increased from RM50 to RM125 per foreign worker. While the increase was by itself substantial, it however, provided employers with the means to the renewal of foreign workers permit over the counter without any more additional charges, albeit with employers having to put up with the large crowd at the Immigration Offi ces.
Whilst the implementation of the online renewal system for foreign workers via MYEG is intended to help reduce the congestion at the Immigration Offi ces, however, it should not be made mandatory. In this regard, a mixed system is a fairer and better solution whereby the online and manual system can co-exist. With the availability of both systems, employers would be given the choice of doing it online at their convenience, whilst those who prefer to do it manually can opt to do it over the public service counter.
As much as the business communities across Malaysia welcome the online renewal system, we are strongly of the considered view that the provision of an option for the employers to renew the permits over the counter will make the renewal process more secure, effective and efficient. The online system must therefore NOT be imposed as a mandatory requirement.
c) IMPOSITION OF HIGH SERVICE CHARGE FOR ONLINE RENEWAL
With the estimated number of 2.5 million legal foreign workers in Malaysia, MYEG would be collecting a total of RM95 million of service fees per year. This amount, on an annual basis, is far in excess of what is required to set up and operate an online system, even if it is to include collecting the database of foreign workers (which should already exist in the Ministry’s records given that each worker is individually approved by the authorities), or to undertake biometric verifi cation.
Service charge for online renewal should differ only marginally from an alternative option to make it suffi ciently attractive enough to allure employers to use the online system.
d) BAD PRECEDENCE AND AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE COMPETITION ACT
MYEG is a public listed entity that provides the bulk of the Government’s electronic services such as online application of MyKad replacement, renewal of driving license, payment of PDRM/JPJ summons, amongst others. These Government’s electronic services provided by MYEG are also available to the public to do it manually over the counter at the respective Government department’s offi ces. In short, MYEG stands as only an option for consumers to do it at their convenience via an online system, not a mandatory requirement. Most of the service charges imposed by MYEG on the Government’s electronic services are also priced at a nominal rate.
However, the implementation of the PLKS’s online renewal is MANDATORY and MYEG has been appointed as the SOLE provider for this service. The business community is therefore extremely concerned that the Government is setting up a bad precedence by compelling all employers
Special Features 15
into having to deal with a sole private entity on a mandatory basis, and having to pay exorbitant service charges, without the option of an alternative system.
On the basis of the above, we wish to also draw attention to the Competition Act 2010 (“CA”) which was enacted by the Government. The CA prohibits anti-competition agreements and the abuse of a dominant position in the market. The spirit of the CA is to provide a level playing fi eld for all players in the market. The current PKLS situation makes MYEG more than dominant, it is in fact a MONOPOLY.
We are therefore perplexed how and why MYEG has been accorded this monopoly privilege, when the Government through Suruhanjaya Persaingan Malaysia (Malaysia Competition Commission) is preaching the need to eliminate the evils of unfair competition practices.
In view of the above, the business community across all industries would like to table our proposals as set out hereunder:
PROPOSALS FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES
a) RE-OPEN AND RETAIN THE PUBLIC COUNTER SERVICE AS AN ALTERNATE OPTION
As highlighted above, the business community across all industries are strongly of the view that the counter service and the online service must co-exist together to provide the employers with the requisite options depending on the circumstances of the applicants, as well as to have a backup system in the event one of the system were to crash for whatever reasons, or when system upgrades necessitate a shutdown. The online system must therefore NOT be imposed as a mandatory requirement. Having the public service counter available would also be good for the Immigration Department to communicate to the public and obtain feedback/suggestions on their services.
b) REVISIT THE ONLINE SERVICE CHARGE AND THE INSURANCE CHARGE
The present charge of RM125 payable to the Ministry is intended to cover the cost of processing
the renewal of the permit. In this regard, the cost of the online renewal must be apportioned out of the RM125, as it is akin to the Ministry outsourcing the renewal process to MYEG.
Besides the online service charge, we wish to also highlight that the fee for online insurance guarantees is also much more expensive compared to the bank guarantee undertaken by employers who hire large number of foreign workers.
A fair and reasonable charge for the online service charges for renewal of foreign workers permit, as an option to the counter service, would help the business community and at the same time encourage employers to use the online system.
c) ESTABLISH ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
The business community in Malaysia that is affected by this policy, and other policies, is ever ready to have engagement sessions with the Government to deliberate on such matters. Engagement sessions are important and useful as it would provide a platform for the parties to have a free and constructive exchange of opinions so as to arrive at a solution that is equitable and mutually benefi cial to the parties and stakeholders.
d) ORGANIZE PUBLIC CONSULTATION SERVICES
Since 2013, the business community is aware of the public consultation policies initiated by the Government that is aimed at making the Government to be more open and transparent in regulation development and implementation.
A well-structured and effective public consultation would facilitate and allow the Government to make comprehensive, holistic and informed decisions on policy matters. It would draw in the public stakeholders as a partner to the policy, rather than as an adversary to a decision.
In the case of the new online renewal system of foreign workers permits (PLKS), the Government should provide a period of public consultation and obtain feedback from all stakeholders. During the public consultation period, the Government should also carry out a handholding process to guide, assist and educate the public on the new online renewal system.
Special Features16
l
ACCCIM press conference to announce the ACCCIM Survey Report on 2014 SME Survey. From left : Mr. Ong Song Howe, Mr. Ng Yok Gee, Mr. Koong Lin Loong, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Dato’ Low Kian Chuan and Dato’ Jeffery Tan.
Special Features 17
65%
35%
Special Features18
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
6%
18%
11% 8% 11%
1%
11%16%
2%
39%
69%
12%8%
11%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
61% 62%
50% 50% 52%
39% 38%
50% 50% 48%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Special Features 19
0%
20%
40% 35%
27%
10%10%
18%
76%
44%
13%
21% 24%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Special Features20
1. The implementation of Minimum Wages for foreign workers employed by SMEs has been deferred for one year, i.e. from 1st January 2013 to 1st January 2014 due to the strong objection from the businesses. With full implementation of Minimum Wages, the impacts on SMEs and measures taken are still one of the main focuses of the survey.
2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) schedule to take effect from 1st April 2015 will completely change the business operation and taxation submission format. Apart from replacing the Sales Tax and Services Tax that implemented since 1972 and 1975 respectively, this new tax regime is expected to bring huge impact to both businesses and consumers. Therefore this survey emphasizes on the understanding and preparation of SMEs on GST.
3. Effective from 2nd January 2015, Bank Negara Malaysia will implement 50 sen levy on cheques in order to encourage e-Payment. The survey also solicits the SMEs’ views on e-Payment.
4. The survey was conducted during the period of 28th June 2014 to 30th July 2014. A total of 2,000 questionnaires have been distributed, with 541 questionnaires received. Response rate is 27.05%. The survey was conducted mainly through ACCCIM’s 17 constituent chambers and participated by selected trade organisations. Hence the respondents comprise of different industrial sectors from different regions of the country.
24%
36%
16%
12%
12% Northern Region
Central Region
Southern Region
East Coast
East Malaysia
Manufacturer22%
Logistics3%
Construction & Contractor
7% Property
Developer5%
Mining1%Agriculture, Timber, Fishery,
Farming & Gardening3%
Wholesale & Trading27%
Imports & Exports4%
Hotel1%
Food & Beverages
2%
Travel & Entertainment
2%
Professionals19%
ICT4%
5. As high as 79% of the respondents with staff force less than 50 persons, and is categorised as micro and small enterprises. Hotels and Manufacturing are the two sectors that have more employees.
A. Minimum Wages (MW)
65%
35%
Does the company need to adjust thestaff salaries upon implementation of MW
Yes
No
6. In order to comply with MW, 65% of the respondents indicated that they need to adjust their staff salary. Terengganu and Sabah are greatly impacted as 82% and 80% respectively of the respondents from these states need to adjust their staff salary upon implementation of MW. Kuala Lumpur is not much affected as 59% of respondents have no effect.
With regard to the various industrial sectors, Hotels (100%), Agriculture, Timber, Fishery, Farming & Gardening (93%) and Manufacturing (91%) are mostly impacted by the implementation of MW as businesses need to increase their staff salary due to implementation of MW.
Highlights on ACCCIM Survey Report on 2014 SME Survey
Special Features 21
B. Goods & Services Tax (GST)
7. 65% of the respondents responded that MW has increased their cost of operation.
Kedah, Sabah and Terengganu are severely affected with 98%, 90% and 76% of the respective respondents from these states claimed that they have suffered from cost increased due to MW.
8. 39% of the respondents do not take any measure to mitigate the impact of MW. Respondents who choose automation to mitigate the impact of MW are from Agriculture, Timber, Fishery, Farming & Gardening (53%) and Manufacturing (41%) sectors.
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
6%
18%
11% 8% 11%
1%
11%16%
2%
39%
Actions to Reduce the Impact of Minimum Wages
RetrenchmentAutomationReduce foreign workersReduce local workersReduce benefits to workers
Relocate factory to overseasIncrease number of part time workersIntroduce Productivity Linked Wage SystemClose down No action has been taken
69%
12%8%
11%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Yes No No, but will registervoluntary
Not sure
Does the company need to register for GST
61% 62%
50% 50% 52%
39% 38%
50% 50% 48%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Input Tax Output Tax
No Yes
Understanding on various terms of GST
StandardRated Supply
Zero RatedSupply
ExemptSupply
11. Generally, respondents’ understandings on the various basic terms of GST need to be strengthened. Only 60% of the respondents understand what is input tax and output tax, while only half (50%) of the respondents know what are standard rated supply, zero rated supply and exempt supply.
Most respondents from Property Development understand the above terms, while respondents from the Food & Beverages sector are rather ignorant.
12. 84% of the respondents indicated that they will personally attend or send their staff to attend GST trainings conducted by Royal Malaysian Customs / professionals as the fi rst measure in preparation for the GST. Only 4% opt for upgrading their accounting software as initial measure. This implied that most of the businesses will only decide their next cause of action after they have understood what GST is.
Unexpectedly, there is 1% of the respondents stated that their first action is to store additional stocks before the implementation of GST.
9. 69% of the respondents need to register for GST. Most respondent are from Hotels (100%), Manufacturing (87%) and Logistics (82%) who reached the threshold of GST.
8% of the respondents will register voluntary although their taxable turnover has not reached the threshold.
Overall, 11% of the respondents are not sure whether they need to register for GST, in particularly respondents from the Travel & Entertainment sector, the percentage from this sector itself is as high as 20%.
10. Majority of the respondents (80%) do aware that they can register online through Royal Malaysian Customs’ GST website with effect from 1st June 2014.
Industrial sectors that need to enhance awareness on GST are Food & Beverages, Travel & Entertainment, and Agriculture, Timber, Fishery, Farming &
Gardening.
Special Features22
13. 35% of the respondents found that the most stressful aspect they are facing to get ready for GST is lack of information for the public, followed by the too technical and complicated GST Bill (35%) and increase of compliance costs (18%).
14. More than half of the respondents (58%) hope that the government can grant longer grace period before imposing any penalty and take recovery actions against businesses, whereas another 1/5 of the respondents wish to have tax incentives on their GST compliance cost.
In the numerous memoranda submitted by ACCCIM to the government on GST as well as the press statements issued by the ACCCIM, these two proposals are on the ACCCIM wish list and we are hoping that the government could render more assistance to businesses.
15. Survey revealed that only 30% of the respondents stated that their employees and accounting software are ready for the implementation of GST.
16. Overall, the survey found that most of the respondents from the Food & Beverages sector are rather ignorant on GST, regardless their understandings on the various basic terms of GST, fi rst action to be taken, or employees and software preparation for implementation of GST, this is worrying.
C. e-Banking
17. Only 34% of the respondents use e-Banking, most of them are from ICT and Logistics sectors. Another 40% indicated that they will shift to e-Banking soon. The statistic shows that Food & Beverages sector do not use e-Banking at all, and 78% amongst them have no plan to use it.
Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang have the highest usage of e-Banking.
18. Respondents’ major concern of using e-Banking is the security issue on e-transaction (76%), followed by the coverage and stability of broadband services (44%).
Respondents that expressed concern over the coverage and stability of broadband services mostly are from Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu.
Most desired action from the Government in regard to GST implementation
Longer grace period before imposition of penalties and recovery action
Provide tax incentive to companyon GST compliance cost
The Royal Malaysia Customs should set up sufficient services forbusinesses and public hotlines to provide real time consultative
Impose lower penalties
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%35%
27%
10% 10%
18%
Most stressful aspect in getting ready
for GST
76%
44%
13%
21% 24%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
Major concerns on e-Banking
Security one-bankingtransaction
Coverage andstability ofbroadband
services
Computerliteracy
Charges onsubscription of e-banking
Unable toreplace the roleof PD Cheque
For Logistics (38%), Wholesale and Trading (32%), and Travel and Entertainment (30%) sectors, one of the major concerns is e-Payment which unable to replace the function of Post-dated Cheque.
19. Almost half of the respondents (43%) stated that they will not reduce the issuance of cheque even though a 50 sen levy per cheque is being imposed.
Special Features 23
Special Features24
Background to Minimum Wages in Malaysia The National Minimum Wages initiative was initially announced during Budget Speech on 15 October 2010 as one of the Government ’s policy instruments vide New Economic Model (NEM) to ensure inclusiveness by transforming the economy from a middle-income to a high-income economy by the year 2020. Given the signifi cant number of employees in the country who earn less than minimum wages, the new initiative is expected to boost gross national income.
The Minimum Wage Order, gazetted in 2012, was enforced starting from 1 January 2013 for employers with more than fi ve workers and those carries out professional activities. Those with 5 workers or less was enforced from 1 July 2013. MWO was fully enforced on 1 January 2014, and the Labour Department would be checking on employers to ensure full compliance. As of 31 August 2014, only 2% or 485 out of the total 24,437 employers inspected nationwide, did not comply with MWO.
Fulltime workers in Malaysia would receive minimum wages of RM 900 (for Peninsular Malaysia) and RM800 (for Sabah and Sarawak). For workers under probation, employers are allowed a reduction from the minimum wages rate by no more than 30%, and only for the fi rst 6 months of the probationary period. The policy also applies to employees who are paid on piece-rates, tonnage, trip- or commission-based. However, it is not applicable for domestic servants. With the MWO, employers are required to supplement the wages of these employees if their income does not meet the required fl oor wages.
The Implications of MWO The minimum wage policy is meant to pave the way for Malaysia to achieve the higher income nation status, but the intention has generated multifaceted concerns, i.e. some impracticality issues, while creating additional burden to the employers, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the minimum wages policy is expected to have a positive impact on the Malaysian economy; and that the impact on business costs will be minimal as it will be mitigated by improvements in productivity.
However, the risk of ripple effects from the enforcement should not be taken lightly as past lessons from other countries indicated that employers are likely to face the pressure from other employees for upward adjustment in order to maintain the salary grade structure. It is also essential to take into account the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation in 2015, and other rising costs because the multiplier effects of the minimum wage could pose an upside risk to cost push factor, leading to higher cost of living, and hence defeating the goals of the minimum wage policy.
Since the enactment of MWO, the Government has allowed employers to apply for deferment and has granted some concessions to the employers as follows:
• Blanket deferment for SMEs (foreign workers only) until 31 December 2013 to enable SME employers to restructure wages of the foreign workers
Review of Minimum Wages Order 2012
Special Features 25
Australia and etc., additional dimensions such as multi-tiered minimum wages or differentiation by geographical region, locations and industry-specifi c were also recommended to enhance the effi ciency and effectiveness of the minimum wage policy in meeting the transformation agenda.
Terms of Reference for the ReviewFor the review exercise, NWCC has engaged with the industry and business representatives in focus group discussions. These were intended to garner their views and recommendation that would be made to further streamline the minimum wage scheme, and moving forward with the national agenda on minimum wages.
The terms of reference for the review as proposed by the NWCC Technical Committee on 8 May 2014 and discussed at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on 19 August 2014 were as follows:
• Review of Minimum Wages- The review of minimum wage rates by monthly, daily,
hourly, piece-rated, commissioned-based, volume (tonnage)
• Scope of Applying the Minimum Wages- Regional or zoning of minimum wages
- Implementation of minimum wages for Micro-enterprises
- Minimum wages employees in Nurseries/Childcare centres
- Non-applicability on domestic servants
- Minimum wages for workers with disabilities
- Minimum wages for workers engaged in charitable bodies, place of worships and non-profitable organizations
- Review on minimum wage for probationers
- Enforcement date for the New Order
Conclusion While NWCC engages with the industry to address the current issues of minimum wage, the gaps on minimum wage implementation as raised by the industry should also be seriously addressed to ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders. Ultimately, when attempting to include other scopes in the minimum wage framework, the Government has to ensure that any minimum wages rate to be considered must not be set too high to the extent of having a negative impact on the employers and the national economy.
• Employers, except for SME employers granted blanket deferment, were given deferrals by NWCC on a case-to-case basis
• Negotiation for restructuring of wages with employees before the commencement date was allowed
• Foreign levy can be deducted
• Deduction for cost of accommodation
• Incentive to soften the burden of minimum wage by way of tax deduction for the difference between original salary and minimum wage paid by SMEs, cooperatives, associations during Jan-Dec 2014
Employers certainly face challenges as they adjust to the MWO, and as Malaysia joins the ranks of more than 100 other countries that already have such policies in place. While employers are readjusting their strategies to mitigate the cost challenges, there have been parallel measures to enhance productivity including increasing workers’ performance standards, multitasking and expanded job scope. A remarkable increase in productivity is necessary so that higher wages can be sustained.
The Review of MWO 2012 It is timely that the National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC) re-addresses the dilemma issue of minimum wage setting from the real business situation. In fact, the MWO review was provided for under the 2011 National Wages Consultative Council Act. According to the NWCC Act 2011, the minimum wages was set to be reviewed at least once in two years. However, a review does not necessarily construed that the recent minimum wages quantum will be increased. Instead, a review is necessary and to ascertain the impending issues and the effectiveness of its implementation.
Employers with large number of employees may face greater diffi culties in relation to smaller ones due to their obligations to MWO. Many suggestions and recommendations have been forwarded via the respective trade associations to NWCC to facilitate the review exercise and to take into consideration the various aspects, i.e. current economic situation and the impact on employers.
The most prevalent suggestion is to include fi xed allowances or payment in kind and other allowances that are required for the nature of the job that are currently incurred by the employers into the calculation of wages. Most employers have asserted that it will be more practical if the government had based the minimum wages on take-home pay instead of basic rate. Besides that, drawing from the experience of several countries such as Hong Kong, Thailand, China, UK, Contribution by SERC Sdn.Bhd.
ACCCIM Activities26
(16-12-2014)
ACCCIM Activities 27
The group of 25 prominent and concerned
citizens of Malaysia has recently published
an open letter to express their stand for
defending Islam moderation and has shown
their deep concern over the impediment
on promoting the democratic process,
upholding the Constitution and the growing
extremist behavior of certain groups in
Malaysia. The Associated Chinese Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia
(ACCCIM) commends the lead taken by
these 25 prominent patriotic citizens.
ACCCIM issued a press statement on 16th
December 2014 to support the advocacy of
moderation as only harmony in the country
will bring peace and prosperity. In contrast,
if irresponsible and racist remarks continue
be made by the extremists, often inciting
religious and ethnically sensitive issues thus
sowing dissension, while the authorities do
not take any stringent actions to curb such
actions, the people’s anxiety will be aroused,
the existing bond and trust among the
people will be destroyed and racial harmony
undermined. This wil l deter investments
and economic growth, resulting in socio-
economic impairment to the country.
The views articulated by the 25 prominent
and concerned citizens refl ect the majority
of Malaysians who are patriotic and peace-
loving. ACCCIM hopes that the 25 prominent
personalities will continue to play a greater
ro le to encourage more Malays ians,
associations, leaders and individuals to
support their views for the good of the nation.
As regard to the open letter to Y.A.B. Dato’
Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime
Minister of Malaysia and the call to him to
assert his personal leadership and show the
government’s commitment of setting up a
consultative committee to find solutions to
these intractable issues, ACCCIM commend
that after the 13th General Election, Y.A.B.
Prime Minister had timely established the
National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC)
on September 2013, offi ciated the launching
ceremony in November 2013, appointed
social leaders, academicians, philosopher,
representatives from NGOs, representatives
from opposition parties, with a total of 29
members. We are proud that Dato’ Lim Kok
Cheong, President of ACCCIM is one of
the NUCC members, while Dato’ Tan Tian
Meng is his alternate. The framework of
NUCC includes National Reconciliation as
to avoid the polarisation among Malaysian
along race and ethnic lines, consolidate and
strengthen the national unity, to study and
formulate solutions and recommendations
impacting ethnic relations in Malaysia as
well as identify and remove obstacles with
the unity and multiracial as the basis of good
relation among races in the country.
To effectively complement the NUCC,
the National Counci l of ACCCIM has
established a National Unity Committee on
15th November 2013 and appointed Datuk
Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President of ACCCIM
and Dato’ Tan T ian Meng as Chairman
and Deputy Chairman of this committee
respectively. ACCCIM has also submitted fi ve
memoranda to NUCC with the earnest hope
that the ACCCIM recommendations will be
incorporated into the “National Blueprint for
National Unity”. Memoranda submitted by
the ACCCIM were entitled:
ACCCIM Supports the
Advocacy of Moderation
ACCCIM Activities28
(1) ACCCIM Memorandum on Pol icy
and Legislation Promoting National
Harmony
(2) ACCCIM Memorandum on Inclusive
Development
(3) ACCCIM Memorandum on Nation
Building and Cross Cultural Aspects of
Ethnic Relations
(4) ACCCIM Memorandum on National
Integration (between Sabah/Sarawak
and Peninsular Malaysia)
(5) ACCCIM Memorandum on Youths and
National Unity
Recently and witnessed by Y.B. Tan Sri Datuk
Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the
Prime Minister’s Department, ACCCIM and
Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) on Unity Internship Programme with
Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi
MARA (UiTM) on 26th November 2014 with the
objectives to foster unity and understanding
of cross-culture and cross-careers among
students of various races, to facilitate the
intake of more than one thousand students
of all races to undergo trainings in private
sector companies, and to enhance the
abilities, skills and confi dence of students of
all races working together within the private
sector.
In fact, back to 1982, ACCCIM had actively
promoted Genuine Joint Ventures between
Chinese, Malay and Indian enterprises;
ACCCIM and Malay Chamber of Commerce
Malaysia (MCCM) jointly established “Sino-
Malay Joint Chambers Council of Malaysia”
to strengthen the relation and to give impetus
to Genuine Joint Ventures between Chinese
and Malay businessmen. The “Genuine Joint
Venture Promotion Working Committee”
was established in response to the call of
Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative
Development (MECD). In 1966, the working
committee was expanded to Malaysian
Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry (MAICCI) and the banking
industry. The joint council was officially
renamed as the “Genuine Joint Venture
Promotion Council” to further facilitate,
encourage, and propel the Genuine Joint
Ventures of Malaysian SMEs. The joint council
consolidates the advantages and strength
of our multiracial society, to reap mutual
benefits and help each other to explore
international market together.
Besides, ACCCIM Constituent Chambers
have also been actively promoting various
activities to promote racial harmony, to
facilitate the goal of national unity, including
the establishment of the Unity Fund in 2013;
organised “My Hero Award” to recognize and
acknowledge successful entrepreneurs who
have been helpful and supportive in business
undertakings among all races and also to
promote national unity and racial harmony;
to ink an agreement with Nanyang Siang Pau
and the New Straits Time Press (M) Bhd (NSTP)
for the project “Titian Perniagaan”, to share
the stories with the public on successful multi-
racial business enterprises, the joint effort of
all races behind the successful business and
to promote social harmony, good business
ethics as well as universal values.
The ACCCIM hopes that the NUCC will be
able to play a more proactive and effective
role to cease all kinds of extreme religious
and race rhetorics which harm the religion
harmony and ethnic relations. The ACCCIM
also hopes that all national level religious
and ethnic bodies are able to be more
open-minded and continue to have open
discourse on all related topics so as to thwart
the malevolent motive of irresponsible groups
and politicians.
ACCCIM Activities 29
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism announced on 21st November 2014 that from 1st December
2014, subsidies for RON 95 and diesel will be removed. This means that “managed fl oat system” will be adopted to fi x the fuel price. Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) welcomes and supports this initiative taken by the Government. The ACCCIM opined that removing subsidies and allow free market mechanism to prevail is ultimately the most effi cient economic system. Along with the falling of the global crude oil prices, this is the right time and opportunity to remove subsidies, also a right move to ease the Government’s burden especially the falling of global crude oil prices
has caused financial and budget defi cit to Government’s revenue.
Free Market Merchanism is the most Effi cient Economic System, ACCCIM Support the Removal of RON95 and Diesel Subsidies by the Government (22-11-2014)
ACCCIM urged the Government to adopt a clear and transparent “managed fl oat system”, including publicize the calculation mechanism of the fuel prices and its mode of adjustment, and the contingency measures that will be taken by the Government in future if the initial global crude oil prices will to hike up so as to ensure that the implementation of subsidy rationalization programme and Government’s fi scal conditions are on the right track as focused. The removal of subsidies by the Government is to strike a balance in the interests of the people and to reduce the country defi cit, in particular the removal of diesel subsidy and allow the price of diesel to be determined by managed fl oat system, undoubtedly this will help to prevent illegal black market smuggling of diesel which has caused shortage of supply and resulted in loss of Government revenue. It is crucial that whatever savings in subsidies should be utilized transparently for the long term development of the country. At this juncture, ACCCIM would like to urge the Government to review the import taxes and excise duties of vehicle, spare parts of commercial trucks, tires, batteries, and to implement an open and liberalize economic mechanism. Meanwhile, the Government should introduce toll rebate scheme for frequent users of the highways and lower the road tax etc. to the road users so as to minimize the domino effects resulted by subsidy rationalization programme, especially in order to minimize the burden of operators of logistics and transportation industry. Besides, the public transportation system has yet to be improved; and many citizens have no alternative but are compelled to buy and use private cars. The cost of operating cars are compounded by congestion of traffi c which increases fuel consumption. ACCCIM urged the Government to manage the resources wisely, to allocate more funds to improve the public transportation system so as to effectively resolve the problem of traffi c congestion.
ACCCIM Activities30
(26-11-2014)
Witnessed by Y.B. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President of ACCCIM (2nd from right) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Unity Internship Programme with Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA)
ACCCIM Activities 31
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and
Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Unity Internship Programme with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on 26th November 2014 at the Universiti Malaya. The MOU signing was witnessed by Y.B. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, and ACCCIM was represented by Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President.
The Unity Internship Programme between ACCCIM, MRCA, UM and UiTM was initiated by the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) of the Prime Minister’s Department, with the objectives to foster unity and understanding of cross-culture and cross-careers among students of various races, to facilitate the intake of students of all races to undergo trainings in private sector, and to enhance the abilities, skills and confidence of students of all races when working with the private sector.
The ACCCIM fully support the Unity Internship Programme and is happy to collaborate with these two prestige universities, i.e. UM and UiTM in an effort to improve, enhance and preserve unity among students of higher learning institutions. ACCCIM always view human resource development as an important factor contributing to economic development and advancement. As at 26th November 2014, 87 members’ companies of ACCCIM Constituent Chambers have registered for Unity Internship Programme, which will provide internship trainings for 542 students of various courses such as engineering, accountancy, logistics, information technology, f inance & banking, marketing, business administrat ion, human resource management, journalism, travel & tourism, graphic design, web design etc.
The MOU signed on 26th November 2014 is Phase I of the Unity Internship Programme. The ACCCIM is working closely with JPNIN for Phase II programme, i.e. the Unity Industrial Training Programme of which graduates from UTAR, HELP, SEGI and New Era College will receive internship training at Tabung Haji, KWSP, FELDA and Simedarby.
As a member of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM and his alternative member Dato’ Tan Tian Meng, have been actively participated in the activities and events organised by NUCC as well as JPNIN to bring about closer understanding and cooperation between the Government and private sector in the formulation of national unity policies. In line with event, the National Council of ACCCIM has established a National Unity Committee on 15th November 2013 and appointed Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President of ACCCIM and Dato’ Tan Tian Meng as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of this committee respectively. ACCCIM also has submitted five memoranda to NUCC with the earnest hope that the ACCCIM recommendations will be incorporated in the “National Blueprint for National Unity”. Memoranda submitted by the ACCCIM were entitled: (1) ACCCIM Memorandum on Policy and Legislation Promoting National Harmony, (2) ACCCIM Memorandum on Inclusive Development, (3) ACCCIM Memorandum on Nation Building and Cross Cultural Aspects of Ethnic Relations, (4) ACCCIM Memorandum on National Integration (between Sabah/Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia), and (5) ACCCIM Memorandum on Youths and National Unity.
ACCCIM representatives that attended the MOU signing ceremony were Deputy President Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy Chairman of National Unity Committee Dato’ Tan Tian Meng, National Council Members Mr. Michael Chai and Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, Deputy Chairmen of Working Committees Mr. Tan Kar Peng and Mr. Lee Yew Chen and etc.
ACCCIM Support Unity Internship Programme To Strengthen Job Trainings of Students of
all Races and Foster Unity(26-11-2014)
Special Features32
ACCCIM Urge Government to Review the move to Allow more Foreign Convenience Stores Entering Malaysia
(28-11-2014)
To Maintain and Strengthen “The Sedition Act 1948” –Must be Based on the Principle of Safeguarding Social Stability and Harmony (28-11-2014)
ACCCIM Activities 33
ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers Raised / Donated RM 2.2 million for Flood Relief
Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM donated 3,000 cartons of Spritzer Mineral Water, 10,000 Ruski Instant Noodle and 10,000 Morningkiss Toothbrush amounting of RM 132,000.00 to fl ood victims.
ACCCIM Activities34
ACCCIM Constituent Chambers raised foods and essential goods from members and distributed to fl ood victims irrespective of race.
A C C C I M d o n a t e d Spritzer Mineral Water to Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, Pahang and Hospital Kuala Krai, Kelantan, f lood-h i t hosp i ta l s that urgently require drinking water.
All set to disseminate foods and mineral water to fl ood victims of all races by Terengganu CCCI voluntary team.
ACCCIM Activities 35
ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Voluntary Team travelled to Kelantan to distribute foods and essential goods to fl ood victims of all races
Employed 100 workers to cleaning up schools at critical fl ood-hit areas in Kelantan
ACCCIM Activities36
A C C C I M d o n a t e d RM 300,000.00 to Kelantan Flood Disas ter Re l ie f Committee to assist f lood victims to rebuild their homes. The ACCCIM mock cheque was presented to Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry cum Chairman of Kelantan Flood Disaster Relief Committee by Dato’ Low Kian Chuan and Mr. Lee Seng Long.
ACCCIM Activities 37
Terengganu State Government, ACCCIM and Terengganu CCCI have joined hand to build 21 Temporary Settlement and repaired 6 houses in 3 days for fl ood victims who have lost their homes at critical fl ood-hit area at Dabung, Jelawang Kelantan. Woods for construction were donated by members of Terengganu Wood Indust r ies Association. Photos shown that Y.A.B. Dato’ Haji Ahmad Razif bin Abd Rahman, Menteri Besar Negeri Terengganu and Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Minister of MITI visited the construction site on 10th January 2015.
ACCCIM Activities38
Donation in Cash Raised / Donated by ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers
(as at 20-1-2015)
NoACCCIM and Constituent Chambers
Cash Donation to ACCCIM Flood
Relief FundRM
Cash Donation to State Flood Relief or
Tzu Chi
RM
Grand Total
RM
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia
111,000.00 221,830.00
ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers Young Entrepreneurs Committees
110,830.00
Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
54,200.00 2-1-2015 RM130,000.00
Donation of RM130,000.00 was hand over to Menteri Besar of Perak for Flood Relief on 2-1-2015
184,200.00
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
319,500.00 380,600.00
KLSCCCI Information and Communications Technology Committee
31,000.00
KLSCCCI Legal Committee
10,100.00
KLSCCCI Public Relations and Tourism Committee
20,000.00
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Pahang
30,000.00 RM200,000.00 Use for Pahang State Flood Relief
230,000.00
Negeri Sembilan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
22,000.00 RM13,600.00 Use for fl ood relief in Kuala
Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
35,600.00
Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- RM200,000.00 Donation to Tzu Chi Foundation
200,000.00
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak
45,000.00 RM100,000.00 Donation to Sarawak
State Government for Flood Relief
145,000.00
ACCCIM Activities 39
Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry
10,000.00 RM43,000.00Use for Johor State Flood Relief
53,000.00
Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce
20,000.00 20,000.00
Terengganu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
20,000.00 RM80,000.00 Use for Terengganu State Flood
Relief
100,000.00
Batu Pahat Chinese Chamber of Commerce
25,000.00 RM22,530.00 Use for Batu Pahat Flood
Relief
47,530.00
Kluang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
10,000.00 RM10,000.00Use for Kluang Flood Relief
20,000.00
Kedah Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- RM32,500.00 Donation to Tzu Chi Foundation
32,500.00
Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
65,200.00 RM20,000.00 Use for Klang Flood Relief
85,200.00
North Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- -
Kelantan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- RM30,000.00 Use for Kelantan State Flood
Relief
30,000.00
Malacca Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
64,327.85 64,327.85
Perlis Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
5,000.00 5,000.00
Donation received by International Times, Sarawak
24,752.00 24,752.00
Other Donors 10,500.00 10,500.00
Total RM 1,008,409.85 RM 881,630.00 RM 1,890,039.85
Donated RM 5,000.00 and above (Chambers of Commerce / Organisation)1. ACCCIM l RM 100,000.002. KLSCCCI l RM 80,000.003. Klang CCCI l RM 65,200.004. Malacca CCCI l RM 64,327.855. Perak CCCI l RM 54,200.006. Batu Pahat CCC l RM 25,000.007. ACCCI Sarawak l RM 20,000.008. Sabah UCCC l RM 20,000.009. Terengganu CCCI l RM 20,000.0010. International Times, Sarawak l RM 24,752.0011. Johor ACCCI l RM 10,000.0012. Kluang CCCI l RM 10,000.0013. Dewan Perniagaan Tionghua Segamat l RM 5,000.00
ACCCIM Activities40
Donated RM 5,000.00 and above (Individual)
1. Datuk Ter Leong Yap l RM 50,000.002. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing l RM 30,000.003. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Teo Soo Cheng Foundation l RM 20,000.004. Dato’ William Tan l RM 20,000.005. Datuk Wee Kok Tiong l RM 20,000.006. Mr. Chareon S. Tang Whye Aun l RM 10,000.007. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Barry Goh l RM 10,000.008. Mr. Michael Chai l RM 10,000.009. Dr. Chua Siew Kiat l RM 10,000.0010. Datuk Ng Yih Pyng l RM 10,000.0011. Dato’ Oon Weng Boon l RM 10,000.0012. Dato’ Ng Hook l RM 10,000.0013. Mr. Gan Boon Khim l RM 10,000.0014. Dato’ Tay Sim Kim l RM 10,000.0015. Mr. Tan Kar Peng l RM 10,000.0016. Mr. Teoh Kok Lin l RM 10,000.0017. Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng l RM 10,000.0018. Chong Jee Min l RM 10,000.0019. Mr. Johnny Wong Thim Keong l RM 9,000.0020. Mr. Hu Yu Siong l RM 5,000.0021. Mr. Ch’ng Ban Pai l RM 5,000.0022. Lim Tai Soon l RM 5,000.0023. Dato’ Tan Tian Meng l RM 5,000.0024. Mr. Lee Yew Chen l RM 5,000.0025. Mr. Yap Heng Or l RM 5,000.0026. Dato’ Bong Hon Liong l RM 5,000.0027. Mr. Soong Wing Hong l RM 5,000.0028. Ng Beh Tong l RM 5,000.0029. Mr. Yap Soon Chiat l RM 5,000.0030. Wee Hong Im l RM 5,000.0031. Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Chin Heng l RM 5,000.0032. Datuk Choong Yew Lim l RM 5,000.0033. Dato’ Thed Cor Yong l RM 5,000.0034. Dato’ Eddie Choon and Datin Jennifer Hon l RM 5,000.0035. Aspac Alliance Steels Sdn. Bhd. l RM 5,000.0036. Dr. Henry Ong Chi King l RM 5,000.0037. Mr. Leon Lee Toong Leon l RM 5,000.0038. Mr. Foo Kooi Siong l RM 5,000.0039. Lavender Confectionery & Bakery Sdn Bhd l RM 5,000.0040. Mr. Johnson Ng Soon Hong l RM 5,000.00
ACCCIM Activities 41
Donation in Kinds Received by ACCCIM
Value inRM
1. 3,000 (Spritzer) 3,000 Carton of Spritzer Mineral Water Donated by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong of Yee Lee Group)
90,000.00
2. 10,000 Morningkiss 10,000 Morningkiss Toothbrush Donated by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong of Yee Lee Group)
30,000.00
3. 10,000 Ruski 10,000 Ruski Instant Noodle Donated by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong of Yee Lee Group)
12,000.00
4. 500 Munchy’s 500 Cartons Munchy’s Biscuit ( MunchWorld Marketing Sdn Bhd Donated by MunchWorld arketing Sdn Bhd)
20,000.00
5. 102 388 200 T 100 102 units of Rice Cooker, 388 pcs School Uniform, 200 pcs T-shirt and 100 packs Diaper,
Donated by Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama William Cheng of Parkson Group)
30,008.80
6. 100 Julie’s 100 cartons of Julie’s Biscuit ( STH Wire Industry (M) Sdn. Bhd. Donated by STH Wire Industry (M) Sdn. Bhd.)
3,600.00
7. 479 150 150 1 479 pcs Men’s Shirt, 150 pcs Men’s Boxer Short, 150 pairs Sandal and one box of Baby Clothing( Bonia Corporation Berhad Donated by Bonia Corporation Berhad)
40,015.00
8. 500 500 pcs of School Bag Donated by Mr. Ang Poh Tit of Taiping Poly
(M) Sdn. Bhd.)
17,500.00
9. 120 power bank 300 180 100 3 20120 Power Bank, 300 T-shirt, 180 School Uniform, 100 School Shoes, School
Bag, Stationary, 3 Luggage, 20 carton Mineral WaterDonated/obtained by members of ACCCIM Young
Entrepreneurs Committee)
19,925.00
10.Single Bed Mattress, Bed-sheets, Blankets, Towels, Sandals, Sport
Shoes, Underwear, Mineral Water, Fruit Juice, Sugar, Canned Sardines ( Donated by Members of Batu Pahat CCC)
25,382.50
11. 100 Mamee 100 Cartons Mamee Instant Noodle( Mamee-Double Decker (M) Berhad Donated by Mamee-Double Decker (M) Berhad)
2,500.00
12. 20 20 Gas Stove( Zenne Infi nity Sdn. Bhd. Donated by Zenne Infi nity Sdn. Bhd.)
20,000.00
Value in Kinds RM 310,931.30
ACCCIM Activities42
Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo
(31-10-2014 to 2-11-2014, Dongguan, China)
Photo taken at ACCCIM’ s Pavilion. From left: Ms. Koh Lee Ching, Mr. Ng Wee Yiew, Dato’ Sri Lim Ah Chap, Mr. Ng Chet Chiang, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Mr. Ng Yok Gee, Mr. Tan Kar Peng, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and Mr. Lee Yew Chen.
ACCCIM Activities 43
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing welcome the arrival of H.E.Mr. Hu Chun Hua, Secretary of the Guangdong CPC Committee to ACCCIM’ s Pavilion.
The ACCCIM’s delegation led by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing was warmly received by Mr. Ken Lee, Section Chief of the Bureau of Commerce of Dongguan City and Mr. Chen Shao Qin, Vice-Section Chief of the Bureau of Commerce of Dongguan City upon arrival at airport. From left: Mr. Ng Yok Gee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing, Mr. Li Jian Wen, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong and Mr. Chen Shao Qin.
ACCCIM Activities44
Photo of speakers and moderator of the conference. From left are Mr. Michael Soo, Mr. Michael Chai, Pn. Shamsiah Kamaruddin, Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Mr. Lee Tatt Boon and Pn. Hidhayatul Marikha.
Small & Medium Enterprises (SME)
– Intellectual Property (IP) Conference (25-11-2014)
ACCCIM Activities46
We would like to congratulate the following leaders and offi ce-bearers of ACCCIM who have granted the Special Award for their contributions to China-Malaysia friendship:
Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Guan Teik, Life Honorary President
Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama William Cheng, Life Honorary President
Closing Ceremonyfor the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of
Diplomatic Relations between China and Malaysia(18-12-2014)
ACCCIM Activities 47
Datuk Wee Kok Tiong, National Council Member
Mr. Tan Kai Hee, National Council Member
Temenggong Dato’ Sri Lee Sie TongNational Council Member
Mr. Ong Kim Seng, Former Executive Director
Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong,President
Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President
Tan Sri Dato’ Lee Shin Cheng, Honorary President
Tan Sri Dato’ Chua Ma Yu, Honorary President
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing, Vice-President
Tan Sri Dato’ Low Nam Hui,Honorary Adviser
Mdm. Lee Yow Chee, Deputy Chairperson of Public
Relations and Tourism Committee
ACCCIM Activities48
Briefing on GSTfor ACCCIM and Constituent Chambers
(26-11-2014)
Dato’ Low Kian Chuan presented a souvenir to Mr. Bryan Cheong. From left: Mr. Danny Lim and Mr. Lee Hooi Seng.
Representatives of ACCCIM Constituent Chambers attend the briefi ng session actively consulted Mr. Lee Hooi Seng on GST issue.
ACCCIM Activities 49
Exchanges of souvenir between The Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc and ACCCIM.
ACCCIM Delegation to Manila, Philippines in participation of the 110th Anniversary Celebration of The Filipino-Chinese General
Chamber of Commerce, Inc.(18-11-2014 to 20-11-2014, Manila, Philippines)
6th from left: Mr. Michael Chai, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing, Dr. James G. Dy, Mr. Lee Yew Chen.
ACCCIM Activities50
ACCCIM Trade and Investment Promotion Mission to Maldives and Sri Lanka
(14-11-2014 to 20-11-2014, Maldives and Sri Lanka)
Business discussion session with members of The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Visit to Hulhumalé MWSC’s Water Plant.
Members of ACCCIM delegation paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Azmi Zainuddin High Commissioner of Malaysia in Sri Lanka.
ACCCIM Activities 51
ACCCIM Delegation to Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Dongguan, China
(27-10-2014 to 1-11-2014, China)
Photo taken by members of ACCCIM delegation at the Shanghai Zizhu National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone Exhibition Centre.
ACCCIM Activities52
Photo of Members of ACCCIM delegation and representatives of Siem Reap Chamber of Commerce at the Business Matching Session.
ACCCIM Trade and Investment Mission to Phnom Penh & Siem Reap, Cambodia(28-11-2014 to 2-12-2014)
Member of ACCCIM delegation took a photo with H.E. Mr. Raszlan Abdul Rashid, Ambassador of Malaysia in Cambodia.
ACCCIM Activities 53
ACCCIM delegation took a photo during the Overseas Entrepreneurs Investment Matching Session in Xiamen, China.
Member of ACCCIM delegation took a photo with the organizer.
ACCCIM Delegation to Xiamen and Yunxiao, China in Participation of Overseas Entrepreneurs Investment Matching Session (6-1-2015 to 9-1-2015)
ACCCIM Activities54
China Fujian-Malaysia Economic and Trade Promotion Fair
(10-12-2014, Putrajaya)
1st from right is Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing, ACCCIM Vice President, ACCCIM Deputy President Datuk Ter Leong Yap (2nd from left) and Malaysian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China Y.B. Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting (3rd from left) welcome the visit of H.E.Mr.Zheng Xiaosong (Centre), Vice Governor of Fujian Province to Malaysia.
ACCCIM Activities 55
2nd Klang Yiwu Friendship Cities International Commodities Exhibition & Yiwu Fair at Malaysia
5-12-2014 to 7-12-2014
Exhibition hall was full with visitors.
Dr. Leong Kai Hin, President of KCCCI presented a souvenir to Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President of ACCCIM. 1st left is Dato’ Jeffery Tan, Chairman of Organising Committee and 1st right is Mr. Yong Ean Kian, Representative of Dato’ Lee Chee Leong, Deputy Minister of International Trade & Industry.
ACCCIM Activities56
Visit by Delegation of Liaoning Provincial Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (31-10-2014)
Mr. Luan Hua, Deputy Chief of Liaoning Provincial Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation(3rd from left) visited ACCCIM and was warmly received by Dr. Chua Siew Kiat , Dato’ Tan Tian Meng and Datin Paduka Yong Dai Ying.
Visit by Prof. Dr. Yang Pan-Chyr, President of the National Taiwan University (7-12-2014)
Datuk Ter Leong Yap presented a souvenir to Prof. Dr. Yang Pan-Chyr, President of National Taiwan University, accompanied by Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and Dato’ Tan Tian Meng.
Visit by Delegation of Science and Information Technology of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. (9-12-2014)
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing presented a souvenir to Mr.Zhan De Cun, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of Science and Information Technology of Guangzhou Municipal Government.
