KUCHING: With the installation of a new RM31.5 million ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing line, the Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&NHB) is more than ready to meet the growing demand in East Malaysia.
Located in its plant in Kuching, the UHT line was officially launched by the Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, here, yesterday.
Speaking during the launching ceremony, Johari said it is a testament to the company’s confidence in Sarawak economy.
“It will give great impact on the industry and the company’s future in Sarawak.
“Having neighbouring countries in Brunei and Kalimantan, the people there are potential consumers and I encourage cross-border trading so that all sides will benefit from it,” he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister also applauded F&NHB for their commitment in preserving the environment.
“The preservation of the environment is the key for the market to prosper because if a company doesn’t comply with the environmental standards, the market will boycott them.
“I also applaud the company’s efforts on raising the awareness of the importance of preserving the environment through school,” he said, in regards to the company planning on expanding its recycling initiative in the state by working alongside municipal councils and education departments to roll-out the first installment of the programme in Kuching.
Johari, who is also the Minister of Resource Planning and Environment, also spoke on the possibility of the usage of glass as containers rather than plastic.
“Perhaps there is an area for us to focus on producing glass bottles and the possibility of using this sort of container which is more environmentally friendly compared to plastic,” he said.
Speaking on the UHT line, F&NHB CEO Lim Yew Hoe said that they had first announced plans to build a new UHT line in Kuching, in May 2016 to cater to increased demand in East Malaysia and Brunei.
“This investment was part of our capital expenditures of over RM300 million to ensure the sustainability of our business for the future.
“Seven months later in December, the new line commenced operations, just in time to meet the Chinese New Year demand,” said Lim.
The new UHT line will allow the company to capture increasing demand with an added capacity of 3.4 million cases a year and expected to offer an estimated annual savings of RM2.8 million in logistics cost over the next decade.
Also present during the event were Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi and F&NHB chairman Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail.
