(New Strait Times  23.9.00)

KOTA KINABALU, Fri – The Penang branch of the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) and its Sabah counterpart are working on a project to develop a herbal-related industry in the state. Both chambers are now working on the machinations of the joint-venture project.

"We are confident this project will be an immediate success," DPMM Penang president Datuk Seri Rahman Maidin told a Press conference here today.

Also present was DPMM Sabah’s acting president, Mohd Lan Allani. Rahman, who is also the national DPMM deputy president, said initially the chambers would concentrate on producing the herb mengkudu as there was a growing demand world-wide for the product. He said DPMM Penang currently was planting the herb on a 40-ha land. The Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) herbal and food industry centre is helping DPMM Penang with the project.

Rahman said the project in Sabah would also have the support of USM. Rahman, who is also MRCB executive director, was heading a 12-member DPMM Penang delegation to hold discussion with DPMM Sabah on possible business co-operation.

Yesterday, the DPMM Penang delegation was in Labuan where its investment arm, Yayasan DPMM, signed a memorandum of understanding with Labuan Liberty Port Management (LLPM) Sdn Bhd to manage the Labuan Port. The MoU enables LLPM to tap the expertise of Penang port operators in the management and administration of Labuan Port.

Rahman said DPMM Penang, being one of the earliest Malay chambers of commerce in the country, was always ready to assists its counterparts in all States for the benefit of their members. "When in Penang you (DPMM Sabah members) will be treatedas one of DPMM Penang members. You can use all DPMM Penang office facilities," he said.

Rahman also disclosed that the MRCB group of companies would give priority to all DPMM members when awarding tenders for projects.

"I have made clear that DPMM members tendering for MRCB projects will be given priority," he added.