Editorial and Publication Committee

2014 8 (August 2014)Issue No: 3/2014

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: acccim@acccim.org.my Homepage: www.acccim.org.my

Bulletin 91 Issue No.91

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 EditorSeow Mei Yin

Assistant EditorsPoh Wan Kh’ngKelly Wong

Tan Ai JooCyndiTangFelix Cheah

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Contents2 Notes by Chairman of the Editorial and Publication

Committee

Highlights

3Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China - ACCCIM Delegation to Beijing Accorded High-Level Reception

9 ACCCIM 68th Annual General Meeting (AGM)

20 ACCCIM 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2014

ACCCIM Activities

23 3rd Meeting of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) Advisory Committee

26ACCCIM Delegation to Tokyo, Japan

in Participation of 15th Anniversary Festivities of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Japan

28 Dinner Discussion with YB Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong,

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department

29 Forum on Hong Kong – ASEAN Regional Cooperation

31 Groundbreaking Ceremony of Xiamen University Malaysia Campus

32Launching Ceremony of Guest

Country of Honor of the 18th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT)

34The Associated

Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) Urge Governments of Both Countries to Work Closely to Resolve Hike in Causeway Transport Charges

36 Courtesy Call on H.E. Huang Huikang, Ambassador

of China to Malaysia

37 Promoting Urban Farming and benefi ts

Promoting Technical and Vocational Training and Certifi cation Seminar

38 Visit by Delegation of Young Entrepreneurs’ Association of Cambodia, Siem Reap Chapter (YEAC)

Visit by Delegation of Myanmar Iron and Steel Association

Visit by Delegation from Board of Trade of Thailand & The Offi ce of SMEs Promotion & Thai Entrepreneurs

39 Some Statistics on The Oil Palm Industry In Sabah

And Down-Stream Value Add Products For Potential Entrepreneurs

40 A Summary of Rain-Water Harvesting System (Rhs)

For Domestic Dwellings & Commercial Buildings

Dato’ Low Kian Chuan

The 68th ACCCIM Annual General Meeting and the ACCCIM 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Conference were successfully held in Kota Kinabalu,

Sabah. This year 2014 marks the 68th Anniversary of ACCCIM, and also the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations. In commemoration of these meaningful and important events, I am thankful to the leaders of ACCCIM for their confi dence to appoint me as the Chairman of the Organising Committee of “Activities in Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations and Festivities in Celebration of 68th Anniversary of ACCCIM” with the theme “New Era of Shared Prosperity, Growing from Strength to Strength”. The festivities include the Grand Dinner, the 68th Commemorative Edition, Commemorative Video and Photograph Exhibition on history and contributional of ACCCIM, its vital role in establishing the Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, and the signifi cant contributions to the economic growth and development of Malaysia.

In conjunction with the recent visit of Prime Minister Y.A.B Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to China in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM has led an ACCCIM delegation to participant in the event, and had paid courtesy calls to infl uential associations and organisations in Beijing in order to strengthen the ties. ACCCIM is honoured to be accorded high level reception by the relevant associations and organisations during the visit, especially the China Overseas Exchange Association and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Offi ce of the State Council of which a lunch was hosted for member of ACCCIM delegation at the State Guesthouse.

Notes by Chairman of the Editorial and Publication Committee

Other important event was ACCCIM participation at 3rd Meeting of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) Advisory Committee in Tokyo; at the same time, invited members of WCEC Advisory Committee and leaders of Chinese chambers of commerce all around the world to attend the ACCCIM Grand Dinner in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

ACCCIM has also actively kept abreast of the current issues in business community, interacted with YB Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department on the SMEs policy, jointly organised Hong Kong – ASEAN Regional Cooperation Forum for members to better understand the Regional Cooperation, and paid a courtesy call to H.E. Huang Huikang, Ambassador of China to Malaysia. Meanwhile, ACCCIM is entrusted by Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to jointly organise Malaysia Guest Country of Honour Pavilion of the 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), to work closely with the Government and to promote investment opportunities in Malaysia. For details of other ACCCIM activities, please refer to the current issue of ACCCIM Bulletin.

Highlights 3

Photo of ACCCIM Office bearers with other Malaysian delegates in front of the Great Hall of the People. From left: Mr. Quek Ngee Meng, Dato’ Teo Tong Kooi , Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi, Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah, Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, Mr. Chareon S Tang, Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, Datuk Wee Kok Tiong, Tan Sri Lim Sing, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Tan Sri William Cheng, Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Dato’ Tan Seng Leong and Dato’ Liew Sew Yee.

Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and ChinaACCCIM Delegation to Beijing Accorded High-Level Reception (May 2014, Beijing, China)

Highlights4

Highlights 5

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM interacts with Dr. Han Qide, President of China Overseas Exchange Association.

Highlights6

Photo of ACCCIM delegates with leaders from All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce.

Photo of ACCCIM delegates with Mdm Qiu Yuanping and leaders of Overseas Chinese Affairs Offi ce of the State Council at Diaoyutai State Guestshouse.

Highlights 7

ACCCIM presented a memento to Mr Jiang Zengwei, Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

Highlights8

Photo taken at Headquarter of Bank of China with Mr Tian Guoli (7th from the left) and their management team.

Photo of ACCCIM Leaders joining the Celebration. From left: Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Datuk Yong Ah Pwi, Mr. Chareon S Tang, Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, Tan Sri William Cheng, Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and Datuk Wee Kok Tiong.

Highlights 9

Group photo taken between Y.B. Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Minister with Special Tasks of Sabah, Life Honorary President of ACCCIM, Members of ACCCIM National Council, Chief and Deputy Chief Delegates of Constituent Chambers, Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of ACCCIM Working Committees and Honorary Advisers.

From left: Tan Sri William Cheng, Dato ’ Lim Kok Cheong, Y.B. Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah, and Datuk Ter Leong Yap.

ACCCIM 68th Annual General Meeting(28-6-2014, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)

6 8

2014 6 28

Highlights10

The AGM was well-attended by delegates of Constituent Chambers all around Malaysia.

Highlights 11

Highlights12

Highlights 13

them, once the situation become out of control, it will threaten the stability and development pace of our country.

ACCCIM would like to re-emphasis our stand on the objection for implementing the Hudud Law. Both ruling and opposition parties should think wisely before initiating such ruling which will undermine racial harmony and the development of the country, causing irreparable consequences.

“People is the backbone of a country”, the Government should safeguard the interests of the people as outlined in the Federal Constitution, given the rights of freedom of religion, work together to uphold and to promote national unity. The Government should inculcate their political wisdom, to take stern and quick action in resolving any confl icts which will undermine national unity. The Government should be determined in taking decisive actions to stop extremists from making irresponsible racist remarks that undermine racial harmony and to deter the people, hence progressively lead the society back on track again.

Last year Malaysia economic growth rate was 4.7%, Bank Negara Malaysia has reduced the economic growth rate to 4.5% to 5.5%, this is due to the unforeseeable global uncertainties, rising costs of doing business and inflation leads to a slowdown in economic. After the 505 election last year, the Government has cuts certain subsidy and announced several policies, such as minimum wage policy, the extension of retirement age, increase of real property gain tax, electricity bill, sugar and petrol prices, leading to a rising cost of doing business as well as stringent competitiveness of local and overseas’ market.

Speech byDato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM

Good morning to everyone. Thank you for being with us to witness the opening of

ACCCIM’s 68th Annual General Meeting here in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A special vote of thanks to Yang Berhormat Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Minister with Special Tasks, Sabah to offi ciate the opening of our annual conference.

For both this year and last year, the ACCCIM’s Annual General Meetings (AGM) held in East Malaysia. The ACCCIM’s 34th AGM was held in Sabah in year 1980, it has been 34 years since the last ACCCIM AGM was held in Sabah, it is rather meaningful that we are all gather here once again. Sabah is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak with a strategic location, combine pristine and lush rainforests as well as a tropical paradise of soft sand and crystal-clear waters. With 700 members from ACCCIM Constituent Chambers all around the country gathered here today, stay harmoniously, close interaction, fully portrayed the spirit of “1Malaysia” and “1ACCCIM”.

National unity and social cohesion is a primary goal of statehood. However, the people as well as the business communities are worried about the country’s future stability.

Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak has been advocating the “1Malaysia” concept, aimed to enhance national cohesion and unity with the acceptance of the diversifi ed structure of the society. Unfortunately, there are various religious controversies happened lately with some irresponsible racist remarks being made by some extremists. This has triggers the conflict between races and religions and attract the criticisms from others. However, the Government has yet to take stern actions against

Highlights14

Malaysia’s subsidy rationalisation plans cause a chained reaction, affect the business community and increase the burden of the people. Subsidy rationalisation intended to reduce deficit and national debt, making use of the allowance in other development purposes. However, the Auditor General Report revealed Government corruption practices, causing strong resentful and destroyed the trust among the people to the Government. At this juncture, stringent action shall be taken against those who are involved in the corruption, to safeguard the interests of the people, taking all necessary steps to make it more vibrant and to gain trust and confi dent from the people once again.

The ACCCIM survey reports on economic situation of Malaysia indicated that the Government policy is the key factor which affects the corporate performance. Business community earnestly hoped to feel the sincerity of the Government on actual benefi t plans, and a good resolution and governance to fi ght infl ation.

Government will be implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) next year, ACCCIM would like to urge the Government to maintain the tax rate at 6% for at least 3 to 5 years, relieve the stress of rising cost, and reduce the tax rate for personal income and corporate taxes, make it more competitive to encourage more investment in the country.

Recently, few abduction cases happened in east coast of Sabah, the safety of the people and tourists have been threatened. It also has costs an unpredictable loss to the economy of the state. Our National Security should take an effective measure to curb this problem from recurring again and to prevent the situation from getting worse, which eventually leave a greater impact to Malaysia tourism after the incident of MH370.

The ACCCIM at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 21st February 2014 unanimously passed a resolution to approve the abbreviation of ACCCIM Chinese name as “ ”. In view of

“The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia” or in short “ACCCIM” has been widely acknowledged internationally and by the Malaysian Government Ministries and Agencies, the English abbreviation of “ACCCIM” shall continue to be in used.

“ ” is the global brand name for “” which has been widely used by Chinese

Chambers of Commerce in the world with over 100 years of history such as Hong Kong, Macao and Thailand.

The 17 Constituent Chambers of ACCCIM have unanimously support the move to standardize the abbreviation of Chinese name as “ ” as the brand name of Chinese Chambers of Commerce.

ACCCIM has been actively involved in nation building program. Ever since the AGM in Kuching, Sarawak last year on 22nd June, ACCCIM’s activities still actively on-going. During the period under review, ACCCIM continuously participated in dialogues and interactions with Government and other important organisations. ACCCIM has submitted 18 memoranda to Y.A.B. Prime Minister and Ministers on various issues affecting the development of national economy and the business communities as a whole, and attended more than 100 meetings / consultative sessions / dialogues with various Government Ministries and Agencies.

ACCCIM consistently conducted surveys on economic situation of Malaysia and SMEs surveys, and the survey reports will be submitted to the Government for reference. To promote better understanding of the Government policies and incentives, ACCCIM has organised numerous seminars and conferences such as Seminar on Human Resources, SME Conference, Roundtable on Trans-Pacif ic Partnership Agreement (TPPA) etc..

ACCCIM and overseas chambers of commerce have established a good relationship, as of today, we have signed 52 Memorandums of

Highlights 15

Understanding (MOUs) or Economic Cooperation Agreement with overseas chambers of commerce and economic organisations. During the period under review, ACCCIM has received more than 30 visiting overseas delegations, organised four trade and investment missions abroad, and successfully co-organised two international EXPO in Phnom Penh and Yangon. i.e. the Cambodia-Malaysia SME Exhibition 2013 and Myanmar-Malaysia SME Products and Services Exhibition and Seminar 2014 - Innovative Green Technology. This is to build bridges for the SMEs and overseas’ market, especially in view of the coming into effect of ASEAN Economy Community (AEC) by 2015. ASEAN is an economic driven engine in Southeast Asia with the population of 600 million common market and production bases, which also provide a greater export market for the country.

Besides, ACCCIM has as well organised other activities. It is all reported in the 67th Term Annual Report. Kindly make a reference.

The 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China has created more opportunities in various industries. Last month, Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak has made an official visit to the People’s Republic of China in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China. The leaders emphasised on the effort to achieve the Malaysia-China Five Year Economic Co-operation Programme signed on 2013, vigorously encourage and support bilateral investment and trade in order to achieve USD160 billion by 2017. In a joint statement, the two Governments agreed to make the effort, seize the opportunity and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, and a series of opportunities to be explored by the business community.

ACCCIM is the first association in Malaysia who took the initiative to act as a go-between the trade of Malaysia and China. In conjunction with the offi cial visit of Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd.

Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to China, I have led an ACCCIM delegation to visit numerous major organisations in Beijing. ACCCIM is honoured to have the privilege to meet with Dr. Han Qide, Chairman of China Overseas Exchange Association, Mdm Qiu Yuanping, Director of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, Dr. Wang Qinming, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Jiang Zengwei, Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Qiao Wei, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and Mr. Tian Guoli, Chairman of Bank of China. The biggest achievement of this visit was to further strengthen the interaction platform and relationship between ACCCIM and these important organisations, enable ACCCIM to continue to play an even vital role in enhancing the co-operation in the future.

In conjunction with 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China and in celebrating the ACCCIM 68th Anniversary, ACCCIM will be hosting a Grand Dinner on 20th August 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. We are happy to inform that Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia has accepted the ACCCIM’s invitation to attend the dinner. ACCCIM will also be jointly co-organising the Guest Country of Honour Pavilion of the “The 18th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT)” to be held in Xiamen, China from 8th to 11th September 2014. We welcome all of you to join us for the event.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all members of National Council, working committees and secretariat staff for their efforts in the past year. I also would like to thank The Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah, for their arrangement and warm hospitality, make today AGM a successful one.

Thank you.

Speech by Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong

Highlights16

AGM Adopted 31 Resolutions

Highlights 17

Highlights18

Highlights 19

Special Features20

ACCCIM 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2014(27-6-2014, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)

EntrepreneurshipSeizing the Opportunities, Overcoming the Challenges

Special Features 21

Dr. Chia Song Kun shared his on the establishment of QC Resources.

From left : Mr. Koong Lin Loong and Dato’ Sri Dr. How Kok Choong.

Group photo between Co-organisers, Guest of Honour, Speakers and Moderators.

Special Features22

From left: Dato’ Pua Khein Seng and Dr. Ong Chi King.

ACCCIM Activities 23

Group photo of members of World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convent ion (WCEC) Advisory Committee after attended the 3rd Meeting. 3rd from left (seated) is Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM, 3rd from left (standing) is Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Secretary-General of ACCCIM.

3rd Meeting of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) Advisory Committee (26-7-2014)

ACCCIM Activities24

Dinner hosted by Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Japan. 3rd from left is Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM.

ACCCIM Activities 25

Asakusa Temple

Tokyo Sky Tree

C h i n e s e C h a m b e r o f Commerce in Japan has specially arranged a half day sightseeing tour for all delegates. Accompanying by Mr. Chen Xi, Vice-President of CCC Japan, m e m b e r s o f W C E C Advisory Committee visited the Asakusa Temple and Tokyo Sky Tree.

ACCCIM Activities26

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong (5th from left) presented a souvenir to Mr. Yan Hao (6th from left), President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Japan on behalf of ACCCIM, 4th from left is Dato’ Low Kian Chuan,

Secretary-General of ACCCIM.

ACCCIM Delegation to Tokyo, Japan in Participation of 15th Anniversary Festivities of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Japan (27-7-2014)

ACCCIM Activities 27

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong and Dato’ Low Kian Chuan congratulated Mr. Yan Hao, President of CCC Japan and wishes CCC Japan all the best and will grow even stronger.

From left: Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Mr. Yan Hao (Japan), H.E. Chen Yonghua, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Mr. Suchart Sethiwan (Thailand) and Dr. Jonathan Choi (Hong Kong)

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong happily met H.E. Ambassador Chen Yonghua in Tokyo, Japan.

ACCCIM Activities28

Dinner Discussion with YB Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department(10-7-2014, Kuala Lumpur)

Dato’ Low Kian Chuan briefed YB Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong on issues faced by SMEs.

ACCCIM Activities 29

Forum on Hong Kong – ASEAN Regional Cooperation(5-6-2014, Kuala Lumpur)

Photo between Co-organisers, Guest of Honour, Speakers and Moderators.

Photo between ACCCIM offi ce-bearers, Dr. Jonathan Choi and Mrs. Carrie Lam.

ACCCIM Activities30

Datuk Ter Leong Yap on behalf of ACCCIM presented a souvenir to The Chinese General Chamber of

Commerce (CGCC) Hong Kong.

CGCC delegation visited Sunsuria Group.

CGCC delegation visited the IOI Group.

ACCCIM Activities 31

Groundbreaking Ceremony of Xiamen University Malaysia Campus

(3-7-204, Salak Tinggi, Selangor)

From left: Dato’ Dr. Hou K ok C hu ng, Dat uk Ter L eong Yap, Tan Sri Bakke Salleh, Prof. Dr. Zhu Chongshi, Tan Sr i Ong Ka Ting, YB Dato Seri Idris Jusoh, Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, H.E. Chen Shun, YB Dato Seri Liow Tiong L a i , H .E . Hu a ng Huikang, Mr Beau Kuok, Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay.

ACCCIM Activities32

Launching Ceremony of Guest Country of Honorof the 18th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT)(17-7-2014, Kuala Lumpur)

President of ACCCIM Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MIITI) YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed and President of MCCC Dato’ Bong Hon Liang having a breakfast meeting in Beijing, China on 30th May 2014 to discuss the collaboration in organizing the Guest Country of Honor of the 18th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT).

ACCCIM Activities 33

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of ACCCIM on behalf of Joint Organisers presented a souvenir to YB Dato’ Lee Chee Leong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, he was accompanied by Dato’ Boon Hon Liang, President of MCCC.

ACCCIM Activities34

From left: President of Batu Pahat Chinese Chamber of Commerce Mr. David Gan, President of Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Dato’ Tan Seng Leong, President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Singapore Mr. Thomas Chua and Vice President of SCCCI Mr. Lau Tai San

ACCCIM Activities 35

The two recent measures imposed by the Malaysia and Singapore Governments to significantly increase toll

charges and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees have sparked an outcry among the public. These measures also had great impact to business, tourism, logistics and transportation, amongst others. In view of the seriousness of the situation, Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong, President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Mr Thomas Chua, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) convened a joint meeting on 14th August 2014 at Batu Pahat, Johor to solicit inputs and feedback from members so that both Chambers could then submit the relevant views and feedback for consideration of their respective Governments in the hope that this issue could be resolved quickly.

Both ACCCIM and SCCCI understand the rationale that the governments of Malaysia and Singapore impose Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees and toll charges in the interests of road maintenance, as well as traffi c conditions and safety. However, the hikes in charges should not be made too drastically or hastily. It should be made with coordination among relevant authorities, and after an extensive study has been made on the likely impact to alleviate the burden on various parties.

Although the increase in the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee and toll charges will increase Government revenue, reduce vehicular fl ow and traffi c congestion, these drastic increases could deal a big blow to businesses of both countries, especially the transportation industry, tourism, restaurants,

hotels, retail business, manufacturing etc. It would also affect the industrial and business development. At the same time, these drastic increases will have a domino effect on the prices of consumer goods, add to the burden of people, and have a defi nite impact on their consumption ability.

From our understanding, there are currently many Malaysians working in Singapore with Permanent Resident status who live in Johor Bahru area and commute to and from Singapore and Johor Bahru to work. Malaysians working in Singapore would be badly hit since they now need to pay increased two-way toll charges to the Malaysian government. This increases their burden as well as the manpower cost for Singapore companies if transportation costs are factored in.

Both Chambers are of the view that while an adjustment in toll charges and the imposition of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee is acceptable, the charges levied have to be reasonable. Prior to implementing any new measures, we urge both Governments to consult the business community to solicit relevant views and feedback, understand and consider the diffi culties encountered by the business community and the general public, and conduct a comprehensive study on the issues concerned before implementing the policies so as to mitigate the overall impact on various sectors.

On the issue of increases in toll charges and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee, both Chambers earnestly urge their respective Governments to enter into a comprehensive study and explore a workable solution for long-term cooperation and mutual benefi ts so as to create a win-win situation.

Participants of joint meeting between ACCCIM and SCCCI.

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI)

Urge Governments of Both Countries to Work Closely

to Resolve Hike in Causeway Transport Charges(14-8-2014, Batu Pahat, Johor)

ACCCIM Activities36

Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong (3rd from left) on behalf of ACCCIM presented a souvenir to H.E. Huang Huikang (4th from left). From left: Mr. Michael Chai, Mr. C S Tang (5th from left), Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Sing and Counsellor Wu Zhengping.

Courtesy Call on H.E. Huang Huikang, Ambassador of China to Malaysia(13-6-2014, Kuala Lumpur)

ACCCIM Activities 37

Promoting Urban Farming and benefi ts (3-5-2014, Kajang)

Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong offi ciated the opening of DF Farm House.

Promoting Technical andVocational Training andCertifi cation Seminar (20-7-2014)

The Seminar was well attended by members.

ACCCIM Activities38

Visit by Delegation of Young Entrepreneurs’ Association of Cambodia, Siem Reap Chapter (YEAC) (12-5-2014)]

Photo taken between representatives of ACCCIM and members of delegations of Myanmar Iron and Steel Association.

Visit by Delegation from Board of Trade of Thailand & The Offi ce

of SMEs Promotion & Thai Entrepreneurs

(17-6-2014)

Photo taken between representatives of ACCCIM and members of delegation from Board of Trade of Thailand & The Offi ce of SMEs Promotion & Thai Entrepreneurs.

Photo taken between representatives

of ACCCIM and members of

delegations of YEAC.

Visit by Delegation of Myanmar Iron and Steel Association (3-6-2014)

ACCCIM Activities 39

Some Statistics onThe Oil Palm Industry In Sabah And

Down-Stream Value Add Products For Potential Entrepreneurs

AS OF 2014 IN SABAH1. ACREAGE OF OIL PALM ESTATES 1.4 MILLION HECTARES

2. NUMBER OF PALM OIL MILLS 124

3. NUMBER OF PALM OIL REFINERIES 14

4. NUMBER OF KERNEL CRUSHERS 14

PRODUCTION TONNES

5. CRUDE PALM OIL 5,776,459

6. PALM KERNEL OIL 611,322

7. PALM FATTY ACID DISTILLER 208,152

8. PALM KERNEL CAKE 688,564

OIL PALM BIOMASS MILLION TONNES PER YEAR

9. OIL PALM FRONDS 16.4

10. OIL PALM TRUNKS 4.5

11. EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES (EFB) 2.3

12. MESOCARP FIBRES 2.5

13. PALM KERNEL SHELLS 1.4

14. PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT 1.0

ALL THESE CAN BE VALUE ADD AS MATTRESS FIBRE, FUEL PELLETS/BRIQUETTES, FERTILIZER/COMPOST, ETC.

(SOURCE: PALM OIL INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER-LAHAD DATU, SABAH)

TABLULATED FROM POIC LEAFLETBY TAN SRI DATO’ SOONG SIEW HOONG

25-7-2014

ACCCIM Activities40

A Summary of Rain-Water Harvesting System (Rhs)For

Domestic Dwellings & Commercial Buildings

A. Introduced by the Housing & Local Government Ministry (now known as The

Ministry Of Urban Wellbeing, Housing And Local Government) through The

Ministry’s 1999 “Guideline For Installing A Rain Water Collection & Utilisation

Ststem” after the 1998 drought

B. Guideline made compulsory following national counsel approval in 2011,

whereby local authorities will not approve building plans from developers who do not include a rain-water harvesting system for residential buildings – bungalows &

semi-detached houses with a roof area of 100 sq meters or more.

C. Since march 2012, the 6 states of Perak, Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Kelantan &

Perlis gazetted the implementation of spah(RHS)

D. Consumers can spend between RM500 to RM10,000 to install a RHS.

E. MBPJ offers up to 100% rebate on assessment rates to houseowners who comply

with rules to install rhs. PKNS requires all new factory buildings to have RHS.

F. A study by the National Hydraulic Research Institute Of Malaysia, 34% of treated

water can be saved if spah was applied well.

G. RHS eligible for fi nancing from Green-Tech Corp & Credit Guarantee Corporation.

Condensed by

Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong25-7-2014