Tesco to invest RM800m in 11 new stores
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2008/02/27




Apart from the RM800 million investment, another RM100 million will be for the opening of a distribution centre in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor


BRITISH retailer Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd will invest RM800 million within the next 12 months as it opens 11 stores, bringing the total number of Tesco stores to 31 and possibly over RM3 billion in sales.

The planned expansion, growth in like-for-like sales coupled with a strong consumer friendly pricing policy, is expected to help sales for the year ending February 28 2009 grow by not less than 30 per cent.

"We are currently constructing eight stores and we have plans to develop a further three stores, hopefully within the next 12 months. We are also building a second distribution centre for our ambient products," chief executive officer Chris Bush said.

Bush said Tesco's growth in Malaysia, in terms of expansion and sales, is one of the biggest markets outside of the UK.

"We ended 2006/2007 (February 2007) with RM1.7 billion in sales. In the current year (ending February 29 2008) we expect it to be significant, at around 50 per cent ... and we will be disappointed if we do not grow by at least 30 per cent in the coming year (ending February 2009)," he said.

Tesco, which opened its first Malaysian hypermarket in 2002, will also post its maiden profit in the current year ending February 2008.

Apart from the RM800 million investment, another RM100 million will be for the opening of a distribution centre. The investments will come from its 15-year-tenure RM3.5 billion bond sale.

"RM100 million will be for the distribution centre to be located in Bukit Beruntung," Bush said.

Two of the scheduled 11 stores - in Johor Baru and Prai - are Makro outlets which are being renovated and converted into Tesco Extra outlets.

New outlets are also scheduled for Mergong, Kedah, Kampar and South Ipoh in Perak, Desa Tebrau and Setia Alam in Johor and Semenyih in Selangor.

Bush, who was speaking to reporters yesterday to announce Tesco's price commitment for the next 12 months, said it has slashed RM20 million off the price of 500 products. The price cuts range from 5-41 per cent.

Tesco, which initiated two other price cuts in 2006 and 2007, investing RM6 million and RM15 million respectively, is this time taking its pledge a little further.

It announced that 50 basic everyday staples, which are its best-selling lines across fresh and grocery including oil, sugar, flour and rice will not be beaten on price.

Tesco will refund twice the difference if any of the 50 products is found to be cheaper elsewhere.

Tesco in Malaysia, a 70-30 joint venture between Tesco Plc and Sime Darby Bhd, employs 7,000 people at its 20 outlets and is set to employ another 5,200 people in the next year as its expands.

Going forward, Bush expects Tesco to invest a further RM500 million to RM600 million for openings in the 2009/2010 financial year.

By Vasantha Ganesan and Adeline Paul Raj
Published: 2008/02/11 (NST)

Most consumers have not benefited from higher salaries and they have been cautious in their spending because they expect the cost of living to rise further

RETAIL sales in Malaysia is forecast to grow slower than initially thought this year as higher living costs and stagnant salaries weigh on consumer confidence.

Retail Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd (RGM), which tabulates quarterly retail data for the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), cut its sales growth projection to seven per cent from eight per cent earlier.

The one percentage point cut could result in total sales for the year coming in at RM68.69 billion, a RM610 million shortfall.

The numbers take into account all sales, but exclude big-ticket items like houses and cars.

"Retailers are preparing for slower consumer spending this year. They are concerned about Malaysia's rising cost of living more so than a slowdown in the US economy," RGM managing director Tan Hai Hsin told Business Times in an interview.

"Today, Malaysia's economy is less dependent on the US. Our economic structure has changed and we are now more dependent on the Asian economy and internal domestic demand," Tan said.

Although sectors like commodity, oil and gas and telecommunications have been doing well, this has not benefited the majority of the Malaysian population.

"Most consumers have not benefited from higher salaries. Thus, we have not seen higher sales in the retail sector," he said.

On top of that, consumers have been cautious in their spending because they expect the cost of living to rise further. A hike in the price of petrol and electricity is anticipated this year.

As it stands, Malaysia's inflation for December 2007 grew by 2.4 per cent year-on-year, the highest in 10 months, although it grew by two per cent for the whole of 2007.

"We have been suffering from increasing cost of living since 2004 (when the oil crisis first started). It just gets worse every year," Tan remarked.

On a more positive note, Tan says a one percentage cut in retail sales is not serious. Retail sales was estimated to have grown by eight per cent in 2007, translating into RM64.2 billion in total sales.

"We are not seeing large numbers of companies closing down, retrenchments or salary cuts. Therefore, the take-home pay of most salaried men is not affected. They are just cautious in spending as their confidence level is not strong at this moment," he pointed out.

Retailers, meanwhile, hope higher living costs this year would be offset by government efforts to boost the people's disposable income. An example is the monthly withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund to pay housing loans.

"It all depends how the government moves the economy so that people have more disposable income to spend," said F&N Holdings Bhd's chief financial officer Joseph Tan.

Meanwhile, RGM's Tan suggests retailers use sales and discounts to attract consumers, apart from cutting costs and opening more outlets to improve turnover.

"Improve your negotiation power with local suppliers, source supplies from overseas markets that offer cheaper prices, improve productivity of staff, reduce operation costs such as staff cost and rental cost. Retailers can also develop their own product lines so as not to rely too much on suppliers," he suggested.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7311083.stm
Tesco probes Malaysia wage claims

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44511000/jpg/_44511062_tesco_getty203b.jpg
Tesco says doing business overseas can be challenging

Tesco has launched an inquiry into a report that some of its workers in Malaysia work up to 80 hours a week for as little as 8p an hour.
Migrant workers from Bangladesh told the Daily Telegraph that they paid a labour agent up to £1,500 to land a job at one of Tesco's Malaysian stores.

They then find themselves working for between £20 to £50 a month after deductions are made to their salary.

Tesco said it took the allegations about its contractors very seriously.

"Doing business in some overseas markets can be challenging as local laws and customs sometimes appear to conflict with the high expectations we have here in the UK and elsewhere in the international community," Tesco said in a statement.

"However, wherever we operate we insist on the highest standards of welfare for workers, both our own and - as in this case - those employed by contractors working for us."

"Whilst we do not believe that they are deliberately seeking to disadvantage their workers, if improvements need to be made we will not hesitate to make them."

The Daily Telegraph said labour agents promised the Bangladeshi workers that they would be paid £180 - £215 a month.

But migrant workers in Malaysia rarely earn more than a gross salary of £117 a month, the paper reported.

Tesco probes claim of workers earning 50 sen an hour

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Supermarket giant Tesco of the UK has pledged to investigate claims that some of its workers in Malaysia earn just eight pence, or about 50 sen, an hour.

“Doing business in some overseas markets can be challenging as local laws and customs sometimes appear to conflict with the high expectations we have here in the UK and elsewhere in the international community,” said Tesco in a statement sighted on a website.

It said job agencies were reportedly charging migrants up to £1,500 (RM9,493) to place them in Tesco jobs in Malaysia on the promise that they would earn between £180 and £215 a month.

The workers then find themselves subcontracted to work up to 360 hours a month for between £20 and £50, after various deductions have been made.

“We take allegations such as these very seriously and have launched an immediate investigation with our contractors. Whilst we do not believe that they are deliberately seeking to disadvantage their workers, if improvements need to be made we will not hesitate to make them,” Tesco said.

One Bangladeshi migrant who was taken on as a cleaner at a supermarket in Kuala Lumpur had paid a labour agent in Bangladesh more than £1,500 to find him a job in Malaysia. The 26-year-old, who asked not to be named, said he has ended up having to share a one-bedroom flat with 12 fellow Bangladeshis, taking it in turn to use the beds.

Even with these cost-cutting measures, they cannot hope to recoup the £1,500 they spent on getting their jobs. He said: “I decided to come to Malaysia so I could earn more money and feed my family properly.”

Migrant workers such as Tesco floor cleaners rarely earn much more than RM750 (£117) for a month — £20 to £50 per month after deductions, many of which the workers cannot understand.

^^Tesco have always had bad records when it comes to paying their workers around the world.

At least Carrefour have community programs where disabled people can get jobs. Carefour Wangsa Maju have some disabled workers working at the less than 10 item counters and food preparation. They even train the special students from my former school. :)

Melati moving into property development

By LEONG HUNG YEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Having made its name in the construction services industry, Melati Ehsan Holdings Bhd intends to move into property development to diversify its earnings.

“Construction services are currently the group's main contributor. However, we are always on the look-out for ways to enhance our income stream,” managing director Datuk Yap Suan Chee told StarBiz in an interview.

Listed on the Bursa Malaysia main board last March, Melati will be developing its sole plot of land in Pandamaran, Klang soon. The 100-acre land was purchased from Bank Negara unit, TPPT Sdn Bhd, for RM32mil cash, Yap said.

The development, which has an estimated gross development value of RM500mil, will comprise about 500 gated residential units, 320 shop lots with 8.97 acres of commercial units and 6.92 acres of industrial units.

Executive director Tan Hong Hing said apart from diversifying its income base, venturing into property development would enable the group to command higher margins.

“We w ill be able to reap the profit twice. The first being the developer of the project and second, for construction of the property,” he added.

Tan said Melati would continue to accumulate strategic land bank with residential and commercial property development potential.

Yap said the group was currently at the planning stage and had not started developing the land.

To a question, he said he foresaw a slight delay in the project due to the transition of power in the Selangor government but added that it would not be a major problem.

“We will be having meeting with the state government in due course,” Yap said.

Melati's construction division had been growing steadily over the years, even during the financial crisis, because of its ability to complete projects on time and within budget.

Melati's order book now stands at RM1.7bil, which will keep the company busy for three to five years. To sustain growth, it has tendered for projects amounting to over RM1bil.

“We are still aggressively bidding for more contracts and are confident of increasing our order book.

“The bulk of our projects are local, but if the opportunity arises and the projects overseas are commercially viable, we would consider them,” Yap said.

Recently, the group clinched the job for the construction of Carrefour hypermarket for Magnificent Diagraph Sdn Bhd in Kota Damansara, Selangor.

The company, which has one flood mitigation project in hand, has bid for similar jobs in Johor Baru.

On its financial performance, Yap said the company hoped to perform better in the financial year ending Aug 31.For the year ended Aug 31, 2007, Melati posted a net profit of RM27mil on turnover of RM173.4mil.

dah start construction kot. Sebelah sekolah rendah. kat seksyen 6. About 500 metres from dataran sunway

well terima kasih mr driver...

Melati Ehsan awarded RM40.5m construction contract

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Turnkey contractor Melati Ehsan Holdings Bhd (MEHB) has received the letter of award for a RM40.5 million construction job for the main building of Carrefour Hypermarket in Kota Damansara.

In an announcement to Bursa, MEHB said the award was received by its wholly-owned Bayu Melati Sdn Bhd, with the contract expiring on June 28.

Prior to the award of the main building work of this project, Bayu Melati had also been awarded earthworks and piling works on the project worth RM3.4 million.

In a separate announcement to Bursa, MEHB said the board of directors of MEHB had decided to vary the utilisation of its initial public offering (IPO) proceeds in view of additional working capital needed for its new project, which requires immediate funding as compared to the private finance initiative (PFI) projects.

MEHB is reallocating RM10 million from IPO proceeds set aside for PFI projects, to part finance the initial start-up cost for the new construction project in Kota Damansara.

“Any future PFI projects will be financed through internally generated funds,” it added.

The company raised RM35.2 million in its IPO exercise in March last year.

pics taken from melatiehsan.com.my

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/01.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/02.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/03.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/04.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/05.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/06.gif

http://www.melatiehsan.com.my/img_projects/carrefour/07.gif

^^^^^^

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c31.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c30.jpg

GIANT - KOTA DAMANSARA

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/giant/giant_03.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/giant/giant_04.jpg

CARREFOUR KLANG

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c1.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c2.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c3.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c4.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c5.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/carrefour/c6.jpg

Mydin to boycott Dutch products
Published: 2008/04/01


MYDIN’S chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets has decided to boycott Dutch products in response to the anti-Islam film “Fitna” produced by Dutch legislator Geert Wilders.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Maidin said the film that was shown on-line had insulted Islam and Muslims all over the world.

“In support of Umno Youth, the Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia and other non-governmental organisations, we call on consumers, Muslims and non-Muslims, to collectively boycott Dutch products,” he said at a promotion drive for products of small- and medium-scale industries at Mydin Mall USJ, near Kuala Lumpur.

Officiating at the event was Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who is also an Umno Supreme Council member.






Ameer Ali said for a start, Mydin stores would stick red labels on racks displaying Dutch products to inform consumers of their origin. “Nobody has the right to condemn other religions,” he said.

Shahrir said the boycott would not hurt bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Netherlands, adding that the government would not stop businesses or consumers from taking such action as it was within their right.

He had before this described the action of Wilders as “political narrowness" and extreme.

The film placed on the Internet shows contempt towards Islam by putting Quranic verses against the images of terrorist attacks. — Bernama

Mydin stores mark protest against anti-Islam film
By MANJIT KAUR

SUBANG JAYA: All Mydin stores nationwide have placed red labels on products from the Netherlands as a sign of protest over the release of the controversial anti-Islam film Fitna.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said they have put up notices in their two hypermarkets and 24 emporiums nationwide as a step to urge shoppers not to purchase the products.

Dutch legislator Geert Wilders released the 15-minute film on the Internet on Thursday.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/1/nation/n_12duth.jpg
Red sticker day: Shahrir on a tour of Mydin Hypermarket in USJ, Subang Jaya, after he launched “Product Malaysia Citarasa Kita” promotion Monday. Inset — the notice to inform customers which products are from the Netherlands.

“We have put up red labels with the words ‘Product from the Netherlands’ on the shelves and posters have been pasted around the mall and cashier counters to urge shoppers not to buy the products.

“This will give customers a choice to shop for other products, especially local products.

“One need not be a Muslim to refrain from purchasing the products, as nobody has the right to condemn any religion – it is time to show how united we are.

“Anyway, there are many other products to choose from, and people need not worry,” Ameer said in his speech before Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad launched the Product Malaysia Citarasa Kita promotion at the Mydin Hypermarket in USJ here yesterday.

He added that they were, however, unable to remove the products from the shelves as consumers had the right to make their own choice.

Shahrir commended Mydin and Ameer for speaking up and placing the labels to discourage people from purchasing products from the Netherlands.

He said usually businessmen preferred to stay neutral when it came to such issues.

“But I am surprised with the speech by Ameer and the willingness of Mydin to place the labels to show their dissatisfaction over Wilders’ act.

“We are not angry with the Netherlands Government but with Wilders’ act, which has created anger among the Muslims,” he said, adding that there was no official boycott of Dutch products.

Shahrir said even companies in the Netherlands had said that they would take legal action against Wilders if their businesses were affected.

“And since their businesses are now affected, I hope legal action will be taken,” he added.

“With the move, consumers will have a choice of products that can compete with foreign products,” he added.

Tesco to boost house brand
BY Jeeva Arulapalam
Published: 2008/04/08



BRITISH retailer Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd will increase its line of house brand products by 50 per cent this year as the war on low-priced products continues to rage among hypermarkets.

"This year, we expect pricing to become even more competitive. For now, our house brand contributes about 15 per cent of (total) sales," Tesco marketing director Paul Morris told Business Times after its Tesco Shop 'N' Win Contest prize-giving ceremony yesterday.

For its financial year ended February 28 2007, the retailer recorded RM1.7 billion in sales. Its chief executive officer Chris Bush previously told Business Times that Tesco expected this to jump 50 per cent in 2008.

Morris said sales contribution from its Tesco brand will increase as the retailer adds to the current line-up of about 2,000 items. It plans to offer more household items such as plastic storage products, detergents and foot rugs.






In the UK, sales contribution from its household brand accounts for 80 per cent of sales.

"Customers have articulated that items they are most price conscious about are household chemical goods such as detergents and also baby products," he said.

Meanwhile, the retailer aims to increase its clubcard membership to two million by end-2008, from 1.3 million now. The clubcard was introduced last August.

The growth in clubcard membership will be driven by its expansion throughout Malaysia this year.

"We have secured (federal) approvals for seven to eight stores and should be able to open by end of this year," said corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias during the press conference.

He said the stores, with an investment of RM50 million per outlet, will create 5,000 jobs.

I pitty so much to the small Kedai Runcit retailers.

Other than house delivery of gas, rice, sugar, they have nothing to offer and to compete with big hypermarket.

Carrefour sees 36% sales growth this year
KUALA LUMPUR: Carrefour Malaysia expects sales to grow 36% this year compared with 14% last year driven by sales expansion via new stores and improved sales of its house brands.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/15/business/shafie.jpg
Shafie Shamsuddin

The French hypermarket chain also projected a 30% growth in profits, higher than the 22% registered last year, managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said.

The company, he said, was also focusing on increasing sales of its house brands to almost 15% of total sales in two years.

“Consumers would have more (affordable) choices with our house brand, which is important during times of inflation.

“It would also assist the small and medium enterprises producing most of our house brands,” he said after a press conference on the top French companies in Malaysia.

Carrefour plans to have a total of 24 stores by 2010 from 13 currently. It will be spending RM15mil to RM100mil per store, depending on the size.

Shafie said the company had not experienced a slowdown in consumer spending despite the recent price hikes.

Carrefour is a member company of the Paris Stock Exchange Index, CAC 40, which comprises 40 most valued companies among the top 100 companies with the highest capitalisation on the bourse.

According to the French Ambassador Alain du Boispean, 22 member companies of CAC 40 with 12,000 employees were currently in Malaysia.

“The CAC 40 companies conduct over two-thirds of their business and employ over two-thirds of their workforce outside of France.

“They also employ 2.8 million people worldwide,” he said.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/15/business/Alain.jpg
Ambassador of France His Excellency Alain du Boispean shaking hands with France embassy economic & commercial counsellor and trade commissioner Jean - Francois Bijon and looking on Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry president Alain Crouy at the French embassy.

du Boispean said some 180 French companies chose to set up business in Malaysia due to the country's good infrastructure, English-speaking manpower and its central location in Asia.

“These companies have invested US$2.7bil to date and employ almost 30,000 people in Malaysia,” du Boispean said, adding that 37 of these companies had chosen Malaysia to set up their respective regional headquarters.

cawangan baru Carrefour
Oleh Ahmad Fiesal Othman


PEMBINAAN LANCAR: Empat lagi cawangan baru Carrefour di seluruh negara babitkan pelaburan RM300 juta.


http://www.bharian.com.my/Tuesday/Ekonomi/20080414230444/mainpix

Setiap lokasi dianggar babitkan pelaburan antara RM15j hingga RM100j

CARREFOUR Malaysia merancang membuka sekurang-kurangnya empat lagi cawangan baru di seluruh negara tahun ini membabitkan pelaburan berjumlah kira-kira RM300 juta.

Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin, berkata ini termasuk cawangan di Kuantan yang akan dibuka penghujung bulan ini, manakala dua lagi dikenali pasti dibuka di Mutiara Damansara dan Johor Bahru.



Katanya, pembukaan setiap cawangan dianggarkan membabitkan pelaburan antara RM15 juta hingga RM100 juta.

"Kami juga merancang untuk membuka cawangan pertama di Sabah dan Sarawak yang dijangka dilaksanakan dalam tempoh dua tahun lagi," katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis perjumpaan antara syarikat Perancis dengan wakil media di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Carrefour kini mempunyai 13 cawangan di Malaysia dan operasinya dikendalikan oleh Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd yang 30 peratus kepentingannya dikuasai Syarikat Pesaka Antah yang dikuasai keluarga diraja Negeri Sembilan.

Shafie berkata, pihaknya mahu menjadikan cawangan baru di Kuantan lebih mesra pengguna, terutama untuk orang kurang upaya (OKU).

Katanya, cawangan Kuantan itu akan menjadi satu-satunya cawangan Carrefour memiliki kemudahan OKU yang dinaik taraf serta memenuhi tuntutan golongan berkenaan dalam pelbagai segi.

"Jika berjaya, kami akan menawarkan kemudahan OKU ini di semua 13 cawangan sedia ada supaya bersesuaian dengan keperluan pelanggan Carrefour yang merangkumi pelbagai golongan," katanya.

cawangan baru Carrefour
Oleh Ahmad Fiesal Othman


PEMBINAAN LANCAR: Empat lagi cawangan baru Carrefour di seluruh negara babitkan pelaburan RM300 juta.


http://www.bharian.com.my/Tuesday/Ekonomi/20080414230444/mainpix

Setiap lokasi dianggar babitkan pelaburan antara RM15j hingga RM100j

CARREFOUR Malaysia merancang membuka sekurang-kurangnya empat lagi cawangan baru di seluruh negara tahun ini membabitkan pelaburan berjumlah kira-kira RM300 juta.

Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin, berkata ini termasuk cawangan di Kuantan yang akan dibuka penghujung bulan ini, manakala dua lagi dikenali pasti dibuka di Mutiara Damansara dan Johor Bahru.



Katanya, pembukaan setiap cawangan dianggarkan membabitkan pelaburan antara RM15 juta hingga RM100 juta.

"Kami juga merancang untuk membuka cawangan pertama di Sabah dan Sarawak yang dijangka dilaksanakan dalam tempoh dua tahun lagi," katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis perjumpaan antara syarikat Perancis dengan wakil media di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Carrefour kini mempunyai 13 cawangan di Malaysia dan operasinya dikendalikan oleh Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd yang 30 peratus kepentingannya dikuasai Syarikat Pesaka Antah yang dikuasai keluarga diraja Negeri Sembilan.

Shafie berkata, pihaknya mahu menjadikan cawangan baru di Kuantan lebih mesra pengguna, terutama untuk orang kurang upaya (OKU).

Katanya, cawangan Kuantan itu akan menjadi satu-satunya cawangan Carrefour memiliki kemudahan OKU yang dinaik taraf serta memenuhi tuntutan golongan berkenaan dalam pelbagai segi.

"Jika berjaya, kami akan menawarkan kemudahan OKU ini di semua 13 cawangan sedia ada supaya bersesuaian dengan keperluan pelanggan Carrefour yang merangkumi pelbagai golongan," katanya.
yeah! so means that Sarawak-Kuching soon will have Carrefour hypermarket... How about Tesco? Any latest news about it?

Residents all out to stop hypermarket project
By DEBBIE CHAN
AMID chants of protest against the construction of a new hypermarket, labourers continued their work as usual.

About 100 Kota Damansara residents gathered at the construction site in Kota Damansara recently to protest against the project, as it would affect their daily life.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/15/central/m_02protest.jpg
Speaking out: Some of the residents carrying placards and banners against the construction work.

Residents from D’Villa Avenue, D’Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap, Bayu Damansara, R. T. Seri Utama (Section 5) and Damansara Emas picketed and shouted at lorries carrying construction materials into the site.

According to Gugusan Dedap Residents Association representative Zamaruddin Zainuddin, the land was initially approved for the development of 30 double-storey shophouses.

However, the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) converted the original plan to a hypermarket and construction began last December.

“The location is inappropriate for a hypermarket, as it is near a primary school and surrounded by residential areas.

“Schoolchildren would be expo- sed to all kinds of negative influences, which would lead to absenteeism, truancy and many other social problems,” Zamaruddin said, adding that most children from Gugusan Dedap walked and cycled to the school.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/15/central/m_02hailer.jpg
Unpopular: The project has drawn the ire of residents from several nearby neighbourhoods.

Another R.T. Seri Utama (Section 5) representative Simon Lau said once the hypermarket began operations, it would subject the residents to endless traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, parents have complained that their daughters were teased and disturbed by some of the foreign labourers living at the site.

Kota Damansara MP Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said the protest had shown that Kota Damasara residents were sensitive to and aware of issues involving them.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/15/central/m_02ras.jpg
Ras Adiba: We also have workers on duty at all times to monitor lorries entering and leaving the site.

“We have reported the matter to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and they will issue a stop-work order to the developer.

“Besides, they also went against MBPJ rules that prohibit work from being carried out on weekends,” he said.

Developer Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd public relations and corporate social responsibility director Ras Adiba Radzi said the company had discussed the matter with MBPJ and reached an agreement concerning the residents’ grouses two weeks ago.

“We also have workers on duty at all times to monitor the lorries entering and leaving the construction site,” she said, adding that it would be better to have a meeting with the residents.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman held a meeting with the town planners to discuss the various factors of concern in the building of the new hypermarket in the area.

“We have conducted the meeting and are waiting for the final reports from the planners on the next course of action,” a MBPJ spokesman said.

Wednesday April 16, 2008
Tesco plans to open 11 more outlets
By IAN MCINTYRE

KOTA BARU: Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd plans to establish 11 more hypermarket outlets on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia within the next 12 months

Chief executive officer Chris Bush said the expansion would largely cover areas such as Kedah, Johor and the Klang Valley where three stores would be added to the present six.

He said this after the opening of the RM80mil Tesco outlet here, its first in the east coast.

To help consumers cope with mounting costs brought on by global inflation amid the rising fuel prices, Bush said Tesco had last year introduced its own brand for some 800 products.

“We know it is difficult to control cost pricing especially when suppliers hike their costs but we have strategies in place where we guarantee fair value for many products.” he said adding that the Tesco-branded products were 50% to 60% lower in pricing compared to similar products of different brands.

Realising this, many consumers had started buying its brand and had seen impressive growth in

Earlier, Tesco corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias said for the Kota Baru outlet, 200 of its product lines were sourced from local suppliers

Chain finds smart way to grow business
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2008/04/17


Late last month, Carrefour opened a convenience store in Kuala Lumpur under the franchise concept in a move to gain a bigger slice of the RM64 billion retail market in Malaysia.

MALAYSIA'S smallest hypermarket in terms of outlets, Carrefour, appears to have skirted rules by moving into the convenience store business.

It is a clever move because the stores, which are not allowed for foreigners under current rules, will be run under the franchise concept.

By doing so, the business falls under a different set of rules under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development. Currently, hypermarkets are regulated by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

Carrefour officials have declined to comment.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Thursday/Latest/ic4exp.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph7/outlet.jpg

Late last month, the French retailer opened a convenience store under the brand, Carrefour Express, in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur. More stores will be opened, one source told Business Times.

This means that the franchise concept may help Carrefour gain a bigger slice of the RM64 billion retail market in Malaysia.

Although it was the first to enter Malaysia in 1994, Carrefour has the least number of outlets at 13. It trails Hong Kong's Dairy Farm, which has 28 Giant hypermarkets, and the UK's Tesco, which has 14 stores.

Dairy Farm also operates Giant and Cold Storage supermarkets/superstores and the Guardian health and beauty/pharmacy chain.

Tesco, meanwhile, also runs six Tesco Extras which cater for both retail and wholesale buyers.

Based on a search at the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Carrefour Express is operated by a company registered last September, called Agenda Unggul Sdn Bhd.

It was set up to carry out general trading, construction and manufacturing.

It has RM100,000 authorised capital and has issued two shares of RM1 each. The two shares are held by one Rofiati Ahmad and a Mohammad Shariffudin Mohamed Soltan.

The company directors are Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad and Raihanah Yahaya. Both were appointed in February this year.

Carrefour in Malaysia is operated by Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd, which is 30 per cent owned by Negri Sembilan Royalty-controlled Syarikat Pesaka Antah.

Carrefour is the second largest retail chain in the world in terms of revenue, after the US' Walmart.

According to the Carrefour group website, it currently operates four main grocery store formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets, hard discount and convenience stores.

It has more than 15,000 stores, either company-operated or franchises. As at December 31 2007, there were 4,800 convenience stores worldwide, 95 per cent of which are operated under franchise agreements.

New retail war in the offing?
Published: 2008/04/17




WILL there be a new war among foreign retailers in the convenience store market?

This is what could happen if rivals like Tesco and Giant decide to follow the example of Carrefour.

The French retailer has come up with a smart way of expanding its business in a market that has, until now, been closed to foreigners.

It is using the franchise concept to open a Carrefour Express convenience store and more are likely to follow as the first outlet has drawn a good reception.

Carrefour is no stranger to the franchise business. It has more than 4,000 stores worldwide run by franchisees.

It remains to be seen how this would affect smaller mom and pop stores. Their owners have always railed against the much bigger, more powerful foreign rivals, saying they would perish without protection.

And they are being protected by a set of rules drawn up by the Domestic Trade ministry.

But now local entrepreneurs could also benefit from what Carrefour has done because franchise opens the door for a third party.

By doing this, Carrefour gets to grow its market share and at the same time, enable local retailers who are keen to be in the business a chance to do so.

The franchisees will be able to ride on Carrefour's popular name and get supplies at better prices helped by Carrefour's bulk purchasing power.

However, a real concern is if the franchise fees are set out of the reach of those who are keen to do this business. These circles are typically sundry shops that are family businesses.

Will they complain again now that foreign competition has come down right to their front yard? It is still too early to say.

What's clear is that business will always find a way to grow. What Carrefour did is not wrong, in fact, it's clever.

However, the authorities may think that it goes against the spirit of the existing rules that govern foreign hypermarkets, which is the protection of local mom and pop stores.

Industry players have long complained that these rules are not clear because they are not sure what still applies and what doesn't.

For instance, what is the ratio of a hypermarket to residents, is it one outlet to 350,000 people or one to 150,000 people.

Businesses do not like it when rules are not clear. However, it won't stop them from being in business if there is money to be made.

This explains Carrefour's move.

How Tesco gets it fresh, and keeps prices down


KUALA LUMPUR: Supermarket chain Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd's RM60 million investment in a fresh food distribution centre in Perak enables it to supply more fresh produce to its stores nationwide and slow down food price rises.

In an interview with Business Times last week, Tesco director of corporate and legal affairs Azlam Shah Alias said the centre brought savings to the company by reducing post-harvest rot or wastage.

The RM60 million centre, built on 6.08ha in Simpang Pulai, Perak, is like a huge fridge spread over three football fields with freezers, chillers and cold rooms.

Azlam said farmers in Perak and Kedah send their freshly harvested produce to the centre "and within five hours we grade, pack and load them onto our refrigerated trucks that go to our stores throughout the peninsula".

This hypermarket operator used to source its vegetables and fruits from wholesalers.

When it realised product quality was not properly controlled, it got farmers to plant according to its specifications.

"Contract farming allows us to look at food safety and monitor the food chain from farm to market.

"We guide the contract farmers on how to control the amount of pesticides used, how it is sprayed and so on.

"We also give pointers to farmers to take better care of the waterways by proper disposal of pesticide canisters."

Tesco also rents baskets and trays to the farmers to reduce handling and thus, deterioration, of the produce.

"Through contract farming we do away with wholesalers and pass on these savings to our customers. That's why we are able to offer fresh vegetables and fruits to shoppers at affordable prices."

Last year, up to a quarter of Tesco's poultry, fruits, vegetables and meat,were contract-farmed in Johor, Kedah, Perak and Terengganu. This year, Tesco aims to increase contract farming of fresh produce to 30 per cent.

In view of the rising food prices, consumers are tightening their belts.

Azlam said many shoppers choose Tesco Value and Tesco Choice products over branded ones. "This year, we expect pricing to become even more competitive."

The group plans to offer more household items like plastic storage products, detergent and foot rugs.

Tesco Stores, a 70:30 joint venture between British retailer Tesco plc and Sime Darby Bhd, opened its first store in 2002. Today, it has 20 hypermarkets throughout peninsular Malaysia. Its latest market will open in Alor Setar next month.

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_retail/retail_31tescoda_big.gif

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_retail/retail_21tescopu_big.gif

Carre4 Kepong

http://a836.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/104/l_a77bbdc4a3dfb55882d70192d0246f7b.jpg

Carrefour diberi hingga Jumaat buat keputusan

PETALING JAYA 28 April - Pemaju pasar raya besar Carrefour di Kota Damansara telah diminta menghentikan kerja-kerja pembinaan sehingga rundingan mengenai isu bantahan penduduk sekitar terhadap pembinaan pasar raya itu diselesaikan.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Kerajaan Tempatan, Kajian dan Penyelidikan, Ronnie Liew berkata, pihak pemaju diberikan masa sehingga Jumaat ini untuk mempertimbangkan perkara itu dan memaklumkan kepada beliau mengenai keputusan mereka.

"Permintaan ini adalah kerana kerajaan negeri mengamalkan sikap mahukan sesuatu isu itu seboleh-bolehnya diselesaikan di meja perundingan.

"Kita tidak boleh menghalang penduduk membawa isu ini ke mahkamah kerana itu hak mereka tetapi kita tidak menggalakkan," katanya sewaktu mempengerusikan mesyuarat untuk membincangkan isu pembinaan pasar raya besar Carrefour di Jalan Kenyalang 11/1, Seksyen 11, Kota Damansara dekat sini.

Mesyuarat itu, yang diadakan di bangunan ibu pejabat Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) turut dihadiri oleh Datuk Bandar Petaling Jaya, Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, wakil Carrefour, penduduk-penduduk sekitar tapak pasar raya itu serta peguam mereka, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Kota Damansara, Dr. Mohd. Nasir Hashim dan wakil Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS).

Ronnie berkata, kerajaan negeri tidak mahu dilihat sebagai tidak mematuhi perjanjian walaupun kelulusan mendirikan pasar raya itu diberikan oleh kerajaan sebelum ini.

"Sebarang perjanjian yang dibuat oleh kerajaan terdahulu perlu dihormati, kecuali jika terdapat sesuatu yang tidak betul.

"Namun, kami minta penduduk bersabar, jangan ambil tindakan mahkamah dahulu. Kita berikan pengurusan Carrefour sehingga Jumaat ini untuk mereka mempertimbangkan tindakan menghentikan terus kerja-kerja pembinaan," katanya.

Beliau berkata, pengurusan Carrefour harus mempertimbangkan fakta bahawa jika penduduk membawa bantahan mereka ke mahkamah dan menang, maka mereka (Carrefour) akan menanggung kerugian yang lebih besar.

Pada 14 April lalu, penduduk-penduduk yang terdiri daripada Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Penduduk D'Villa Avenue, D'Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap, Bayu Damansara, Damansara Emas dan Seri Utama, Seksyen 5 yang terletak berdekatan tapak Carrefour baru itu telah mengadakan tunjuk perasaan bagi membantah pembinaannya.

Tunjuk perasaan itu turut disertai oleh Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11 dan Friends of Damansara, sebuah pertubuhan bukan kerajaan berkaitan pemuliharaan alam sekitar.

Turut hadir memberikan sokongan kepada gabungan penunjuk perasaan itu ialah Mohd. Nasir sendiri.

Sementara itu, mesyuarat hari ini berlangsung dengan tenang tetapi sekali-sekali bertukar panas apabila wakil-wakil penduduk mempertikaikan kewajaran PKNS menyokong pembinaan pasar raya itu.

Menurut wakil PKNS, dari segi perancangan bandar, penduduk dan pihak sekolah tidak perlu risau dengan kehadiran pasar raya itu kerana ia akan menjadikan kawasan itu lebih bersih dan tersusun berbanding jika dibina 30 unit rumah kedai seperti dalam perancangan asal.

"Selain itu, Carrefour mempunyai pegawai keselamatan yang membolehkan pemantauan dibuat terhadap para pelajar sekolah jika mereka merayau-rayau di sana.

"Mengikut perancangan bandar juga, jalan di situ bukannya jalan mati dan ia merupakan antara sebab itu kami menyokong pembinaan Carrefour di situ," kata wakil PKNS itu.

Bagaimanapun, wakil-wakil penduduk berkata, PKNS telah gagal menilai keadaan persekitaran yang menurut mereka tidak sesuai termasuk kehadiran sebuah sekolah berhampiran tapak pasar raya itu.

Peguam yang mewakili penduduk, Derek Fernandes berkata, pemaju telah gagal mengambil kira kesan pembangunan dan juga kesan sosial terhadap kawasan sekitar dengan kehadiran Carrefour itu nanti.

Ronnie seterusnya berkata, selain meminta pandangan daripada penasihat undang-undang negeri, beliau juga akan membawa perkara itu ke mesyuarat Exco.

Beliau juga mengingatkan bahawa arahan MBPJ supaya kerja-kerja melebihi masa dihentikan seperti yang dikeluarkan pada 24 April lalu kekal dan perlu dipatuhi.

Hypermart to abide by stop-work order
By TAN KARR WEI


CARREFOUR Malaysia will abide by the stop-work order issued by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on the hypermarket project in Section 11, Kota Damansara.

The company's public relations and corporate social responsibility director, Ras Adiba Radzi, said the company had also met residents to resolve the latter's concern about the project.

“We will comply with the stop-work order and take the necessary measures to ensure there is no violation on the part of our contractors, especially those pertaining to the environment,” Ras Adiba said.

She added that the contractors and consultant had already been informed not to work after 6pm and on Saturdays, which was among the issues raised by the residents.

Meanwhile, Kota Damansara Section 11 legal adviser Derek Fernandez said the stop-work order issued to the developer had been extended.

He said the developer, apart from not consulting the nearby residents, had also not submitted the development impact proposal report and social assessment impact report of the project.

The company had asked for a month to get back to the government on their next action but Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu wanted the company to make a proposal as soon as possible.

The options given to the company are either to build the hypermarket at a different location or to carry on, based on conditions set by the government.

“The residents are concerned about the social impact of the hypermarket on their children. It is too close to the school, so the noise would be distracting to schoolchildren,” said Fernandez.

He added that it was against proper urban planning to have a commercial development right smack in a residential area.

Melati has some catching up to do
By IZWAN IDRIS
MELATI Ehsan Holdings Bhd, a small construction stock, has some catching up to do if it is to meet analysts’ forecasts for the year ending Aug 31, 2008 (FY08).

OSK Investment Bank said the first half of the year was traditionally a weak period for Melati, and it foresaw the second half making up the remainder of its projection.

For the first six months ended Feb 28, Melati posted a net profit of RM7.74mil, or 6.45 sen per share. OSK, in a report dated April 30, projected that the company would make RM34.2mil, or 28.5 sen per share, in FY08.

OSK noted that in the previous fiscal year, first-half earnings made up only 20% of the group’s full-year results.

Melati’s share price ended flat at RM1.30 on thin volume of 37,200 shares traded last Friday. It has a market value of RM156mil.

The company, which was listed in mid-March 2007, hit a peak of RM1.78 in October last year.

Like many other construction stocks, Melati’s share price performance was bogged down by concerns over the potential slowdown in the sector and rising material costs.

OSK had previously revised by half its assumption for the group’s order book replenishment from RM300mil to RM150mil this year.

It also said a recent announcement that some Ninth Malaysia Plan projects may be delayed or scrapped reinforced its view that the local construction sector was heading for a slowdown,

In late March, Melati said it was awarded a RM40.5mil contract for the main building works for the Carrefour hypermarket in Kota Damansara, Selangor.

Recent press reports said the company’s order book was worth RM1.7bil – mostly in Johor and Selangor – which would sustain the company over the next three years.

Managing director Datuk Yap Suan Chee owns the biggest stake (49.7%) in the company, followed by Melati Corp Sdn Bhd (20.9%) and Lembaga Tabung Haji (7.3%).

Carrefour to double outlets
By SIMON KHOO

KUANTAN: Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd, which operates the Carrefour hypermarket chain, hopes to double the number of its outlets to 28 from 14 currently in three years.

Managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said most of the new outlets would be located in the Klang Valley, Johor Baru, Ipoh and Penang.


At least five outlets would be opened this year, of which three would be in the Klang Valley, including one in Tropicana, and two in Johor, he said in an interview after opening the 14th outlet in East Coast Mall here recently.

“We have also submitted applications to the relevant authorities to open four more outlets in the east coast states.

“We have identified the sites and are awaiting the green light to proceed,” he added.

Carrefour's 14th outlet and Parkson Corp Sdn Bhd are anchor tenants in the latest shopping complex in Kuantan.

Shafie said the company projected annual sales of RM90mil for the latest outlet.

“Although the target is ambitious, we are confident of achieving it based on the present market situation.

“Besides, our advantage is our house brands, which are some 30% cheaper than other branded items in the market,” he said.

He added that the chain's promise to refund customers double the price difference on items they had bought for a lower price within a 10km radius of its outlets also contributed to its success.

Shafie said the Kuantan outlet employs 400 people, including six who were slow learners and physically handicapped.

He said the chain's aim was to have the handicapped comprise 5% of its workforce by 2010.

Of the chain's 4,000 employees, only 21 were “special persons”, including former newscaster Ras Adiba Radzi, now director of public relations and corporate social responsibility division, he added.

http://www.boustead.com.my/images/property%20pix%2019.12/tesco_big.jpg

http://www.giant.com.my/NR/rdonlyres/6B850FE5-FD23-46AC-BE66-514CA28E4B9B/0/2585SB.jpg

http://www.giant.com.my/NR/rdonlyres/9D9F5E80-9F74-4489-86B8-DE4E9A8EB44B/0/2585HB.jpg

http://www.giant.com.my/NR/rdonlyres/4222CD9C-638D-4C1E-B9C1-0DFA8E6360F1/0/GINC080301_b.jpg

Giant KK

http://bp2.blogger.com/_4W5VZ-qRiFk/RaG8plPNXfI/AAAAAAAAAIw/5ok1TE6xRJk/s320/giant.jpg

giant kuantan

http://www.pahang-delights.com/images/kuantan-shopping-giant.jpg

Giant/Mydin summit subang

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/5/23/central/p2station.jpg

http://www.giant.com.my/NR/rdonlyres/2D6886BA-35EA-41F2-B2A9-39DE5528C4FE/0/A3Voucher.jpg

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/template/tescoMap_eng.gif

http://www.worksmart.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/tesco.jpg

Carrefour Subang Jaya
http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_sj.jpg

Store Director :
Herve Gielen
3 Jalan SS16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: +603 5632 6233
Fax: +603 5632 6833
E-mail: subangjaya_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_sj.gif

Carrefour Johor Bahru

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_jb.jpg

Store Director :
Rohaizad Abd Rahman
Lot 138 Batu 7.5 Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81100 Pandan, Johor Bahru.
Tel: +607 351 0200
Fax: +607 351 9652
E-mail: johorbahru_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_jb.gif

Carrefour Wangsa Maju

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_wm.jpg

Store Director :
Christine Tan
6 Jalan 8/27A, Section 5, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 4149 4200
Fax: +603 4149 4199
E-mail: wangsamaju_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_wm.gif

Carrefour Sri Petaling

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_sp.jpg

Store Director :
Mr. Victor Chan Yew Fai
Endah Parade Shopping Mall
(LG & GF),
No 1 Jalan 1/149E, Taman Sri Endah, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 9543 0188
Fax: +603 9543 0122
E-mail: sripetaling_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_sp.gif

Carrefour Penang Prai

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_pp.jpg

Store Director :
Sivakumar Doraisamy
2929 Jalan Kelisa Emas 1, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang.
Tel: +604 370 1234
Fax: +604 370 0375
E-mail: penangprai_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_pp.gif

Carrefour Mid Valley

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_mv.jpg

Store Director :
Ramesh Kalimuthu
AT1 Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 2282 6899
Fax: +603 2283 1889
E-mail: midvalley_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_mv.gif

Carrefour Jalan Peel

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_jp.jpg

Store Director :
Lum Kam Wah
Ground Floor Plaza 393, No 61 Jalan Peel, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 9282 9200
Fax: +603 9200 8175
E-mail: jalanpeel_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_jp.gif

Carrefour Putrajaya

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/store_pj.jpg

Store Director :
Hisham Ibrahim
Lower Ground Floor & Ground Floor , Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Centre, Jalan Alamanda, Precint 1, 62000 Putrajaya.
Tel: +603 8889 3318
Fax: +603 8889 2885
E-mail: putrajaya_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_pj.gif

Carrefour Kepong

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_kepong.jpg

Store Director :
Mr. Koh Kai Boong
No.2, Jalan Metro Perdana
Taman Usahawan Kepong
52100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 6254 6600
Fax: +603 6259 3601
E-mail: kepong_my@carrefour.com

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_kepong.jpg

Carrefour Batu Pahat

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_bp.jpg

Store Director :
Misnadi Mat Piah
No 1B, Jalan Persiaran Flora Utama,
Taman Flora Utama,
83000 Batu Pahat,
Johor Darul Takzim
Tel: +607-436 6600
Fax: +607-436 6601

http://www.carrefour.com.my/img/storemap_bp.jpg

Carrefour Klang

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_klang.jpg

Store Director :
Misnadi Mat Piah
No.2, Jalan Harmoni 3/KU3, Sungai Pinang, 41000 Klang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603 3361 8000
Fax: +603 3342 4845

Carrefour Melaka

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_melaka.jpg

Store Director :
Jean Louis Dieuleveut
F4-01 A Dataran Pahlawan Megamall Jalan Merdeka 75000 Melaka
Tel: +606 285 8500
Fax: +606 292 6687

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/storemap_melaka.gif

Carrefour Ampang

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_ampang.jpg

Store Director :
Hanafiah
Lot 613 Taman Dagang Permai Mukim Ampang 68000 Ampang, Selangor

Tel: +603 4280 8729
Fax: +603 4296 4105

Carrefour Kuantan

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_kuantan.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2186/2206607842_43c7fcedf5.jpg?v=0

Level 1 & 2 East Coast Mall
Jalan Putra Square 6, Putra Square
25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur

Fax: +609-560 9070

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/LPAsamsung.jpg

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/LPAkuantan.jpg

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/LPA080508.jpg

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/catalogue/latestpromo/pg01.jpg

Promosi Tesco Malaysia Terkini dari 08 Mei hingga 21 Mei 2008
click dis 4 more http://www.tesco.com.my/custom.cfm?name=catalogue.cfm&ctype=latestpromo

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/stores/storePetani_b.jpg

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/stores/mapPetani_b.gif

Alamat / Address
No.300 Jalan Lagenda 1, Lagenda Heights, 08000 Sg. Petani, Kedah
Tel (604) 422 8000
Fax (604) 422 0996

Pengurus Besar Stor / Store General Manager
Mr. CC Yeap (SGM in training)

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/stores/storePenang_b.gif

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/stores/mapPenang_b.gif

Alamat / Address
No.1, Lebuh Tengku Kudin 1, Bandar Jelutong, 11700 Pulau Pinang
Tel (604) 659 4942
Fax (604) 658 9562

Pengurus Besar Stor / Store General Manager
Mr Segar Nadaraja

Hypermarket set to boost GUH’s business
By DAVID TAN


PENANG: The set-up of a hypermarket in Seremban is expected to boost the property business of GUH Holdings Bhd in Negri Sembilan.

Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd recently got the go-ahead from the relevant authorities to proceed with its plans for a new outlet in Taman Bukit Kepayang, which is only about 3km to the Seremban town centre.

To date GUH has developed and sold 1,300 landed residential and commercial properties on a 270-acre site in Taman Bukit Kepayang.

GUH managing director Datuk Kenneth H’ng said the hypermarket would be located on 12.5 acres, which GUH sold to Tesco Stores a year ago.

Construction works on the hypermarket, which will occupy more than 40% of the site, is scheduled to start in early 2009.

“The project will boost the sales of the residential and commercial landed properties in Taman Bukit Kepayang,” H'ng told StarBiz.

He said the group planned to launch some 590 units of landed residential and commercial properties on a 57-acre site with an estimated gross sales value of RM200mil this year. “After this launch, the group will still have a land bank of 170 acres for development in the area,” he said.

H’ng said GUH expected the contribution from its property sector to increase to about 10% this year from 2% last year.

On its printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing business, H'ng said the group would spend RM43mil to expand its operations in China's Suzhou and Penang.

“The capital expenditure is to increase the production of multi-layer PCBs and to introduce a new range of silver-through-hole PCBs, which are used in a higher range of audio and visual electronic consumer products,” he said.

The expansion exercise, to be completed by year-end, would enable the facilities in Penang and Suzhou to increase their annual production by 75%, H’ng added.

For the financial year ended Dec 31 2007, the group posted pre-tax profit of RM35.5mil on revenue of RM298mil, compared with RM21.5mil and RM274mil respectively a year earlier.

Quill boosts REIT portfolio with Tesco Penang buy
Published: 2008/05/14


With the purchase, Quill Capita has surpassed its asset size target of RM750 million for the current financial year


QUILL Capita Trust (QCT), a real estate investment trust (REIT), expects the acquisition of Tesco Penang to increase its real estate portfolio to RM796 million from RM662 million as at March 31, 2008.

Chan Say Yeong, chief executive officer of Quill Capital Managment Sdn Bhd which manages QCT, said it had surpassed its asset size target of RM750 million for the current financial year.

QCT acquired the Tesco building located on freehold land in Jelutong, Penang, for RM132 million from IJM Properties Sdn Bhd.

“This yield accretive acquisition is expected to provide an initial net property yield of 6.3 per cent when the acquisition is completed,” Chan said.






The acquisition is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year, he told reporters after signing the sale and purchase agreement with IJM Properties in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present at the event were IJM Corporation Bhd’s chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Krishnan Tan and IJM Properties’ managing director Teh Kean Ming.

Chan said the purchase of Tesco is expected to be funded by a combination of internally generated funds and debts.

If funded 100 per cent by debt, current gearing is expected to increase to about 38 per cent from 25 per cent, he said.

“With our gearing still below the 50 per cent threshold allowed for REITs, QCT is still able to grow via debt financing, which enables us to react faster when acquisition opportunities come by,” he added.

QCT acquired Wisma Technip and part of Plaza Mont’ Kiara last year for RM215 million and subsequently in the first quarter of this year, it bought three additional properties for RM94.5 million.

On further asset acquisitions the year, Chan said QCT would explore the possibility of more REITs in the future.

He said it would also continue to diversify into other states like Johor as it had already expanded into Penang, Cyberjaya and the Klang Valley. — Bernama

Quill Capita buys Tesco building in Penang
By Chong Pooi Koon
Published: 2008/05/15



QUILL Capita Trust has bought a Tesco building in Jelutong, Penang, from property developer IJM Properties Sdn Bhd for RM132 million, bringing its total asset size to RM796 million.

Chief executive officer of the trust's manager Chan Say Yeong said the purchase is expected to provide an initial net property yield of 6.3 per cent when the deal is completed by the fourth quarter of this year.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, he said the purchase will be funded mostly with debts and a small portion of internal funds. A bridging loan has been secured, he said, but the bank loan will be refinanced later with bonds to lock in fixed rate and long-term funding.

Quill Capita is already ahead of its own target of a RM750 million fund size by year-end, Chan said, and whether another purchase will come this year may depend on the performance of the stock market.

A stronger market will allow the fund to place out new units to raise money for future buys.

Chan said both of the trust's sponsors, the Quill Group and CapitaLand, have strong asset line-ups for the fund, with values ranging from RM100 million to RM400 million each.

"But before buying any big chunky assets, we will first need to raise the equity ratio so as not to breach the gearing limit. The market is weak now," Chan explained.

The trust's gearing is set to rise to about 38 per cent after the Tesco Penang deal, from 25 per cent at present. Gearing of a property trust is capped at 50 per cent under Securities Commission's rules.

It is Quill Capita's aim to keep its gearing level at around 35 to 40 per cent over the long term so that it can react faster when the right acquisitions come by, Chan said.

IJM Corp Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Krishnan Tan Boon Seng said after the Menara CIMB and the Tesco building, the firm may sell some of its purposed-built commercial assets. A few prospective sales may come from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, he said.

As an infrastructure and property developer, the group has no plans to hold investment properties.

"We don't want to be there collecting rents. We want to move on and build," he said. The property trust market has provided it a ready exit for properties that it has nurtured, he said.

The sale of Tesco Penang will let IJM raise money to focus on other bigger project such as the 61-hectare waterfront city development opposite the Tesco Penang called The Light.

Built on a freehold land with a net lettable area of 275,020 sq ft and 1,050 car park bays, the Tesco building is located in the district of Jelutong which is undergoing significant urban redevelopment.
.

Carrefour to spend RM1.6b on new hypermarts
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2008/05/15



CARREFOUR will invest an estimated RM1.6 billion in Malaysia to open another 16 hypermarkets by end-2012, its top official said.

The amount includes the possibility of the retailer having its own land and building, building on leased land, or leasing the building, said managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.

"We hope to have 30 stores by 2012," Shafie said.

Two Carrefour hypermarkets have opened this year - one each in Malacca and Kuantan. Other openings scheduled for the year include Tropicana City, Petaling Jaya and another in Johor.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Thursday/Nation/ic4okuf.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph8/shafie.jpg

Shafie said Carrefour is on target to achieve its projected 20 per cent growth. Based on its December 31 2007 results of RM1.32 million, the retailer could make as much as RM1.58 billion in sales this year.


Carrefour expects that its staff strength in 2012 to be around 8,000. The French retailer currently employs a total of 4,000 employees at its headquarters and 14 hypermarkets nationwide.

Shafie was speaking to reporters yesterday following its announcement to employ more disabled persons at its organisation.

The retailer now has 21 physically-challenged employees in various positions, including at director level to graphic artists and those working at the bakery and call centres.

"Carrefour has an ambition to increase the appointment of OKU (orang kurang upaya/physically challenged) to five per cent of total employees which will be about 300 to 400 in 2012," he said.

"We do not hire people because of their disability but we hire them because of their ability," Shafie said.

He said since transporting the disabled from home to work and back was not as as easy as offering them a job, it will be setting up The Carrefour Foundation. It hopes to rope in the government for assistance.

Through the foundation, which Carrefour plans to place a minimum of RM1 million to RM2 million annually, it hopes to be able to purchase vans to help transport the disabled employees from home to work and back.

Carrefour in Malaysia is operated by Magnificent Diagraph Sdn Bhd, which is 30 per cent owned by Syarikat Pesaka Antah. Syarikat Pesaka Antah is controlled by the Negeri Sembilan Royalty

By teapot >> http://tekows.blogspot.com/2008/05/tesco-in-alor-star.html

Opened today for business; Tesco Mergong in Alor Star. Are they planning to open more in Alor Star? I mean, why it is named Mergong instead of Alor Star? They opened Tesco Kota Bharu, Tesco Ipoh etc.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_oIsNebGKCz8/SChqxHlkIxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Njf8PEWHeB8/s1600/12052008138.jpg

http://bp3.blogger.com/_oIsNebGKCz8/SChqwXlkIuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/hKridV9wG0I/s1600-h/12052008134.jpg

^^Tesco Mergong 2nd largest in Malaysia O.o
which is the largest then?? Anybody knows?? Tesco Penang??

the largest maybe in puchong or mutiara damansara

Tesco opens eco-friendly hypermarket in Alor Star
Published: 2008/05/16


TESCO Malaysia has opened its first environmentally-friendly hypermarket costing RM80 million which has been fitted with energy-saving initiatives in Mergong, Alor Star.

"What we must do is better manage our carbon emission and focus on saving energy in every aspect,” said the company’s corporate and legal affairs director, Azlam Shah Alias, at a press conference in conjunction with the opening.

Apart from bringing a new shopping experience to the city, the eco-friendly hypermarket also offers a wide range of products for household consumption at low prices, Azlam Shah said.

"Our hypermarket is using freezer covers to reduce energy wastage, energy-saving bulbs, self-closing taps and airlocks to maintain the cold because 60 per cent of the energy consumption is contributed by air conditioning,” he said.

Azlam Shah said the store would be using motion detectors for lighting which could save up to 50 per cent of energy.

Tesco would also designate a staff member to act as an “energy champion” at each outlet to ensure that all the energy-saving initiatives and policies are being implemented accordingly, he said.

"We have spent RM2.2 million on this initiative because we are committed to do what we can to preserve the environment for our future generation and hope to influence positive behavioural change in the community,” he added.

Azlam said Tesco had also initiated a competition called “Energy League"

among its stores nationwide.

"The store that manages best its energy usage based on set key performance indicators will win a trophy and its a fun way to inculcate good habits and create awareness among staff,” he said. — Bernama

Carrefour ambil 500 pekerja OKU


SUBANG JAYA: Pasaraya Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura mensasarkan sekurang-kurangnya lima peratus golongan kurang upaya (OKU) di negara ini iaitu sekitar 400 hingga 500 orang bekerja di syarikat itu.

Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin, berkata pihak syarikat ‘membuka pintu’ dengan menawarkan peluang golongan itu menjadi warga kerja syarikat.

Usaha itu katanya sebahagian daripada program tanggungjawab sosial korporat syarikat multinasional berkenaan.

Katanya, Carrefour kini mengkaji statistik OKU di seluruh negara dan mencari jalan bagaimana boleh membantu golongan berkenaan bekerja di rangkaian pasar raya besar itu.



carrefour the best!!!!!

Hypermarket’s customers walk away with new cars[


TWO grand prize winners of Giant’s 63rd Anniversary Contest drove home in a 1.3E Automatic Toyota Avanza worth RM64,000 each. A total of RM200,000 worth of prizes were given out at a prize-giving ceremony at Giant Hypermarket’s outlet in Bandar Kinrara 5.

This was the first time that site supervisor Muhammad Nadzir Abdul Aziz, 33, has ever won in a contest and he felt lucky to win the grand prize as he only sent fewer than five entries.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/17/central/m_48winners.jpg
Overjoyed: Zurina and Muhammad Nadzir with the Toyota Avanza cars that they won.

“I work in Kuantan and commute to Segamat, Johor, every weekend to be with my wife and family so this prize is like a dream come true,” said the father of two, who shops at Giant Segamat every weekend.

Part two’s grand prize winner was Zurina Hasbullah, who runs a kindergarten.

“Both my husband and I entered the first and second part of the contest but we did not expect to win the grand prize,” said the self-confessed contest junkie and mother of three.

There were two parts to the contest which ran from Oct 26 to Dec 5, 2007.

Shoppers were required to spend at least RM50, answer two simple questions and write a slogan to qualify. Part one of the contest attracted 15,688 entries with correct answers, while there were 14,381 entries that qualified for part two.

The first prize was an LG double door fridge, the second prize a Sony HDR-HCSE Mini DV Handycam, the third prize a Sony Digital Camera and the fourth prize a Samsung fully automated washing machine. Consolation prize winners took home Giant gift vouchers worth RM200 each.

GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd marketing manager Norine Manjaman said the contest, which received a total of 57,995 entries, was a way to reward loyal customers.

Tesco opens 21st outlet in Kedah


TESCO Stores hypermarket chain has opened its 21st outlet in Mergong, about 5km from Alor Star.

Tesco Stores chief executive officer Chris Bush performed the opening ceremony at the outlet’s entrance on Thursday.

The ceremony was watched by hundreds of early customers who made a beeline to the store.

Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias said the outlet brought a new shopping experience to the city folk and those living in the surrounding areas.

“We located the hypermarket away from the city centre to cater to the convenience of customers in the north of the city.

“We have also studied the population growth in time to come, future expansion of the city and the deve-lopment of the area as a whole.

“These were the major factors that led us to invest RM80 million for the store,” he said.

He said the hypermarket had 959 parking lots for cars, 150 drive-in car parks for disabled customers and 300 motorcycle parking lots.

He added more than 70,000 products were available at the hyper-market.

Among the early shoppers was a family of five from Guar Chempedak.

Mohd Nazri Zainal, 28, a carpenter, his wife Wan Jamilah Azmi, 24, his sister-in-law Nor Fatihah Azmi, mother-in-law Salmah Haji Said and niece Noriah Saad, four, left their home at 6.30am in order to be among the first to enter the store.

“I heard that the first 300 customers will get a free voucher worth RM200 each and so I wanted to be among the first to get it but I was disappointed to learn that the vou-cher on offer was only for RM10,” Nazri said.

“Anyway since I am already here I want to make the most of it and look around the complex with my family,” he added.

The hypermarket has 507 employees.

Tesco Ipoh Selatan (Station 18 Pengkalan) still in the midst of contruction, as mentioned in the Chinese Newspaper will be the largest Tesco in Malaysia.


Tesco Mergong 2nd largest in Malaysia O.o
which is the largest then?? Anybody knows?? Tesco Penang??

Tesco Kota Bahru is the largest...

Stalemate on hypermarket
Halim Said

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2246311/insidepix1
The construction site of the proposed Carrefour hypermarket viewed from the Section 11 primary school.

SHAH ALAM: A long battle lies ahead for Kota Damansara residents who are against the development of a two-storey hypermarket in Section 11. A meeting between their representatives and the hypermarket operator failed to reach any amicable solution.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2246311/insidepix2?display=xsmall
Roonie Liu (right) discussing the project with the residents and Carrefour’s representatives. Kota Damansara assemblyman Mohd Nasir Hashim (second from right) was also present.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2246311/insidepix3?display=xsmall
The hypermarket project in Section 11, Kota Damansara is too close to the houses.
The two-hour meeting on Tuesday, at SUK building here and chaired by state executive councillor for local government and research Ronnie Liu, also saw a stop-work order against the project being extended indefinitely until the issue is resolved.

The meeting was supposed to find a solution acceptable to both parties but turned ugly when representatives from residents' association and Carrefour were at loggerheads, defending their stand.

It was the second meeting on the issue, with the first one held early this month.


The residents are concerned over the project as it was located in the middle of their residential scheme and was too close to a school.

They also said they were not consulted over the project and the developer had also failed to submit the development impact proposal report and social assessment impact report to justify the development of the project.

Carrefour Malaysia expansion and property director Sin Tiew Cheo, who was at the meeting, was adamant that the company should be allowed to go ahead with the project as the company had complied with all the regulations stipulated by the local authorities. He said the project had also obtained the approval of Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

Sin said the company had also given its undertaking to MBPJ that they would look into the social and road safety issues raised by the residents. "We have also submitted our proposed solutions to issues to MBPJ two weeks ago," he said.

Sin said for example, the company would not allow any cybercafes or video game arcades to be operated in the hypermarket, to allay residents' concerns.

However, Sin's explanation and assurance failed to get positive feedback from residents' representatives who argued over the rationale behind having another hypermarket in their area.

A resident Dali Sarda, of D' Villa Avenue, said one of the reasons why residents were against the project was because there were already other hypermarkets in Section 11.

"Is it sensible to build another hypermarket there? We already have a few in our neighbourhood. Our stand is for Carrefour to relocate its project elsewhere, and not smack in the middle of residential areas," he said.

He said the project was also located close to a school.

Another residents' representative also suggested that the state government find another site for the project and turn the current one into a non-commercial area.

Liu also questioned the feasibility of having a hypermarket in a residential area and near a school as it would cause noise pollution and traffic congestion.

"It also poses a safety hazard to the school children," he said.

Liu said since the two parties could not come to an agreement, he would seek the opinion of other state executive councillors before coming up with a decision.

"I do not guarantee anything but I will try," Liu said to the residents.

Liu also asked Carrefour to submit a proposal on measures to be taken to counter residents' argument. Sin, after the meeting, said the company was open to any option given by the state government.

"We are clear that the state government has the final say. I will get back to my top management on this and discuss it further," he said.

Kota Damansara assemblyman Mohd Nasir Hashim, who was also present during the meeting, said residents were adamant that the project should not proceed.

"If the people are unhappy, I am also unhappy. The Local Agenda 21 requires active participation of residents in development of an area. But, the company did not seek any feedback from the residents before deciding on the project," he said.

Carrefour ambil 500 pekerja OKU


SUBANG JAYA: Pasaraya Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura mensasarkan sekurang-kurangnya lima peratus golongan kurang upaya (OKU) di negara ini iaitu sekitar 400 hingga 500 orang bekerja di syarikat itu.

Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia dan Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin, berkata pihak syarikat ‘membuka pintu’ dengan menawarkan peluang golongan itu menjadi warga kerja syarikat.

Usaha itu katanya sebahagian daripada program tanggungjawab sosial korporat syarikat multinasional berkenaan.

Katanya, Carrefour kini mengkaji statistik OKU di seluruh negara dan mencari jalan bagaimana boleh membantu golongan berkenaan bekerja di rangkaian pasar raya besar itu.



carrefour the best!!!!!


Carrefour offers jobs to the disabled
Naveen Mathew Menon.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2245800/insidepix1
Shafie Shamsuddin (centre, kneeling) and Ras Adiba Radzi (second from right) of Carrefour mingling with the handicapped job applicants.

SUBANG JAYA: Carrefour Malaysia is helping the disabled by offering them various jobs that suit their skills and talent.

Recently, disabled people, some from other states, flocked to the hypermarket's branch in Subang Jaya to attend interviews.

Carrefour currently has 21 disabled people on its payroll and plans to hire more.

Carrefour Malaysia-Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said that by 2012, the company hoped to have between 300 and 400 disabled employees or about five per cent of the workforce.


"In Carrefour, we hire the people not because of their disability but because of their ability," he said.

He cited the example of an employee, Mat Jamil Ramli, who had become one of the highest paid graphic designers in the company despite his disability.

Shafie said Jamil, who is armless, utilised his feet to type and paint.

"We are proud to have him in our team," he said.

He said apart from job opportunities, Carrefour was also looking into providing free transportation to their disabled employees to ease their burden and hardship.

"We are planning to put some funds into our Carrefour foundation for the purchase of several disabled-friendly vans to transport them," he said.

Shafie also revealed that the company would also organise special training and development programmes for the disabled so that the group could further improve or learn new skills.

The hypermarket has also joined forces with non-governmental organisations like Perwira K-9, Malaysian Society for the Deaf, Independent Training Living Centre and others to organise such programmes.

Carrefour project may be relocated
BY ELAN PERUMAL


THERE is a high possibility that the proposed Carrefour hypermarket at Kota Damansara will be relocated to another site.

Selangor local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu has urged the hypermarket company to consider new options, including moving to another location.

Liu urged Carrefour to respect the views of the residents who were against the project due to its proximity to a primary school.

“I hope the company can come up with an alternative proposal so that the issue can be resolved,'' he said.

Liu said this during a meeting of representatives of the residents, Carrefour, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). Also present was Kota Damansara state assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim

“We are open to all ideas,'' Carrefour representative Sin Tiew Cheo said. Nasir said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and hoped that Carrefour would look for at an alternative site.

He said the proposed project was too close to a primary school and to a proposed secondary school project.

“We cannot allow hypermarkets to be located close to schools. Moreover, there are also flats in the area,'' Nasir said.

He pointed out that there was already a hypermarket at Tropicana City, only 10 minutes away from the Carrefour project site.

There were news that indicated that there will be a second Tesco (Tesco Extra perhaps) in Alor Star -- in Tanlop, the new Stargate City - just near the Alor Star Mall. Thus, I think you are quite right about the name: Tesco Mergong and not Tesco Alor Star for the 1st outlet; as the second outlet may be named Tesco Tanlop, Alor Star.


By teapot >> http://tekows.blogspot.com/2008/05/tesco-in-alor-star.html

Opened today for business; Tesco Mergong in Alor Star. Are they planning to open more in Alor Star? I mean, why it is named Mergong instead of Alor Star? They opened Tesco Kota Bharu, Tesco Ipoh etc.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_oIsNebGKCz8/SChqxHlkIxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Njf8PEWHeB8/s1600/12052008138.jpg

http://bp3.blogger.com/_oIsNebGKCz8/SChqwXlkIuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/hKridV9wG0I/s1600-h/12052008134.jpg

Take a walk with TESCO
Noel Achariam

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Tuesday/Stories/2250219/insidepix1
Tesco Malaysia chief executive officer Chris Bush (fourth from left) presenting a cheque to MAKNA founder and president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin (middle).-Pic by: Rosela Ismail

KUALA LUMPUR: Make a difference this July 27 by joining the Tesco Malaysia Walk For Life 2008 event at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and help raise funds for research into the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Tesco Malaysia chief executive officer Chris Bush said he hopes that everyone will take part in the walk, and do so for personal reasons.

"Some participants may be cancer survivors, while others may take part to honour the memory or to celebrate the lives of loved ones affected by cancer," he said after presenting a cheque for RM45,000 to the National Cancer Council (Makna).

"Millions of people are affected by cancer and we at Tesco are doing our part in helping to eradicate the disease. We are constantly doing out-reach programmes, organising road shows and cancer campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of cancer.


"But these are all small events, compared to the 'Walk For Life'," he said.

This is Tesco Malaysia's second fundraising event of 2008. The first earlier in the year in Penang which saw the participation of more than 200 Penangites, and helped raise RM45,000 for the Tesco Makna Research Fund For Life.

Makna founder and president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin said that there are thousands of cancer patients in Malaysia in need of the public's help.

"Most of them are from the lower income group and can't afford the medication or treatment. Some of them need at least RM30,000 a year for treatment."

Mohd Farid added that there have been recent positive developments in cancer research.

"Universiti Pertanian Malaysia recently produced an NDV vaccine for leukemia patients which has entered into pre-clinical trials. This is another breakthrough that has given us the motivation to work further.

He added that Makna is planning on building a Cancer Centre for the poor, which will cost more than RM60 million.

"We are looking at building the centre in Selangor. We are still in the planning stages and hope to raise funds for the development of the centre soon," he said.

Participants of the Tesco Malaysia Walk For Life 2008 fundraiser on July 27 are encouraged to help raise funds through a sponsorship card. Those who manage to raise a minimum of RM50 will receive a gift from Tesco.

For more information, contact any Tesco Hypermarket in the Klang Valley or Selangor.

There were news that indicated that there will be a second Tesco (Tesco Extra perhaps) in Alor Star -- in Tanlop, the new Stargate City - just near the Alor Star Mall. Thus, I think you are quite right about the name: Tesco Mergong and not Tesco Alor Star for the 1st outlet; as the second outlet may be named Tesco Tanlop, Alor Star.
It's Tandop, not Tanlop. Anyway, no more Tescos. We need other big names like Jusco, Parkson or Carrefour.

Hypermarket brands a hit with the thrifty

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians shopping at hypermarkets are turning to house brands to cut costs.

Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd marketing director Paul Morris said Tesco customers would have at least one house brand product among their purchases.

"We have seen the change in consumers' purchase from popular brands to house brand products since the price hikes," he said yesterday.

He said the hypermarket had spent a lot of time to develop its own brand of household products in the last 18 months.

They worked with suppliers, tested the products, audited their factories and went into consumers' kitchen where they blind-tested all products to ensure their house brands had the quality that customers demanded.

Morris said Tesco had some 2,200 house brand items that were 40 per cent cheaper than other brands.

"As a responsible social corporate body, we have put aside a substantial sum of money to ensure consumers get to buy products cheaper at our stores."

Morris said Tesco had also launched its "Fresh Market Price Pledge" to ensure fresh produce such as vegetables and fish were available at attractive prices.

Tesco's corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias said their 21 hypermarkets had taken measures to control costs by reducing expenditure in certain areas, including marketing and advertising.

"We use energy saving bulbs and cover our refrigerators which has helped us to save 14 per cent of our energy cost."

In this week's seven-day fresh market promotions, consumers can enjoy discounted prices of food items which include large sea prawns at RM19.90 per kg compared to RM39.80 per kg previously; Beijing cabbage at RM1.85 per kg compared to RM2.59 previously and Cavendish banana at RM1.89 per kg compared to RM2.49.

Giant, Citibank offer co-branded credit card


KUALA LUMPUR: Giant and Citibank have joined forces to offer consumers a co-branded credit card -- the Giant Citibank credit card -- in a move to help Malaysians get more out of their ringgit.

GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Tom Herriott said its Giant stores were serving over eight million Malaysians a month throughout the country.

“We expect many of them to sign up for this card, which makes it even cheaper to shop at Giant. We are targetting 50,000 cards for the first three months,” he said in a statement.

Herriott said Giant was continuously challenging itself to find new and innovative ways to offer consumers better deals.

“The Giant Citibank Credit Card is a result of this challenge. It demonstrates our commitment to deliver great value at the most cost efficient prices,” he added.

The key benefits of the card were a 2% rebate on all purchases made at Giant stores nationwide, and up to 1% rebate on all other everyday purchases outside Giant.

Further benefits include special member prices and discounts for cardholders. The rebates are over and above Giant’s already low everyday prices.

Other benefits of the Giant Citibank Credit Card include free annual fee for the first year, a 10% rebate for first spend, which was for applications made before July 15 and purchases made before Aug 31.

Thereafter, the cardholders would enjoy a 2% rebate on purchases in Giant, and up to 1% rebate on non-Giant purchases.

Citibank Bhd’s business director (cards and unsecured loans) Vipin Agrawal said with nearly 50% of its customers obtaining their groceries and essential items from supermarkets, the card offered real value and would benefit everyone.

For customers looking to get free groceries at Giant with everyday spend, this was an incentive for them to consolidate their spend into this new Giant Citibank Credit Card, he said.

“This will provide an avenue for a more efficient method of managing household expenses,” he added.

He also said the partnership was in line with Citibank's regional strategy of establishing and promoting co-branding partnerships with strong brands that have extensive customer following and market influence.

CARREFOUR

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/sutera.jpg

Giant and Citibank launch credit card


KUALA LUMPUR: Giant and Citibank have joined forces to offer consumers a co-brand credit card - the Giant Citibank credit card - in a move to help Malaysians get more out of their ringgit.

GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Tom Herriott said its Giant stores were serving over eight million Malaysians a month throughout the country.

“We expect many of them to sign up for this card, which makes it even cheaper to shop at Giant. We are targeting 50,000 cards for the first three months,” he said in a statement.

Herriott said Giant was continuously challenging itself to find new and innovative ways to offer consumers better deals.

The key benefits of the card are a 2% rebate on all purchases made at Giant stores nationwide, up to 1% rebate on all other everyday purchases outside Giant, and special member prices and discounts for cardholders.

Other benefits of the card include free annual fee for the first year.

Citibank Bhd business director, cards and unsecured loans, Vipin Agrawal, said with nearly 50% of its customers obtaining their groceries and essential items from supermarkets, the card offered real value and would benefit everyone.

For customers looking to get free groceries at Giant with everyday spend, this was an incentive for them to consolidate their spend into this new card, he said.

Tesco laksana insentif kitar semula beg plastik


TESCO Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd melancarkan program ‘Tesco Green Clubcard Points’ yang menawarkan mata ganjaran kepada pemegang kad kesetiaannya dalam usaha mempromosikan inisiatif beli-belah secara mesra alam.

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya, David Hobbs, berkata usaha terbaru syarikat itu dijangka mampu membantu meningkatkan keahlian program Clubcard kepada dua juta orang menjelang akhir tahun ini daripada 1.4 juta ketika ini.

Katanya, program pertama seumpamanya itu yang diperkenalkan di negara ini menawarkan ganjaran kepada pelanggan yang membawa dan menggunakan semula beg plastik Tesco.



Beliau berkata, pelanggan yang menggunakan semula beg plastik syarikat pesaingnya juga berpeluang mendapatkan satu mata ganjaran Tesco Green Clubcard.

“Penyata Green Clubcard Points akan dihantar pada setiap suku tahun kepada ahlinya bagi membolehkan pelanggan melihat sendiri prestasi mereka dalam penjagaan alam sekitar.

“Menerusi program ini, kami akan memberi ganjaran kepada pelanggan kerana menggunakan semula beg plastik beli-belah mereka termasuk daripada syarikat pesaing.

“Ia bukan saja memberi ganjaran kepada pelanggan setia kami tetapi membantu mereka untuk bersama-sama menjaga alam sekitar,” katanya pada sidang media selepas pelancaran program itu di Ampang, Selangor, semalam.

Pelancaran disempurnakan Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar, Datuk Suboh Mohamad Yassin. Hadir sama Timbalan Yang Dipertua dan Setiausaha Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, Abd Hamid Hussain.

Hobbs menambah, penggunaan Green Clubcard Points menyerupai kaedah yang biasa digunakan menerusi pemberian mata ganjaran Clubcard sedia ada Tesco.

Katanya, pendekatan terbaru itu dijangka mampu mengurangkan jumlah penggunaan beg plastik (penghasilan beg plastik menggunakan minyak) dan penghantarannya ke tempat pembuangan sampah.

Bagi membantu mengatasi masalah pemuliharaan alam sekitar, beliau berkata, syarikat sudah melabur RM2.2 juta dengan pelbagai inisiatif yang diperkenalkan.

“Sepanjang tiga bulan lalu, kami berjaya mengurangkan penggunaan tenaga sebanyak 9.5 peratus dan 11.5 peratus penggunaan air berbanding tempoh sama tahun lalu,” katanya sambil menambah Tesco juga merancang memperkenalkan pusat kitar semula di cawangannya di seluruh negara.

Dispute over hypermarket goes to action council
By LIM CHIA YING
chiaying@thestar.com.my


THE issue over the construction of a Carrefour hypermarket in Kota Damansara will be presented at the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) today before being tabled at the state exco meeting for endorsement.

The decision to present the merits and demerits of the case at MTES was made after nothing concrete came out of a recent meeting held between residents and the developer.

State Local Government Committee chairman Ronnie Liu had chaired the meeting at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.

Besides residents and Carrefour’s representatives, also present were Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim, local government expert Derek Fernandez, and officers from the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) urban planning and building departments.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/27/central/m_06liu.jpg
All ears: Liu (right) listening to residents' grouses as they pointed out their concerns about traffic and noise.

“Carrefour had come up with an amended, new proposal for its construction,” said Liu .

“I ask for residents to study the proposal for a common point and consensus. Also, I hope to have the cooperation of everyone to give their views in a professional manner.”

Dr Nasir, reading from the last meeting’s minutes, told the audience that residents wanted Carrefour to relocate from its current site, as they are concerned over density, traffic, and safety once the building is up.

“If you come to our area, you will understand what we mean by observing the number of cars plying our road at the moment and the extra cars that will come in,” the residents told Liu.

They also cited fear of social problems, lamenting that pupils of SK Section 11 may be attracted to hang out at the hypermarket.

“We just want it to be relocated elsewhere, that’s all,” they said.

Carrefour Malaysia expansion and property director Sin Tiew Cheo said under the amended proposal, it was willing to reduce building size to reduce density, put up sound barriers and hoarding to reduce noise, and boost security at all its entrances.

“The minimum height of the barrier will be between 2.5m and 3m from the original ground level.

“We are also committed to increasing landscaping and a green-belt like boundary,” said Sin.

“We are also prepared to construct a pedestrian bridge and no cybercafes will be allowed inside our building,” he added.

Residents however pointed out that as sound travel upwards and the school sits on higher ground, even putting hoarding would not make a difference.

Meanwhile, the MBPJ had issued a stop-work order to the building’s construction and its progress status at the time was 15%.

The MBPJ confirmed that the developer had submitted a traffic impact study although residents claimed they were not consulted on it.

Liu said he had noted feedback and views from both parties and will first present the case to the MTES today.

“We need something more concrete before going up to the state exco meeting. However, rest assured all parties involved - residents representatives, developer, MBPJ, contractor, and landowner - will be called to attend the MTES meeting to be chaired by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

“All facts and arguments will be decided in the exco meeting later,” concluded Liu.

http://www.giant.com.my/new_mall.html

Interesting, the new Giant website, there's a list of new Giants or extension....

- Kota Damansara
- Tawau
- Tampoi (new wing)
- Putra Heights

Hypermart does its bit for the environs
By FAZLEENA AZIZ


IN AN effort to help the environment, Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd launched the Tesco Green Clubcard Points, in which customers are rewarded with points for every carrier bag that they reuse while shopping.

For every bag reused at the hypermarket, customers will earn one point, which will be highlighted on the quarterly Clubcard statements.

Tesco Malaysia chief operating officer David Hobbs said their customers would be the first in the country to be financially rewarded for reusing bags.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/2/central/m_09suboh.jpg
All smiles: Suboh (centre) holding the Tesco Green Bags after launching the Tesco Green Clubcard Points at Tesco Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Looking on (from left) are Abdul Hamid and Hobbs.

“This move will mean Clubcard members will collect additional 'green' points on their purchases.

“We will not restrict the scheme to only our carrier bags but even our competitors'.

“We give out a staggering 177 million bags a year and we hope to reduce that number as well as cut down the amount going into the landfill waste sites.

“One of our goals in our community plan this year is to lead in tackling climate change.

“We have committed to reducing our carbon footprint intensity by 50% by 2020.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/2/central/m_09tesco.jpg
Saying it in style: Dancers promoting the Tesco Green Clubcard Points.

“We have also started simple initiatives like installing new energy saving lights at all of our new stores, putting covers on our freezers that reduce energy, installing motion sensor lights, making refrigerators energy efficient and introducing the reusable 'Bag for Life'.

“Some RM2.2mil have been invested and I am delighted our efforts have had an impact.

“In the last three months, we have managed to reduce our energy consumption by 9.5% compared with last year and our water consumption by 11.5%,” said Hobbs.

He also said there were 1.4 million Clubcard customers and the number was expected to increase up to two million by the end of the year.

This month, Tesco will follow up with an introduction of more environmentally-friendly degradable bags.

The plastic bags will start to deteriorate in 60 days and leave no harmful residues.

The Green Clubcard Points was launched by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry secretary-general Datuk Suboh Mohamad Yassin at Tesco Ampang.

Suboh said the effort taken by Tesco should be emulated by other organisations.

“This is an exemplary corporate social responsibility undertaken to tackle the problem of climate change and global warming.

“As one of the problems with waste is plastic, this will help people to be more responsible,” he said.

Suboh said it was up to everyone to do their bit to mitigate the present environmental situation.

Also present at the launch was Ampang Jaya Muncipal Council deputy president Abdul Hamid Hussain and Asst Supt Paul Henry from the Ampang Jaya district police station.

The Biggest Tesco In malaysia Opened in Plentong, JB

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/plentong-map-big.jpg

Tesco: Shopping habits changing
By ZAZALI MUSA


JOHOR BARU: Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd says the surge in the prices of fuel and goods has changed the shopping habits of Malaysian consumers.

Chief executive officer Chris Bush said most consumers now preferred to shop at outlets closest to their homes or offices to save on fuel.

He said consumers also preferred to shop where they could get almost everything under one roof, whether products or services, instead of going from one place to another like before.

“Consumers are becoming more price-sensitive and only go for goods that give them value for their money,” Bush said at the opening of the seventh Tesco Extra store in Plentong yesterday.

The store is one of eight former Makro Cash & Carry stores that Tesco took over last year.

Bush said the previous Makro Plentong store was demolished and Tesco spent RM80mil on the new outlet while six other Tesco Extra stores were refurbished from existing Makro stores.

He said the 25,000 sq ft Tesco Extra Plentong – comprising 10,000 sq ft hypermarket and 15,000 sq ft mall – was the biggest Tesco store in the country.

Bush said the company was currently building six Tesco hypermarkets – in Bukit Indah and Desa Tebrau in Johor, Klang and Semenyih in Selangor, Ipoh and Kampar in Perak – and one Tesco Extra in Prai, Penang.

Marketing director Paul Morris said 25% of the products in Tesco Extra were for small businesses and the balance for regular customers.

He said the hike in prices of goods had also resulted in higher demand for fresh products such as vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood as many people now cooked at home.

“Customer feedback shows they are spending more on fresh products and cutting down on non-food items,” said Morris.

He said Tesco's in-house brand was becoming more popular with shoppers as the products were as good as other leading brands.

Morris said brand loyalty was no longer an issue, except for cosmetics and skincare products, as more consumers were going for generic brand goods that were equally good in terms of quality but low in pricing.

I am confused, 25000 sq ft or sq m? This is because realistically, the count in sq ft makes it look small...

Tesco comes to Plentong
THE new Tesco Extra store in Plentong opened its doors last week at the site of a former hypermarket that was a major industry player in the 1990s.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Tuesday/Stories/2285444/insidepix1?display=small
BIG HIT: The new Tesco Plentong was crowded when it first opened its doors last week.
The old building was demolished to make way for the new entity.

With over 15,000 square metres of space and 1,700 products, it is the largest Tesco store in the country.

Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Chris Bush said they decided to adopt the "demolish and rebuild" approach to give the best to their customers.


"As the old building did not match our requirements, we decided to demolish it, and we will use the same approach for our next store in Seberang Prai, Penang."

Bush said both the family and small business needs would be catered to by having bigger product packs, special trolleys and checkout counters, loading services and a dedicated business development team to support business owners.

Small-and-medium industries (SMEs) are also given room to flourish, as the new Plentong outlet has 125 kiosks, a food court and bazaar lots for rental.

"We have a dedicated aisle for all the local food produced by the SMEs, and we have quite a number from Johor itself."

Bush said they are excited about the opening because now, Tesco has the chance to serve the community by providing quality service.

Tesco will open another store in Bukit Indah within a year, as part of its business expansion plan.

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/01_kota_damansara.gif

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/banner1.jpghttp://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/banner2.jpghttp://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/banner3.jpghttp://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/banner4.jpg
http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/kota_damansara_image.jpg
Giant Kota Damansara is designed with an array of customer friendly features to enhance the entire shopping experience redefining today’s modern retail.

The area has 350,000 populations in 70,000 households. It is only 8 minutes drive Jalan Duta and 20 minutes to Kuala Lumpur.

The building reflects new look of Giant Mall and has a Gross built-up area of 338,000 sq ft over 3 levels with a net lettable complex area of 88,000 sq ft with space location ideal for 100 retailers. Target opening date is last quarter of 2008.

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/02_tawau.gif

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/tawau_image.jpg
Giant Tawau is located along Jalan Datuk Chong Thien Vun, the main access road to residential areas in Tawau. This latest outlet will be only 2.5km from Tawau busy town center.

This building comes with a total of gross lettable area of 133,000 sq ft to sustain the demands of 300,000 populations in 60,000 households. The net lettable area for complex is 14,000 sq ft. and target to open by last quarter of 2008.

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/03_tampoi.gif

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/tampoi_image.jpg
Giant Tampoi New Wing is an extension of existing Giant Tampoi Mall with an additional net lettable area of 60,000 sq ft to cater current high market demand and it will definitely attract more customers and directly increase the sales and profit for your stores. We will have 70 new tenants.

No hassle on Advertising & Promotion as Tampoi Mall has been established many years. Easy accessibility is one of the main attractions to the Giant Tampoi, as it connects to Jalan Perling, Jalan Tampoi, North-South Highway and Pasir Gudang Highway. Target opening date is last quarter of 2008.

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/04_new_mall_putra_heights.gif

http://www.giant.com.my/images/new_mall/putra_heights_image.jpg
Giant Putra Heights is scheduled to open early year 2009. This will be a new mall in a township that developed few years back.

The site is approximately 10 minutes and 8 minutes driving distance from Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya respectively.

This is a two storey building consists 38,000 sq ft Net Lettable Area and approximately 72 lots for tenants. A population of 198,000 from 48,000 households will be a strong support for any tenants to enter Giant Putra Heights. And easy access from Elite Highway boosts up the sales for all.

Seafood chain to cast net in Saudi Arabia


REVENUE Valley Sdn Bhd plans to open 21 London Fish Tales fast food outlets soon in Saudi Arabia.

Its managing director George Ang said seafood was fast getting popular among the Arab community.

London Fish Tales, which serves fish and chips and other fish-based dishes, is Revenue Valley’s first foray into the fast food business after its successful Manhattan Fish Market chain.

There are now some 30 Manhattan Fish Market outlets in Malaysia besides one each in Thailand, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and two in Singapore.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/14/north/fish.jpg
Staff at London Fish Tales showing the dishes available at the joint.

Ang said the company decided to tap the younger market with the London Fish Tales outlets which offered affordable dishes as there was no service charge.

Ang was at the soft launch of the London Fish Tales outlet at the Tesco hypermarket in Kota Baru recently.

It is the first London Fish Tales outlet in Malaysia.

The outlet has 18 workers who were trained by eight trainers brought in from Kuala Lumpur, Ang said.

“Most of the raw food such the pollock, pacific dory and butter cod are imported,” he said.

Foreign hypermarts may get to open smaller stores


PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia may allow foreign hypermarkets to open smaller outlets through a franchise system, seeking to encourage more investment from the likes of Carrefour CA without hurting local retailers.

“The stores will still be owned by Malaysians,” Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said in an interview Tuesday.

Foreign retailers would be allowed to open outlets slightly larger than convenience stores across Malaysia without being subjected to rules that govern hypermarkets.

Malaysia has eased restrictions on foreign retailers since a 2002 ban on superstores aimed at protecting local traders.

Companies including Carrefour, Tesco Plc, and Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd, which operates Guardian pharmacies, Giant hypermarkets and Cold Storage supermarkets, invested more than RM1.6bil in the country in 2006.

The franchise proposal would be submitted to Cabinet for consideration next month, Shahrir said.

That may help appease local business groups who have objected to the expansion of foreign hypermarkets.

The Government won’t stop new foreign hypermarket operators from setting up outlets in Malaysia because they provided choices for consumers, Shahrir said.

“There must be a balance between consumer interests and the trading sector’s,” Shahrir said. Still, “we’ll be more selective.”

Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world’s biggest retailer, and Germany’s Metro AG have applied to open stores in Malaysia, Shafie Apdal, the Minister’s predecessor, said in October. Shahrir said he wasn't aware of the applications. – Bloomberg

3,000 sertai Tesco 'Walk for Live'
Oleh: Siti Shahila Ahmad
bhnews@bharian.com.my

http://www.bharian.com.my/Friday/Wilayah/20080801094909/mainpix
DAPAT SAMBUTAN: Tesco 'Walk For Life' di Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala lumpur, baru-baru ini.











KUALA LUMPUR: Lebih 3,000 peserta menyertai Tesco ‘Walk for Live’ di Taman Tasik Titiwangsa bagi mengumpul dana untuk disumbangkan dalam usaha penyelidikan kanser oleh Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna).

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tesco Malaysia, Chris Bush berkata, acara yang berlangsung pada Ahad lepas telah berjaya mencapai sasaran dari segi penyertaan dan kutipan wang.

“Lebih dari RM100,000 berjaya dikumpul hasil daripada derma peserta yang hadir pada hari terbabit dan ini membuktikan orang ramai memberi sokongan padu dalam melawan penyakit ini’ katanya dalam kenyataan media di sini, semalam.

Katanya, selain orang awam, beberapa selebriti sukan juga turut hadir ke acara itu bagi memberi sokongan antaranya, Shalin Zulkifli, Siti Sufiyah, Akmal Rizal dan Azlan Johar.

“Saya amat bangga dengan kejayaan kami pada hari ini kerana ia telah memberi peluang kepada orang ramai untuk beriadah sambil memberi sumbangan kepada Makna” katanya.

Customers opting for clean and multi-choice hypermarts
By CHRISTINA LOW


WET market traders are increasingly being squeezed out of business by the huge hypermarkets which are opening their fresh products sections earlier.

Many young housewives are opting to shop for their fresh products in the comfort of air-conditioned super stores, instead of getting their feet dirty on the wet and usually unkempt stinking walkways of wet markets.

Many hypermarkets in the Klang Valley are opening as early as 8am. The products they offer are usually fresh and clean. The shopping environment is pleasant and the choices of products are plentiful, ranging from local fresh vegetables, fish and meat to imported frozen food stuff.

According to traders at wet markets in Pudu and Kepong in Kuala Lumpur and SS2 in Petaling Jaya, they are being hard hit by this new scenario, resulting in declining sales and less earnings.

Some have reduced their stock of vegetables, fish and other perishables fearing difficulty in selling them.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/6/central/p2supermarket.jpg
Easy option: At hyper marts, the prices are clearly displayed on boards above the foodstuffs.

With the high cost of transportation and other things due to the fuel price increase, the situation looks bad for the petty traders.

According to fishmonger Kelvin Khor, sales have definitely reduced since the fuel price increase.

“Nowadays, many customers will check the price and then do some calculations before buying anything.

“Some are also buying less of the more expensive products,” Khor said.

He added that his business had dropped nearly 30% since the petrol price hike was enforced.

Fruit seller Wong said on weekdays, sales could be very slow and quiet.

“Although our business hours have not changed, the number of customers has reduced during the weekdays.

“We look forward to the weekends nowadays as more people come shopping then,” she said.

A trader, who wished to be identified as Khoo, said it was obvious that they were in no position to compete with the big league hypermarts which could offer fresh products cheaper.

Khoo, 23, who operates a family business with his father, has been trading at the wet market for the past three years.

“We do not order as much fish as the hypermarts do and we also have to collect and transport our products daily by ourselves.

“Hence, it can be costly compared with the hypermarts which have suppliers sending it to them,” he said.

According to vegetable seller Liew Kwan Fong and a woman fishmonger who wanted to be known only as Lim, it takes a longer time now to sell off the day’s produce.

Lim, 60, said usually she still had quite a sizable stock left at her stall at the end of her trading day at 3pm.

She hopes the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will look into possibly extending their operating hours.

“It is difficult to make a living especially when everything is so expensive and people are buying things more carefully,” Lim said.

Liew said he often had baskets of vegetables left at the end of the trading day at 3pm and he had no choice but to stay on for an hour or more to sell off the vegetables.

While the wet market traders are facing a hard time now, what about the customers and consumers?

Homemaker Irene Ooi, 56, said she opted to shop at the hypermarts because some products like onions, garlic and ginger were sold at prices much lower than at the wet market.

Ooi shops at the Giant hypermarket at Bandar Kinrara 5 every weekend.

“I live near the store. Its prices for such products are cheap and I do not need to buy a lot as their prices remain low at most times,” she said.

Ooi said she also visited wet markets just to compare prices.

According to university students Sharon Lam and her housemate Michelle Loo, buying fresh produce at the hypermarkets was the most convenient way after a movie with friends.

“We would normally stop by to buy vegetables after meeting friends. It is also much cleaner at the hypermart and we are not worried about being cheated or short-changed too,” Loo said.

The 19-year-old said prices at the wet market were not constant and consistent and they were not sure whether a given price was reasonable or not.

A quick trip to a wet market would turn any child off with the strong stench, especially from the poultry and fish sections, coupled with puddles of water and bits of vegetables strewn all over the walkway.

“It is difficult to educate the market traders but they must learn to keep the area clean at all times.

“If they do not continue cleaning, I am sure more and more people would rather pay a little more at supermarkets and hypermarkets where the same service and products are available,” Kepong Community Centre chairman Yee Poh Ping said during a recent gotong-royong at the market site.

Besides the prices, cleanliness and free parking, hypermarkets also have creative ways of attracting customers.

For example, Giant has collaborated with Citibank to give card members who shop at its stores a 2% rebate on purchases.

Tesco has its Tesco Clubcard which allows customers collect points on their daily purchases for vouchers in return.

Jusco has its JCard which offers discounts to card members on certain products weekly.

Trying to sell off perishable items within a certain time is not easy, hence stores like Giant and Jusco would mark down prices for such products at least two hours before the store closes for the day.

“We would mark down bakery items, fish and vegetables at about 8pm or 9pm on days when the store closes at 10pm as these fresh items cannot be kept for the next day,” Giant marketing director Ho Mun Hao said.

According to Ho, stocks are brought daily at 6am to the stores where it is transported straight to the cold room to preserve its freshness.

“We are different from wet markets as we do not break the cold chain, all the fresh produce are always placed at the right temperature.

“If a customer thinks our fresh produce are not up to standards, they can always return them to us,” Ho said.

He added that hypermarkets like Giant conducted checks on prices weekly to ensure that customers get only the best price at all times.

“We order in bulk, which is why we are able to give customers such low prices with frequent checks by our fresh market department representatives monitoring prices at other stores, too,” Ho said.

According to Jusco deputy store manager Salmah Halim, many customers looked for bargain products which had markdown prices.

“These are products which have a short shelf life left but still could be consumed before their expiry dates.

“Many come to our store an hour or so before closing time as the bakery would offer discounts up to 50% for pastries produced the same day.

“We also have a special markdown area for the meat and fruits section,” Salmah said.

For wet market traders times are surely hard, as, at the end of the day, the customers are the winners with the competitive prices offered by the hypermarkets.

Tesco kumpul RM100,000 untuk Makna

KUALA LUMPUR Program Walk For Life anjuran Tesco Malaysia di Taman Tasik Titiwangsa di sini pada Ahad lepas berjaya mengumpul dana lebih RM100,000 untuk disumbangkan kepada Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna).Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tesco, Chris Bush berkata, selain jumlah kutipan itu, penyertaan lebih 3,000 peserta turut membanggakan pihaknya selaku penganjur.

"Pada pagi Ahad itu sahaja, kita telah berjaya mengumpulkan lebih RM11,000 hasil sumbangan para peserta," katanya.

Selain berjalan, program tersebut turut dipenuhi dengan pelbagai acara menarik yang lain seperti mengecat muka, pelampung istana Merlin dan mesin dunking.

Decision on hypermart this week
By SALINA KHALID


THE decision on the controversial hypermarket project in Kota Damansara is expected to be made during this week’s meeting of the Selangor state executive council.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Abdul Khalid had said last Friday that he would need a week to make a thorough study on the matter before making a decision.

Khalid chaired a closed-door meeting between the Selangor executive council action committee and the parties concerned at the Selangor State secretariat complex in Shah Alam last Friday.


R. Sivarasa Those present were representatives of the Kota Damansara residents, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officials, Carrefour company representatives, Subang MP R. Sivarasa and Kota Damansara state assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim.

According to Sivarasa, Khalid had said he needed a week to discuss the matter further before making the decision.

“We feel that we should be able to resolve the issue and it is possible not to have the hypermarket there as long as the state government can find an alternative site for it.

“I am sure it can be done,” Sivarasa said.

The residents of Section 11 in Kota Damansara and the surrounding area are opposed to the construction of the hypermarket in their neighbourhood.

Several meetings had been held between the parties involved but no concrete agreement has been reached.

The parties then decided to take the case to the state exco action committee.

The residents want the project to be relocated elsewhere as they are concerned over density, traffic and safety of the people once the building is completed.

“The area is zoned for commercial use to cater for the local residents.

“It is designed for those two-storey shophouses but then suddenly a hypermarket is going to be built there. We felt violated,” Kota Damansara resident Vincent Chee said.

“A new hypermarket is not needed in the area as we already have several hypermarkets (Giant and Tesco) nearby,” he said.

Konsep baru
Oleh Rosdalilah Zahari
bisnes@hmetro.com.my

RANGKAIAN pasar raya besar Tesco kini melebarkan sayapnya dengan pembukaan satu lagi cawangan baru di Kampar, Perak, kelmarin, yang turut dilengkapi pusat komuniti pertama seumpamanya di negara ini.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi Tesco Malaysia, David Hobbs, berkata pembukaan Tesco terbaru itu adalah cawangan ke-23 di negara ini serta ketiga di Perak selepas Tesco Ipoh dan Tesco Extra, Ipoh.

Beliau berkata, keluasan Tesco cawangan Kampar tampak lebih kecil daripada biasa kerana pembinaannya mengikut skala penduduk setempat di kawasan terbabit.

“Kami teruja dengan pembukaan Tesco Kampar ini kerana penduduk dapat menikmati barangan segar dan bermutu tinggi pada harga terendah istimewa untuk kemudahan pelanggan.

“Tesco Kampar berkeluasan 9,000 meter persegi mempunyai 54 gerai terdiri daripada peniaga kereta tolak dan pusat makanan.

“Selain itu, ia menyediakan 548 petak tempat letak kereta pelanggan dilengkapi empat petak khas orang kurang upaya (OKU) dan 18 petak keluarga mempunyai bayi,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang media selepas perasmian Tesco Kampar oleh Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Noriah Kasnon, kelmarin.

Hadir sama, Pengarah Hal Ehwal Korporat dan Perundangan Tesco Malaysia, Azlam Shah Alias; Pengarah Kawasan Tesco Malaysia, Bakri Md Deris dan Pengurus Besar Tesco Kampar, Amir Murad.

Hobbs berkata, pihak Tesco sedang menjalankan promosi sempena musim perayaan Aidilfitri yang bakal menjelang pada bulan depan dengan pelbagai pilihan barangan pada harga rendah.

“Kami begitu menggalakkan pelanggan setia menggunakan Tesco Clubcard supaya mata ganjaran yang diperolehi dapat ditukarkan kepada baucar.

“Selain itu, pelanggan boleh menikmati diskaun serta mampu berjimat ketika berbelanja sempena musim perayaan ini dengan menggunakan baucar itu,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, Tesco Kampar mengambil pekerja dari kalangan OKU dan masyarakat Orang Asli.

Mixed views on 10pm closure for hypermarts
By JADE CHAN and TAN KARR WEI


THE local councils have been told to ensure hypermarkets do not operate beyond 10pm but this directive is not going down well with some of the affected parties.

It was reported yesterday in an English daily that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had sent out letters to local councils to do this.

While certain organisations are supportive of the call, others said it would pose problems and inconvenience for consumers.

“All Giant stores operate from 10am to 10pm daily as stipulated by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

“We comply strictly to the business hours imposed by the ministry,” said a spokesman from GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, a unit of the Dairy Farm Group which operates Giant hypermarkets.

A representative from Carrefour Malaysia declined to comment on the issue while a spokesman from Tesco Malaysia could not be contacted at press time.

“We agree with the regulation because it will help sundry shops survive,” said Fomca chief executive officer Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman.

Kota Damansara resident Kamariah Sharifuddin, 29, said she preferred to shop at night because she finish work after 8pm on most days.

“Having the hypermarkets open after 10pm is convenient for working people.

“It is also easier to get a parking space at night,” she said.

Tesco to open two new outlets
By CHRISTINA KOH


THIS week, Ipoh folk can expect to start shopping at the newest Tesco store once it opens at Station 18 in Pengkalan.

Tesco Malaysia chief operating officer David Hobbs said another Tesco store was expected to begin operations later this month in Seberang Jaya in Penang.

He said both stores were awaiting approval from the local council before opening their doors for business.

“The challenge is always to get the certificate of fitness,” he told reporters after the official launch of Tesco’s newest store in Kampar, Perak.

The outlet in Kampar is the 23rd Tesco store in Malaysia and the third to be built in Perak.

Hobbs said what made the Kampar store special was that it would be a hypermarket with an active community centre.

He said the centre would host cooking classes, line dancing, health checks and activities for children such as taekwondo and art classes.

For coming festivals, Kampar residents can look forward to drawing contests, Hari Raya card-making sessions, a ketupat weaving competition, a Deepavali kolam decoration contest and henna art.

“We feel that the store can play a huge part for the community other than just being a hypermarket.

“It can also be a place where the community can come together and engage in fun and interesting activities,” said Hobbs.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Noriah Kasnon, who launched the outlet, praised Tesco’s initiative in implementing many environment-friendly measures.

Among them was to reduce carbon emissions, saving on electricity and water, recycling programmes and reusing shopping bag incentive.

Noriah said that the Government had recently proposed that under Budget 2009 tax deductions be extended to companies which contributed to projects to preserve the environment and improve the livelihood of the poor.

Today, more and more corporate bodies are exercising their social responsibility and hopefully those who have not yet played their role would follow Tesco’s footsteps, she said.

Carrefour

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/openingsoon.jpg

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/Lpakejpercutian.jpg

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/SMS_Contest.jpg

Mydin to spend RM1b on new hypermarkets
By Roziana Hamsawi Published: 2008/09/18
BujsinessTimes

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Thursday/Nation/mydin.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/mydin.jpg

LOCAL hypermarket operator Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd will invest close to RM1 billion to open eight new hypermarkets in Malaysia in the next two years.

Owner and managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said each store will cost the group some RM120 million. Four stores will be opened next year and the remaining stores in 2010.

Mydin currently has 42 outlets, comprising 24 emporiums, two hypermarkets, nine mini markets, five 24-hour convenient stores and two superstores.

"With our expansion, opportunities are aplenty for more and more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their products through our stores," said Ameer.

Last year, Mydin spent RM60 million buying various goods and products from a total of 500 Bumiputera SMEs, and this year the value is expected to increase by about 20 per cent.

Ameer was speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) on halal training programme to be provided by HDC to Mydin's local vendors or SMEs.

Signing on behalf of HDC was its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin. The signing was witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi.

Under the programme, HDC, in the first year, will train 300 trainees from Mydin's own SMEs in the Klang Valley and the subsequent years will see the training being expanded to other states.

"We want to help local SME entrepreneurs to equip themselves with the right knowledge and confidence in managing and producing their halal-based products," said Ameer, adding that this will strengthen and boost the capacity of local SMEs in the local and global halal industry.

The halal training programmes will provide the SMEs with the right skills to become competitive halal players and comprise three modules namely halal awareness, halal industry and halal professional.

Jamil said such programmes are part of HDC's efforts to turn Malaysia into the preferred global halal support and reference centre.

"It will also boost Mydin's position as a leading provider of halal products that are wholesome and safe for consumption and usage, thereby ensuring that their customers receive the highest standards in quality and safety," he said.

Mydin To Invest RM1 Bln For Eight Hypermarkets To Help SMEs


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Wholesaler, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd plans to open up another eight hypermarkets by 2010 with an investment of about RM1 billion and the aim of helping local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Its managing director, Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said that the company, through its emporium and hypermarkets last year, had helped sell the products of some 500 Bumiputera SMEs worth some RM60 million.

"We expect the amount would increase by about 20 percent this year," he told reporters at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Mydin and the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) here Wednesday.

The potential locations for its outlets would be in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan; Kuantan, Pahang; Kampung Manjoi, Ipoh; Malacca as well as Sabah and Sarawak, said Ameer Ali.

Mydin, a home-grown company, was established 51 years ago in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by its founder Mydin Mohamed.

Today, Mydin owns 24 emporiums, two hypermarkets, nine mini-markets (MyMydin), five 24-hour convenient store (MyMart) and two super-stores Mydin Bazaar.

On the MoU, Ameer Ali said it was aimed at strengthening the participation and the capacity of local SMEs in the local and global Halal industry, via HDC’s Halal Training program.

"As a local company, owned and managed by Muslims, it is part of our fardhu kifayah (social obligation) to help local SME entrepreneurs to equip themselves with the right knowledge and confidence in managing and producing their Halal-based products," he said.

Under the MoU, HDC would train at least 300 trainees from Mydin's own SMEs who will receive certification upon completion of the Halal Training programme.

Throughout the duration of the agreement, HDC would provide expert trainers as well as training materials and aids for the trainees.

HDC currently offers three modules in its training programme which are the Halal Awareness, Halal Industry and Halal Professionals modules.

Meanwhile, HDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said the agency has given Halal certification to 517 local companies after taking over the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM)'s role in the issuance of Halal certification two months ago. "The average process period before the issuance of the Halal certification is about 30 days," he said.

Also present at Wednesday's event were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, HDC chairman Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim and Mydin chairman Mydin Mohamed.

-- BERNAMA

Streets Mail: Give go-ahead to Carrefour
V. THOMAS, Sungai Buloh

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2352467/insidepix1
The controversial site where the hypermarket is coming up.

THE Selangor state government should allow the construction of the Carrefour hypermarket in Section II of Kota Damansara to proceed, especially after so much work has been done, as the many advantages far outweigh the inconvenience to the residents.

It need to be known at the outset that the hypermarket is solely for the benefit of Kota Damansara residents as there are other supermarkets in Damansara Perdana along the LDP Highway catering for other areas. These supermarkets cater for a wider clientele as they are along the main roads unlike the proposed one in Kota Damansara, which is mainly for the local residents.

Kota Damansara has tens of thousands of flat and apartment dwellers belonging to the lower-income group. At a time when the pay packet has shrunk and travelling costs have gone up dramatically, what better than a hypermarket in their midst where they can buy their provisions at lower cost as compared to shops which sell things about 50 per cent to 80 per cent more than in the supermarkets?

If at all the residents had wanted to protest against the hypermarket they should have done this during the previous state administration when the project signboard was put up. The MBPJ had already given the green light for the hypermarket and so had the previous state assemblyman, Datuk Mokhtar Dahlan.


To call off the project when a few million ringgit had been sunk is not a wise resolution of the problem. If the project is called off, what is going to be done with such a large parcel of land? Possibly a few condos or a large commercial centre will be put up instead. Will the problems cited by the residents be resolved by this or will it be equally damaging or worse?

Having a school near a supermarket is nothing new in Malaysia and the problem in this case has been magnified. There is a secondary school next to a supermarket, The Store, in Bandar Baru Sg Buloh and this has not led to any problems for students such as truancy or loitering. There are even more examples nationwide.

Primary school children are too young to be distracted by supermarkets or hypermarkets or engage in anti-social problems like truancy or loitering after school hours.

One also needs to consider that there has been a building boom in Kota Damansara since it was developed in the 1990s. All kinds of building are being put up without any thought for future space constraints.

Attempts should be made by the residents and the authorities to reduce the concrete jungle and make Kota Damansara more green and livable. When the residential population is up there are certain amenities that become inevitable and a supermarket is one of them.

It must be noted by the residents that once a hypermarket comes up there will be less need for rows and rows of shops and commercial centres. This will reduce pressure on open spaces and the municipal authority can reduce approvals for commercial properties.

Cawangan ke-25 Tesco
Oleh Rosdalilah Zahari
am@hmetro.com.my

TESCO Stores (M) Sdn Bhd (Tesco) melebarkan operasi di Malaysia menerusi pembukaan cawangan pasar raya besar Tesco Station 18 di Pengkalan, Perak, semalam menjadikan cawangan ke-4 di negeri itu.

Tesco sebelum ini sudah memulakan operasinya di Ipoh, Taiping dan cawangan ketiga di Kampar, Perak pula dibuka minggu lalu.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tesco Malaysia, Chris Bush berkata, Tesco Station 18 adalah cawangan ke-25 dibina di Malaysia yang sentiasa memenuhi keperluan penduduk setempat khususnya menawarkan barangan segar pada harga terendah.

“Pembukaan Tesco Station 18 menjanjikan jualan produk yang bermutu tinggi yang ditawarkan dengan harga berpatutan untuk semua golongan pengguna,” katanya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di Ipoh, Perak, semalam.

Bush berkata, Tesco cawangan itu turut membuka lot gerai iaitu ‘Bazaar Rakyat’ yang menawarkan pelbagai jenis barangan untuk pilihan pengguna yang berkunjung.


“Selain itu, terdapat pelbagai pilihan barangan dan tempat makan yang ditawarkan di kiosk serta deretan kedai yang berada dalam kawasan pasar raya besar ini serta 1,000 petak letak kereta secara percuma turut disediakan.

“Kami juga prihatin dengan pelanggan yang terdiri daripada orang kurang upaya (OKU) dan ibu bapa yang mempunyai bayi dengan menyediakan petak tempat letak kereta khas untuk mereka,” katanya.

Beliau memberitahu, ibu bapa yang ingin membeli-belah di pasar raya kami juga boleh meninggalkan anak mereka di kawasan taman permainan mini yang disediakan.

Katanya, sempena perayaan Aidilfitri, Tesco seluruh Malaysia giat menjalankan promosi untuk pelanggan setia.

Sementara itu, katanya rangkaian pasar raya besar Tesco seluruh negara setakat ini sudah mengambil 9,000 pekerja dan turut menawarkan lebih 3,000 produk menggunakan jenama Tesco terdiri daripada barang makanan sehingga ke barangan keperluan harian.

Giant contribution to NST club

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Friday/Stories/2353333/insidepix1
(From left) Osman Lisut and Shahiman Sharip receiving goods from Zamri Maulan and Faridah Harith, representatives from Giant Hypermarkets.

PETALING JAYA: It was a Giant boost again for the welfare, sports, and recreation club of the New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro.

Giant Hypermarket recently donated RM8,000 worth of grocery to the club.

Shahiman Sharip, president of the club, said: "For the third consecutive year, Giant has contributed to our club, We appreciate their help."

Shahiman said with the contribution from Giant, 66 pots of "bubur lambuk" will be made and distributed to orphanages in the Klang Valley.


He said the club with the participation of local artists and chefs makes the porridge every Saturday during Ramadan for distribution to welfare homes .

About 20 pots of porridge will be prepared during each event and 5,000 packs of porridge distributed every Saturday during the fasting month..

Zamri Maulan, corporate communication manager of Giant Hypermarkets, said: "We are donating our Giant retail brand goods and we hope to extend our share to society."

Hypermarket impasse
Halim Said

SHAH ALAM: Residents of Kota Damansara Section 11 and a hypermarket failed to strike a deal in their latest round of negotiation.

Carrefour will go ahead with plans to build a hypermarket on a 2.5 hectare plot next to a primary school though the residents are against it.

Carrefour Malaysia-Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said the hypermarket group had acquired the land legally.

"We got approval from the authorities prior to the objections from the residents.


"On the issue of relocation, we hope the federal government and state government will look into the licence that we have obtained," he said,

Shafie was speaking at the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting at the Selangor state secretariat in Shah Alam last week.

He said relocating the proposed hypermarket to other sites would not benefit Kota Damansara residents.

"Several locations have been suggested to us and among them is one in Petaling Jaya near the Nanyang Siang Pau building," he said.

Shafie said Carrefour, being the first hypermarket to penetrate the Malaysia market in 1994, should be given the opportunity to develop and generate economic opportunities in areas where it is built, and in this case, the Kota Damansara area.

"As a foreign investor, Carrefour is quite surprised with the strong objections from the residents. We feel that we are a victim as much as the residents felt concerning the hypermarket development.

"Nonetheless we have come up with amicable solutions and worked with the goverment to settle the issue," he said.

However, Shafie stressed that Carrefour has come to a strong standing that it will proceed with the project in in Kota Damansara.

The 90-minute meeting was attended by representatives of Carrefour, Kota Damansara Section 11 residents, Kota Damansara state assemblyman Dr. Mohd Nasir Hashim and Subang MP R. Sivarasa.

There was tension at the meeting with one group of residents, who were for the hypermarket to be in their area against another group objecting to it.

Nasir took state executive councillor Ronnie Liu to task for his lack of focus and for taking sides in handling the dispute.

Liu scoffed at Nasir's criticism and said he had to sit down with all the relevant parties and listen to their proposals fairly.

"I'm quite shocked to hear this. I am trying to find a working solution to this problem but it turned out to be more than I could chew on.

"That is why I have to bring the matter to state level as I do not have the power to decide on this issue," Liu said.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim pledged that the state government will look into the hypermarket issue, including the solutions given by Carrefour and the objections by the residents.

Khalid said the matter will be discussed at an economic council meeting next week.

"We have to get a collective decision on this issue and we need time to do it. Right now time is of the essence and you will all need to be patient as I am fasting," he quipped.

Latest news from Alor Star... There's a new billboard ad near Teluk Wanjah Roundabout telling us that there will be a new second store of Tesco which will be part of a new township called Stargate, near Alor Star SELATAN Exit.

The funny thing the newly open Tesco Mergong is like 10 minutes away from the construction site of the new one.

Latest news from Alor Star... There's a new billboard ad near Teluk Wanjah Roundabout telling us that there will be a new second store of Tesco which will be part of a new township called Stargate, near Alor Star SELATAN Exit.

The funny thing the newly open Tesco Mergong is like 10 minutes away from the construction site of the new one.

Wow...really...crazy what!!
Buildla near Giant!!!

Bleh, I dont want anymore Tesco, Giant or Carrefour.

It's time that we have upscale department stores like Metrojaya, Parkson or Jusco.

Streets Mail: Give go-ahead to Carrefour
V. THOMAS, Sungai Buloh

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2352467/insidepix1


It need to be known at the outset that the hypermarket is solely for the benefit of Kota Damansara residents as there are other supermarkets in Damansara Perdana along the LDP Highway catering for other areas. These supermarkets cater for a wider clientele as they are along the main roads unlike the proposed one in Kota Damansara, which is mainly for the local residents.




I didnt know Damansara Perdana had supermarkets that could cater to Kota Damansara residents :lol:

(I think he really meant to say Mutiara Damansara, which is another address by another developer altogether)

Tesco to pay RM525,000 in land premium to state govt


THE state government has ordered Tesco Xtra to pay RM525,000 in land premium for building an alternative road on state land in Taman Sembilang in Seberang Jaya, Butterworth.

State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the imposition of the premium was part of the land procedures on anyone planning to use state land for development or other purposes.

He said apart from the land premium, the hypermarket had also been asked to build 200 parking lots to replace the parking lots near the Seberang Jaya expo site that had been taken up for the project.

“The company has three months to pay up the premium or the approval which has been given to them to build the access road will expire.

“They will have to re-submit new application for approval if they fail to meet the deadline,” he told reporters after launching a Hari Raya balik kampung road safety campaign at the Penang bridge toll plaza.

Lim said the state had approved the construction of the alternative road during last Monday’s state executive council meeting, adding that the alternative road would be given 30 years’ leasehold.

He said the state government was giving 50% discount on the land premium for the project as it was meant for the benefit of the people.

“We believe that the premium is reasonable. In fact, the hypermarket management did not submit any application to build the road. That was the reason why a stop work order was issued on the project,” he added.

Lim said the project consultant was immediately asked to submit the necessary applications to the Central Seberang Prai Land Office which they did.

“The State Land Committee approved the application last week and we endorsed it at the state executive council meeting on Monday,” he said.

The project became controversial when residents in Taman Sembilang claimed that it was stopped by the state government.

They said the residential area would become congested when the hypermarket was open for business this Friday as there was only one road to enter and exit Taman Sembilang.

The alternative road will divert traffic through the expo site parking lots to the Projek Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan (Plus) Highway near the Subaidah restaurant.

Bas percuma ke Carrefour



CARREFOUR Malaysia buat pertama kalinya melancarkan servis terbaru sempena musim perayaan dengan menyediakan perkhidmatan bas percuma ke pasar raya besarnya.

Perkhidmatan bas percuma itu dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama SuriaFM, membabitkan lima pasar raya besar Carrefour, iaitu Wangsa Maju, Cheras, Klang, Penang Prai dan Johor Bharu.

Bas percuma itu beroperasi setiap Khamis hingga Jumaat dari jam 11 pagi hingga 7 petang serta Sabtu dan Ahad mulai jam 8 pagi hingga 7 petang, berlangsung sehingga penghujung Ramadan bagi membantu pelanggan membuat pembelian dan persiapan menjelang hari raya.

Carrefour sentiasa mencari peluang memberi yang terbaik kepada pelanggan dan melalui khidmat bas percuma ini, memudahkan pelanggan membeli-belah di pasar raya besar Carrefour.

Gedung kedua terbesar Tesco Extra



KEKUKUHAN pasaran di Malaysia menyakinkan Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd (Tesco) mengembangkan perniagaan dengan membuka sebuah lagi pasar raya besar Tesco Extra di Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang, semalam.

Ia pasar raya Tesco Extra kedua terbesar di negara ini selepas Plentong, Johor, menjadikannya premis kelapan dibuka selepas pengambilalihan daripada Makro Cash & Carry (Makro).

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya, David Hobbs, berkata Tesco Extra terbaru ini direka bentuk dengan konsep memenuhi keperluan pelanggan sama ada peniaga mahupun keluarga atau individu di bawah satu bumbung yang memasarkan pelbagai barangan, termasuk 2,000 produk industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS).

“Pembukaan Tesco Extra ini pasti menggembirakan peniaga kecil kerana mereka boleh membeli produk secara pukal pada harga istimewa dan individu juga boleh berbuat demikian.

“Tesco Extra akan terus komited dan sentiasa memberi nilai terbaik untuk pelanggan walaupun negara sedang dilanda inflasi pada masa kini,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang media sempena pembukaan Tesco Extra di Seberang Jaya itu. Hadir sama, Pengarah Peruncitan, Bill O`Neill dan Pengurus Besar pasar raya besar itu, N Segar.

Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya mempunyai 15,000 meter persegi ruang niaga yang dibina semula daripada bangunan asal membabitkan kos RM100 juta.

David berkata, pasar raya besar berkenaan bakal menjadi pilihan membeli-belah di Seberang Prai kerana mempunyai banyak produk dan khidmat menarik kepada pelanggan.

Menurutnya, pihaknya turut menyediakan ruang permainan kanak-kanak, lebih 200 gerai di medan selera dan restoran serta pelbagai kelainan kios dikenali Bazar Rakyat.

Katanya, antara kelebihan Tesco Extra termasuk saiz pek barangan lebih besar, lebih banyak kaunter, 1,250 ruang letak kereta termasuk empat untuk orang kurang upaya (OKU) dan 24 untuk ibu bapa dan bayi.

Tesco opens in Seberang Jaya


TESCO Stores (M) Sdn Bhd has soft-laun-ched its eighth Tesco Extra store in Sebe-rang Jaya upon receiving approval from the authorities to construct a RM3.6mil slip road.

Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Farizan Darus said the Public Works Depart-ment (PWD) recently gave its consent for the stretch to be built between the RM100mil hypermarket in Persiaran Sembilang and the North-South Expressway.

“Tesco Stores has been allowed to resume construction work on the road on the side near the hypermarket for the time being.

“It can only connect the road to the expressway in mid-October as PLUS Expressways Bhd feared that it may affect traffic flow on the highway, especially during the Hari Raya holidays,” he said on Thursday.

Farizan said the Penang Land Committee had last Friday approved an application by Tesco Stores to use a 1,173 sq m plot of state land (presently used as a car parking lot within the Seberang Jaya expo site) to build an alternative road.

He said the state executive council, which met on Monday, had endorsed the company’s application by requesting it to pay RM525,000 in land premium for building the alternative road on state land.

Farizan added that the company was also told to rebuild 200 parking lots within the vicinity to re-place the ex-po’s parking lots.

At a separate event later, Tesco Malaysia chief operating officer David Hobbs said the new store was the last of eight former Makro Cash & Carry stores that the company had taken over and redesigned since last year.

“Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya, with 15,000 sq m of mall space, is so far the biggest among our 26 stores in the country. There are also 125 mall tenants occupying the food court, bazaar and those in pushcarts here,” he told a press conference at the hypermarket.

pCarrefour road trip to spread Ramadan cheer
Rizalman Hammim
THE month of Ramadan is a time of giving and sharing.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Saturday/Stories/2359842/insidepix1?display=small
READY TO GO: Carrefour Batu Pahat human resources manager Shamsul Anhar Baharuddin (fifth from left) presenting contributions to Senggarang assemblyman Jaafar Hashim to be distributed in his constituency.

HERE COME THE GOODIES: Senggarang state assemblyman Jaafar Hashim presenting contributions to one of the poor families on his turf.
Hence, a lot of individuals and corporations are taking advantage of this special month to organise charity events and make contributions to the poor and needy.

One such corporation is Carrefour, which recently organised a charity convoy to contribute food and other supplies to 24 underprivileged families in four areas in Batu Pahat -- Parit Raja, Rengit, Senggarang and Semerah.

Six families from each area, consisting of the disabled, poor and single mothers, were identified with the help of the Batu Pahat welfare office.


Led by Carrefour Batu Pahat human resource manager Shamsul Anhar Baharuddin and store manager N. Arumugam, the 14-vehicle convoy began its journey from the Carrefour hypermarket in Taman Flora.

Tagging along to help give away the contributions were Rengit state assemblyman Ayub Jamil and Senggarang state assemblyman Jaafar Hashim.

"The programme is part of Carrefour's efforts to help the less fortunate living around the areas where we operate.

"We hope the contributions will help them during the fasting month, as well as the upcoming Hari Raya," said Shamsul Anhar.

It was the first time Carrefour had organised such an event and the hypermarket plans to make it an annual event.

"This is also part of our corporate social responsibility programme involving our staff."

Jaafar commended the event as it would help lessen the burden of poor families, especially in their preparations for Hari Raya.

"I hope more corporations will follow in Carrefour's footsteps and make their own contributions to help the poor and unfortunate," said Jaafar.

Ayub hoped that for next year, Carrefour would identify more eligible families to receive the contributions.

"Such activities are very important to create a more caring society in Malaysia.

"I hope Carrefour will continue its efforts in helping the needy," said Ayub.

Among the recipients of the contribution was single mother Yah Md Som.

"I am thankful to Carrefour for their generosity.

"This contribution is a big help for me and my family and will definitely help make this Hari Raya a little more joyful," said Yah.

Besides hampers of food items and other daily necessities, each family also received a cash contribution.

soon melaka one tesco extra yeah yeah melaka is more shopping but think mind

STREETS MAIL: Hypermarkets should be allowed to operate till midnight
Eashvaralingam, President, PJ Residents' Association

THIS is in further reference to the directive by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry urging the local councils to ensure that hypermarkets do not operate beyond 10pm.

The PJ Residents' Association did an informal survey with 100 residents in PJ. About 81 per cent of them are in favour of hypermarkets and supermarkets operating until midnight for their convenience.

Most of them work shifts and many return late from work. The prices at these place are much lower compared to the sundry shops; moreover, the goods and products sold in the sundry shops are limited.

We are of the opinion that the authorites should consider the views of the public. There is very little chance of the sundry shops' businesses be ing affected since almost all of them close by 8pm.


Instead, the association would like to call on the local councils to come down hard on the entertainment outlets that operate until the early hours of the morning. Pubs, discos, video arcades, night clubs, massage parlours are operating beyond the stipulated time.

Many of these outlets are patronised by the under-aged. This causes family and social problems .

School children are also lured into these places. These places do not provide essential services to the public. It is these business premises that ought to be montiored by the local councils.

The question here is: why are the authorites so lenient on these outlets?

The association would like to urge the enforcement division of local councils to view this matter and take appropriate measures to put matters in order.

We would like to call on the the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry to re-consider extending the operation hours of the hypermarkets. The needs and convenience of the public should be given priority.

soon melaka one tesco extra yeah yeah melaka is more shopping but think mind

any announcement yet? where would it be located?

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
by hm8080

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/3/9/29/f_04m_6f808bc.jpg

Malaysia proposes review of foreign hypermart rules
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2008/10/21
BusinessTimes

THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is proposing that guidelines governing the expansion of foreign hypermarkets in Malaysia be reviewed as the business environment has changed over the years.

"Some of the conditions that were there during the time when the Cabinet discussed and issued the guidelines (several years ago) has now changed," Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said, adding that the ministry will prepare a paper on the matter to be discussed in Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters at "Deepavali with Carrefour" in Subang, Selangor, yesterday, he said hypermarkets like Carrefour, Giant and Tesco have had an impact on prices, spending, employment and investment in the country.

"As far as the Cabinet is concerned, there is a great deal of interest and support for the presence of hypermarkets," Shahrir said.

He said based on the ratio of hypermarket to population, "theoretically, there is no need for any more hypermarkets", but there continues to be interest by foreign hypermarkets to invest and open new outlets.

The ministry, since 2001, has introduced several guidelines to control the expansion of foreign hypermarkets and protect mom-and-pop stores.

The most stringent rule was a five-year freeze beginning January 2004 on openings in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya in Selangor, Penang and Johor Baru. It is unclear whether this ban is still in force.

Other rulings include the application for building a hypermarket be submitted two years in advance and before the land is purchased. The government also requires that an impact study be done in a 3.5km radius from the identified location of a hypermarket.

These rules were incorporated into the Guidelines on Foreign Participation in the Distributive Trade Services 2004.

In his speech, Shahrir said the fall in global crude oil prices, which has also seen a decline in prices of some commodities and fuel pump, should see the prices of goods on the shelves come down in the next four to five months.

He said there will be an announcement on the price reduction for one food item this Friday, but declined to elaborate.

any announcement yet? where would it be located?

RM350mil detention centre in Sungai udang


MALACCA: The Prisons Department’s RM350mil Detention Centre in Sungai Udang will be a catalyst for growth in the area when completed in early 2010.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the project covered 68ha and would be able to accommodate 2,000 detainees and housing for 2,500 personnel and their families.

“Once completed, the centre will be used to detain suspects awaiting trial at the Sessions and High Court throughout the country,’’ he told reporters after visiting the project site here recently.


Checking: Mohd Ali Rustam said detention centre will spur development in the area

About 40% of the project launched in November 2006 had been completed.

Mohd Ali said the centre would help spur development in the Sungai Udang area, which is currently home to the army’s Terendak Camp.

He noted that Sungai Udang had seen rapid development over the last few years following the opening of the Sungai Udang - Ayer Keroh-Selandar Highway, popularly known as the SS highway.

“There are plans to set up a Tesco hypermarket and an emporium halal hub in Paya Rumput,” he said.

GIANT OPENS ITS 108TH STORE IN TAWAU

TAWAU, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Hypermarket chain, Giant, which is owned by GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, today opened its 108th store in Tawau.

Its manager for East Malaysia, Tony Kelly, said the Giant would offer consumers the experience of wet market shopping in a clean, attractive and vibrant shopping environment, and the convenience of shopping for everything under one roof.

"The store will stock over 100,000 items ranging from fresh foods and vegetables, food products, everyday essentials, groceries, general merchandise such as household appliances, electrical goods, clothing, shoes and stationery.

"This will enable our customers to enjoy the vast choices of products at great value," he said at the launch of the hypermarket by Tawau Municipal Council president, Salsidu Ibrahim, here today.

Salsidu, in his address, hoped that Giant's presence here would create a healthy competetion among business communities instead of being considered as a threat. -- BERNAMA

Carrefour Sutera Mall Skudai

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/store_sutera.jpg

http://www.carrefour.com.my/images/suteramap.jpg

Store Director :
Misnadi Mat Piah

L 2-033, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4,
Taman Sutera Utama,
81300 Johor Bharu,Johor


Tel: 1300 88 2939
Fax: +607 - 556 9972
Email: suterautama_my@carrefour.com

Hypermarkets to take lead in reducing prices


IT IS going to be easier on the pockets for Malaysians from as early as next week.

After a barrage of hard-hitting news caused by spiralling fuel prices, price tags are coming down at hypermarkets.

This will be the first time that prices of consumer goods are being reduced, after the drastic increase in fuel prices in June.

Since then, pump prices have tumbled from RM2.70 to RM2.30 (RON 97 petrol).

Hypermarkets are making preparations to reduce prices of canned and fresh food, and clothing.

A major hypermarket chain proprietor estimates that his prices will drop from 15% to 30%.

And there will be more good news at the pumps - petrol prices are likely to come down by 15 sen.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Ra**zak said consumers could look forward to better times.

Pasar raya Giant turun harga 1,200 barangan



KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 1,200 barangan terdiri pelbagai produk makanan dan barang keperluan harian di Pasar Raya Giant Bandar Kinrara Puchong, diturunkan harganya sehingga 30 peratus bermula semalam sempena Kempen Penurunan Harga Barang.

Pelancaran kempen berkenaan dirasmikan Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna (KPDNHEP), Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Menurutnya, pelancaran itu baru fasa pertama dalam melaksanakan kempen ini sebelum diadakan dengan lebih menyeluruh di semua pasar raya besar seperti Carrefour, Tesco, Mydin dan Jaya Jusco di seluruh negara.

Oleh itu, Shahrir berkata, proses penurunan harga harus diberi galakan supaya pengguna mendapat manfaat dengan cepat.

“Jalinan kerjasama antara semua pihak perlu dalam merealisasikan usaha ini secara menyeluruh,” katanya ketika berucap pada majlis pelancaran kempen itu di Pasar Raya Giant Bandar Kinrara, semalam.

Dalam pada itu, Shahrir berkata, pengguna juga perlu berbelanja secara berhemah dan hanya membeli barangan keperluan yang penting saja untuk mengelakkan inflasi.

Kementerian juga, katanya akan mengadakan pertemuan khas dengan persatuan pengguna, syarikat pengeluar, pemborong dan pembekal untuk mengadakan perbahasan serta perbincangan bagi bersama-sama menyahut seruan kerajaan dalam menurunkan harga barangan.

Tesco tawar diskaun

Oleh FAIZAL NAZARUDDIN
faizal.nazaruddin@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1031/Kosmo/Negara/ne_08.1.jpg
KAKITANGAN TESCO, Zubaidah Abdullah (kiri) menimbang ikan yang dibeli pelanggan pada pelancaran kempen potongan harga di TESCO Damansara Mutiara semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1031/Kosmo/Negara/ne_08.2.jpg

PETALING JAYA - Pasar raya besar Tesco semalam melancarkan kempen penurunan harga sehingga 40 peratus terhadap 60 barangan keperluan dengan membabitkan peruntukan RM25 juta.

Menurut Ketua Pegawai Operasi Tesco, David Hobbs, potongan harga istimewa itu akan berlangsung selama tiga bulan dan pihaknya akan membuat penilaian semula harga tersebut sama ada diturunkan lagi atau sebaliknya.

"Kami memberi tumpuan pada barangan isi rumah kerana berdasarkan kajian kami, kebanyakan pelanggan membeli barangan seperti beras, daging, ayam, makanan tin dan lain-lain dengan banyak.

"Selain itu, setiap minggu kami akan memperkenalkan harga barangan baru yang lebih murah dan membuat promosi terhadap 800 barangan pada harga istimewa,'' katanya pada sidang media selepas majlis pelancaran itu di Tesco Mutiara Damansara di sini semalam.

Majlis pelancaran itu disempurnakan oleh Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Tambah Hobbs, Tesco kini mempunyai 26 cawangan di seluruh negara dan kini dalam perancangan membina pusat pengedarannya yang kedua di Bukit Beruntung, Selangor.

FAMA, Tesco jalin kerjasama lebih erat

IPOH 2 Nov. - Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan (FAMA) akan menjalin kerjasama lebih erat dengan Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Tesco) bagi meningkatkan lagi pemasaran produk-produk pertanian tempatan.

Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed berkata, antara produk pertanian tempatan yang diberi tumpuan pada masa ini ialah pasaran ikan keli dan tilapia serta buah-buahan tempatan.

''Buat masa ini, Tesco telah mula membeli ikan keli dan tilapia daripada pengusaha tempatan namun kita berpendapat jumlah itu boleh ditingkatkan jika ada usahasama lebih kukuh.

''Tesco kini berdepan dengan kekurangan bekalan buah-buahan tempatan seperti pisang, jadi kita akan bekerjasama supaya petani kita boleh menanam pisang yang dikehendaki oleh Tesco," katanya kepada pemberita selepas melawat Pusat Pengedaran Tesco dan Terminal Makanan Negara (Teman) di Simpang Pulai dekat sini hari ini.

Mustapa berkata, Tesco dan FAMA juga bersetuju untuk mengadakan program bersama bagi memasarkan produk-produk industri asas tani tempatan.

Katanya, bagi tujuan tersebut, pihak FAMA akan mengumpulkan semua pengusaha terlibat supaya mereka dapat memasuki pasaran Tesco yang amat memberangsangkan.

''Tesco telah terbukti berjaya dalam usaha mengurangkan kos barang-barangan dengan membuat pembelian secara langsung selain mempunyai teknologi pembungkusan terkini yang menjimatkan.

''Jadi peluang ini patut digunakan oleh FAMA dan pengusaha industri asas tani untuk membina rangkaian pemasaran lebih baik dan menggalakkan pengeluar-pengeluar makanan lebih besar," katanya.

Sementara itu, mengenai projek pembinaan Teman yang bernilai RM110 juta, Mustapa berkata, ia mengikut jadual ditetapkan dan pihak jururunding dan kontraktor memberi jaminan untuk menyiapkan prasarana itu pada Jun depan.

Katanya, Sijil Layak Menduduki (CF) bagi bangunan itu pula dijadual diterima pada September dan ia akan mula beroperasi sepenuhnya sekitar bulan November.

''Projek Teman ini amat penting dan ia akan menggantikan Pasar Borong Kuala Pari yang terletak kira-kira 15 kilometer dari sini bagi memastikan bekalan makanan di sekitar Perak sentiasa mencukupi.

''Buat masa ini sudah 330 pemborong memohon untuk beroperasi di sini dan kebanyakannya adalah daripada pasar borong lama," katanya.

Hypermarts to stay open longer


KUALA LUMPUR: Hypermarkets can extend their operating hours to 11pm on weekdays and 1am on weekends.

In announcing this when unveiling the economic stimulus package, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the move was to encourage growth in the retail and domestic tourism industries.

“This move is consistent with the aim of making the nation an interesting shopping destination.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/5/nation/n_12hypermarkets.jpg
Buying bonanza: Most shoppers agree that keeping hypermarkets open longer would be a boon as it would make shopping more convenient.

“The Government hopes that with this move, the shopping centres would react positively to the price reduction campaign,” he said in Parliament yesterday.

In George Town, consumers have welcomed the move.


Omar: It would be good if people can do their shopping up to midnight
Army officer Omar Jalil, 38, thought it was appropriate and friendly to shoppers.

“It would be good if people can do their shopping up to midnight, especially if you need to make some last-minute or emergency shopping,” he said when met at a supermarket at Bayan Baru.

Manager Gary Low, 52, welcomed the move as it would make shopping more convenient.

“It is certainly more hassle-free going to hypermarkets which are more organised and safer, compared with going to a small grocery or convenience store.

“It would be good if you can buy fish at midnight, wouldn’t it? You can’t do that at grocery stores,” he said.

When asked if they thought hypermarkets should operate round-the-clock to encourage more people to shop, spend and help stimulate the economy, many had mixed feelings.

Low said it would be good if there was such a demand in Malaysia while Omar doubted that people would shop during the early morning hours.

S.C. Wong, 33, a manager in the services industry, said such a move was both good and bad.

“It may be good for some shoppers, but the management of the hypermarkets may get some unhappy employees.

“There will also be safety and security concerns to address when business is done during such hours,” she said.

Pasar raya besar dibenar buka hingga 12 malam


Langkah selaras objektif negara destinasi beli-belah menarik

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak berkata kerajaan akan memberi kebenaran untuk pasar raya besar melanjutkan masa perniagaan sehingga jam 12 malam pada hari biasa bagi menggalakkan perkembangan perniagaan runcit serta industri pelancongan domestik.

"Pada hujung minggu pula, ia boleh dibuka sehingga jam 1 pagi. Untuk pasar raya di pusat beli-belah, premis ini boleh dibuka sepanjang masa tertakluk kepada kebenaran kerajaan tempatan," kata Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Kewangan.

Beliau berkata, langkah itu selaras objektif untuk menjadikan negara sebagai destinasi membeli-belah yang menarik dan berharap kelonggaran itu disambut baik pengusaha seperti mana mereka menyokong kempen penurunan harga barang yang dimulakan baru-baru ini

"Walaupun Malaysia menghadapi kemelut ekonomi global, kerajaan akan tetap mampu meluaskan liputan jaringan keselamatan sosial bagi meningkatkan pendapatan dan kuasa beli rakyat," katanya," katanya ketika menggulung perbahasan Bajet 2009 di Dewan Rakyat, semalam.

Najib berkata syarat asas pemberian Bantuan Kebajikan Bulanan di bawah Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) dinaikkan daripada RM400 kepada RM720 untuk Semenanjung, RM830 untuk Sarawak dan RM960 untuk Sabah, selaras dengan garis kemiskinan.

"Dengan ini, bilangan isi rumah yang akan menerima bantuan akan meningkat daripada 55,000 kepada 110,000 orang dan kerajaan mensasarkan liputan penuh akan dicapai menjelang akhir tahun ini," katanya.

Najib berkata, kerajaan mensasarkan 12,000 graduan dilatih dalam jangka masa dua tahun melalui program Skim Pengurusan Memudahkan Graduan Mendapat Kerja (Gems) yang akan dilaksanakan melalui syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) seperti Khazanah dan Permodalan Nasional Bhd.

Katanya, langkah itu ialah usaha kerajaan menyediakan lebih banyak peluang latihan dan pekerjaan memandangkan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang lebih perlahan yang akan membawa kepada penjanaan peluang pekerjaan yang lebih lembap dan pengangguran.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan bercadang menyokong dan menyelaraskan usaha GLC menangani masalah graduan menganggur dengan mewujudkan program meningkatkan keupayaan dan kemahiran sebelum mereka diserap atau mendapat pekerjaan.

Kerajaan juga akan mempercepatkan pengambilan kakitangan bagi jawatan yang kritikal dan amat diperlukan dalam sektor awam kerana ketika ini kekosongan jawatan kritikal dalam sektor awam adalah 18,000 orang.

"Saya juga ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk menegaskan bahawa Kerajaan tidak bercadang untuk memberhentikan kakitangan kontrak di dalam perkhidmatan Kerajaan seperti dilaporkan dalam sesetengah media," katanya.

Najib berkata, kerajaan juga akan memperuntukkan RM1.5 bilion bagi menubuhkan Dana Pelaburan untuk menarik lebih banyak pelaburan sektor swasta, khususnya daripada sektor swasta dalam bidang yang berdaya maju.

The AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Complex in Klang, Selangor

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2f/Aeon-bukit-tinggi.jpg

Giant Kuantan nyaris musnah



KUANTAN: Pasar raya Giant di sini nyaris musnah dalam satu kebakaran pada 7.52 pagi pagi tadi yang dipercayai berpunca di bahagian stor.

Pegawai Penjaga Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Kuantan, Razali Ismali berkata 29 anggota berjaya mengawal api daripada merebak setengah jam kemudian.

Menurutnya, hanya sebahagian kecil barang yang rosak akibat kebakaran tersebut dan setakat ini anggaran kerugian dan punca kejadian masih dalam siasatan.

Antara barangan yang disimpan dalam stor itu termasuk perkakasan elektrik, pakaian, kasut dan perabot.

Seorang pekerja pasar raya itu, Tuan Abdul Rahman Tuan Abdullah, 29, berkata ketika beliau masuk ke bahagian stor berkenaan, beliau terhidu bau hangit lalu bergegas keluar dan memaklumkannya kepada pengawal keselamatan. - Bernama

Tesco sales fall in Korea, up in Malaysia
Published: 2008/11/11


LONDON: Tesco, the world’s No. 3 retailer, reported a dip in underlying sales in South Korea, its biggest market outside Britain, providing further evidence a consumer downturn in the US and the UK has gone global.

At the start of a trip with analysts and investors to see its Asian operations, the British supermarket group said yesterday that sales at South Korean stores open at least a year fell 2 per cent in the 10 weeks to November 1, compared with a flat performance in the first half of its financial year.

Like-for-like sales in China were up 8 per cent, following a 14 per cent rise in the first half, while sales in Malaysia on the same basis were up 2 per cent after a first-half 1 per cent, Britain’s biggest retailer said in a statement. - AFP

Panic as hypermarket store burns

http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2398610/insidepix1
Fire and Rescue Department personnel checking the burnt storeroom of the hypermarket.


KUANTAN: Pandemonium broke out at a hypermarket here when its main storeroom caught fire about 7am yesterday.

The incident happened when several staff were busy preparing for the opening of the hypermarket at 10am.

Three fire engines with 29 men, who arrived at 8am, managed to douse the fire after 45 minutes.

Kuantan Fire and Rescue Department chief Rozali Ismail said the fire had spread fast as there were many items in the storeroom.

But swift action by firemen prevented the fire from reaching the main building.

Rozali said the department was still investigating the cause of the fire and the losses incurred had not been determined yet.

No hypermarts in rural areas, says Federation
Other News & Views
Compiled by SIM LEOI LEOI, NG SI HOOI AND A. RAMAN


THE FEDERATION of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia is against the Government’s move to encourage hypermarkets to open in rural areas, reported China Press.

Federation president Lean Hing Chuan said this would affect the business of traditional retailers and grocery shop operators.

He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had encouraged the hypermarkets to do so after its survey showed that the price of retailers and grocery shops were higher than the hypermarkets.

“The price of goods in rural areas are more expensive than the cities because of the transportation cost,” he said, adding that the Federation would send a memorandum to the ministry.

Ringan beban pengguna

Oleh JAGATHESWARY NARAYANAN
n.jagatheswary@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1107/Kosmo/Varia/va_02.1.jpg
PENURUNAN harga perlu diselaraskan supaya peniaga runcit turut menurunkan harga barang keperluan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HARGA komoditi dunia mula turun terutamanya minyak petrol dan diesel secara mendadak di pasaran dunia sejak kebelakangan ini.

Bagi meringankan beban rakyat, kerajaan telah mengambil langkah efektif dan komprehensif menurunkan harga bahan api itu secara berperingkat baru-baru ini.

Ekoran penurunan harga 'emas hitam' itu, para peniaga runcit dan pengusaha pasar raya besar digesa menurunkan harga barang-barang keperluan demi meringankan beban rakyat.

Dalam pada itu, orang ramai berasa lega apabila beberapa buah pasar raya besar menurunkan harga untuk kebaikan pengguna.

Giant menjadi pasar raya pertama mengumumkan penurunan harga barang keperluan dengan menyaksikan 1,200 jenis barang keperluan mengalami penurunan sehingga 30 peratus daripada harga asal.

Selepas Giant menurunkan harga barang keperluan, giliran pasar raya Tesco pula mengambil langkah serupa apabila melancarkan kempen penurunan harga sehingga 40 peratus terhadap 60 barangan keperluan.

Namun, adakah penurunan harga ini benar-benar meringankan beban yang dipikul oleh rakyat jelata mahupun mengurangkan perbelanjaan mereka pada setiap hari?

Mohd. Darif Osman, 49, seorang peniaga dari Bukit Antarabangsa mengakui bahawa inisiatif Tesco dan Giant ini dianggap satu pendekatan baik dan patut digalakkan supaya pengusaha pasar raya lain turut serta dengan langkah murni itu.

"Saya amat berterima kasih kepada Tesco kerana menyahut seruan kerajaan menerusi Kempen Penurunan Harga, setidak-tidaknya usaha Tesco ini dapat meringankan beban pengguna.

"Tetapi tidak lupa juga kepada para pengguna yang menetap di kawasan luar dan pedalaman yang tidak memiliki kemudahan pasar raya besar seperti Tesco, Giant, Jusco dan Carefour," katanya pada Kosmo! ketika mengulas mengenai isu penurunan harga barang oleh pasar raya besar di seluruh negara.



TINDAKAN ini disifatkan satu langkah promosi pasar raya besar semata-mata untuk menarik para pembeli.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Menurut Darif, penurunan harga barang keperluan ini harus diselaraskan. Selain Tesco dan Giant, para peniaga runcit harus menurunkan harga barang-barang bagi memberi ruang kepada pengguna-pengguna di kawasan luar bandar turut menikmati penurunan harga.

"Kesemua barang keperluan untuk seisi keluarga daripada minyak masak, beras sehingga tisu di beli dari Tesco yang berhampiran dengan kediaman kami. Peratus penurunan harga di pasar raya ini tidak begitu memberi impak pada keseluruhan perbelanjaan keluarga kami.

"Sebelum ini, setiap minggu saya akan berbelanja RM200 untuk membeli barang-barang keperluan untuk anak-anak manakala perbelanjaan bulanan pula akan mencecah pada anggaran RM800," ujarnya yang kini dapat menikmati penurunan perbelanjaan sebanyak 20 peratus.

Beliau menjelaskan, keadaan pasaran dunia yang tidak menentu maka beliau sentiasa berwaspada dan berjimat-cermat serta mengurangkan perbelanjaan yang kurang penting seperti makan malam di restoran mewah dan kurang membeli-belah di pusat beli-belah.

Seorang lagi pengguna yang dikenali sebagai Hazel Hoo, 29, pula memberitahu dia sentiasa membeli-belah barang keperluan keluarganya di pasar raya Giant.

"Apabila Giant mengumumkan penurunan harga sebanyak 1,200 barang keperluan pengguna di semua rangkaian pasar raya besar sehingga 30 peratus pada bulan lepas bagaikan satu berita baik pada seluruh keluarga kami.

"Kenaikan harga barang secara mendadak ekoran harga petrol dan diesel memang merumitkan. Walaupun, adik-beradik telah pun berusia namun perbelanjaan dari segi makanan dan minuman memang membebankan," katanya.

Hazel memberitahu, penurunan harga ini perlu dilaksanakan secara menyeluruh dan tidak tertumpu pada beberapa jenama sahaja.

"Penurunan tidak menyeluruh menyebabkan beban itu masih dirasai apabila membeli jenama yang mahal kerana kualiti yang baik.

"Sehubungan itu, harga jenama lain baik lebih murah daripada jenama kegemaran maka saya tidak boleh beralih ke jenama tersebut kerana belum pasti akan kualiti produk-produk tersebut," kata Pegawai Perhubungan Awam di salah sebuah firma di ibu kota ini.

Ujarnya, perbelanjaan keluarganya setiap bulan akan mencecah sehingga RM1,000 termasuk pembelian barangan cucian pakaian, peralatan dapur, sayur-sayuran segar, makanan laut dan produk penjagaan badan.

"Tetapi kini kami serba sedikit dapat mengurangkan kos perbelanjaan beberapa peratus apabila membeli di pasar raya.

"Memang rasa lega dan gembira," jelasnya harap selain pasar raya besar, para peniaga runcit juga turut mengambil inisiatif untuk mengurangkan harga barang runcit supaya mereka yang di kawasan luar bandar turut dapat mengurangkan perbelanjaan keluarga mereka.

Sementara itu, Setiausaha Agung Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Shaani Abdullah berkata, walaupun beberapa pasar raya besar akur dengan permintaan kerajaan dan melancarkan kempen penurunan harga secara besar-besaran namun ia masih boleh dikatakan belum benar-benar menjimatkan para pengguna.

"Ini kerana tindakan ini boleh disifatkan satu langkah promosi yang biasanya dilakukan oleh pasar raya besar semata-mata untuk menarik para pembeli membeli-belah di pasar raya tersebut.

"Justeru pihak kerajaan turut baru memperhebatkan kempen penurunan harga di bandar-bandar besar maka mereka yang menetap di kawasan luar bandar pula masih terpaksa membeli kesemua barang keperluan dengan harga runcit yang mahal berbanding di pasar raya tersebut," katanya ketika dihubungi Kosmo! baru-baru ini.

Kata beliau pihaknya akan memantau secara terperinci mengenai kempen penurunan harga dengan berganding bahu dengan pihak kerajaan supaya langkah efektif ini benar-benar meringankan beban yang dipikul oleh mereka.

Peruncit turun harga minggu depan

Oleh MAZLINA ABDUL MAJID
mazlina@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1112/Kosmo/Negara/ne_03.1.jpg
SHAHRIR meninjau stok beras semasa pelancaran kempen penurunan harga 900 jenis barangan di Jusco Cheras Selatan semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SERI KEMBANGAN - Kempen Penurunan Harga yang kini dijalankan di semua pasar raya besar akan diperluaskan ke semua pasar mini dan kedai runcit di seluruh negara secara berperingkat-peringkat bermula minggu depan.

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad berkata, pelaksanaan kempen itu adalah inisiatif berterusan dalam menyediakan 'suasana' membeli yang lebih baik kepada semua pengguna.

"Ia bermula pada minggu depan, rata-rata pengusaha telah menyatakan persetujuan untuk menyokong kempen ini," katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Kempen Penurunan Harga di Jusco, AEON Cheras Selatan di sini.

Katanya, bagi memastikan kempen itu mencapai matlamat, seramai 2,000 pemantau harga barang akan ditempatkan di kawasan terpilih bagi memastikan semua peruncit mematuhi arahan itu.

Serentak dengan itu juga Shahrir berkata, pihaknya akan mencari satu mekanisme baru agar harga barangan keperluan di luar bandar selaras dengan harga yang dijual bagi mana-mana pasar raya di bandar.

Another hypermart cuts prices
By : Hamidah Atan

PUTRAJAYA: The government will remain proactive and consistent in its measures to cushion the impact of the global economic crisis and bring down prices, the deputy prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said every effort must be made to generate a reasonable level of economic growth.

"The real economy must be protected and brought to a level where the people will not be burdened with the economic slowdown," he said when launching Carrefour Malay-sia's price-cut campaign yesterday.

Also present were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, Carrefour senior adviser Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin and Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.

The six-month campaign involves the reduction of prices of 1,000 essential goods, including vegetables, fish, poultry, meat, dry goods as well as home-related items, with discounts of up to 50 per cent.

Najib, also the finance minister, said the government would implement all people-related programmes as planned such as housing and public facilities.

"All that which can ease inflation will be laid out. Let this year be the only exceptional year for the country where inflation grew to as high as seven per cent.

"Hopefully, next year, we will bring down the rate of inflation to three or four per cent."

Najib said several hypermarkets and supermarkets, including Mydin, Jusco, Tesco, Giant and The Store, had already reduced prices.

"Carrefour is joining the list. I believe the price cut is genuine for the benefit of consumers."

Later, Najib told a press conference that he was confident the economic forecasts for this year and next year could be achieved on condition that all projects under the RM7 billion fiscal stimulus package were carried out as scheduled.

On the report that China has unveiled a US$586 billion (RM2,092 billion) stimulus package to bolster domestic demand and help avert global recession, Najib described the move as positive not only for Malaysia but also the region.

The plan includes spending on housing, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and social welfare.

It features a tax deduction for capital spending by companies.

Asian stocks rallied in response to China's plan.

Najib said the spending package would boost China as one of Malaysia's largest export markets.

"Its readiness to export some of its surplus capital to all parts of the world is commendable.

"It is indeed a positive move because when the people have confidence, they will start consuming and investors will start investing. Tourists will also start coming."

Carrefour boss Shafie said they were the first hypermarket to introduce a price reduction campaign.

"We initiated it in 2006 and implemented it twice last year. This year in March, we embarked on the campaign again and the current campaign is our biggest offer."

Turun harga perlu tulen - Najib

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2008/1113/Utusan_Malaysia/Dalam_Negeri/dn_02.1.jpg
Najib Tun Razak meninjau barangan di pasar raya Carrefour Alamanda Putrajaya sambil diperhatikan Shahrir Abdul Samad (kanan), semalam.
- Gambar Zaki Amiruddin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



PUTRAJAYA 12 Nov. - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mahu pengusaha pasar raya besar melakukan penurunan harga tulen di dalam kempen turun harga barang yang dilaksanakan oleh pasar raya besar berkenaan di seluruh negara kebelakangan ini.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, sebarang penurunan yang dilakukan secara samar-samar akan merugikan pengguna.

''Saya percaya penurunan ini tulen dan bukan samar-samar. Jika tulen, bermakna faedahnya akan dirasai pengguna," katanya ketika berucap merasmikan Kempen Penurunan Harga Barang Carrefour di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad; Penasihat Kanan Carrefour Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin dan Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia/Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin.

Najib yang juga Menteri Kewangan berkata, kerjasama menurunkan harga barang dengan pasar raya besar merupakan sebahagian daripada usaha kerajaan untuk memastikan rakyat mendapat manfaat daripada penurunan harga minyak baru-baru ini.

Katanya, walaupun harga barang telah naik, ia sebenarnya masih mampu diturunkan dengan melaksanakan usaha-usaha proaktif dan gigih.

''Usaha kita bukan terhad kepada pasar raya-pasar raya besar tetapi turut melibatkan restoran Muslim dan India," katanya.

Beliau menambah, dalam menghadapi kelembapan ekonomi, kerajaan akan berusaha memastikan pertumbuhan ekonomi negara dipertahankan ke tahap munasabah.

Selain itu, katanya, kerajaan juga akan memastikan semua projek yang berkaitan kesejahteraan rakyat seperti perumahan diteruskan walaupun dalam keadaan mencabar ini.

''Hatta usaha mengurangkan tekanan inflasi akan diutamakan kerajaan. Biarlah tahun ini (inflasi) tinggi sedikit tetapi sasaran tahun depan ia dapat kembali pada kadar biasa antara tiga dan empat peratus," katanya.

Diskaun 50 peratus untuk 1,000 produk

Oleh FAIZAL NAZARUDDIN
faizal.nazaruddin@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1113/Kosmo/Negara/ne_11.1.jpg
NAJIB beramah mesra dengan para pelanggan Carrefour Alamanda selepas melancarkan kempen penurunan harga pasar raya itu di Putrajaya semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PUTRAJAYA - Pasar raya besar Carrefour menyahut Kempen Penurunan Harga dengan memberi diskaun sehingga 50 peratus bagi 1,000 barangan terpilih untuk enam bulan berkuat kuasa semalam.

Penurunan harga barangan itu akan melibatkan pelbagai produk seperti sayur-sayuran, ikan, daging, barangan makan kering dan produk perumahan terpilih di semua 15 cawangan pasar raya itu di seluruh negara.

Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia/Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin berkata, pihaknya telah menyediakan pelaburan hampir RM10 juta termasuk promosi dan pengiklanan untuk kempen tersebut.

"Ini kali kedua kami menurunkan harga selepas yang pertama pada Mac lalu.

"Selaras dengan kempen 'lebih jimat lebih hebat' kami, polisi syarikat untuk menawarkan harga terendah dan memberi kepuasan berbelanja," katanya kepada pemberita di pusat membeli-belah Alamanda, semalam.

Majlis pelancaran kempen tersebut dirasmikan oleh Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak dan turut dihadiri Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Shafie berkata, kempen itu juga selaras dengan penurunan harga minyak.

Cheaper goods at Carrefour hypermart
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ


THE Carrefour hypermarket chain has reduced prices of 1,000 essential goods in line with the Government’s call for re**tailers to take part in the “Kem*pen Penurunan Harga Barang.”

The price cut, effective from Wednesday, involves all 15 Carrefour outlets nationwide and will continue for six months.

The Carrefour price cut campaign was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Also present was Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad and Carrefour Malaysia managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/14/central/m_04najib.jpg
For the people: Najib (right) launching the price-cut campaign at Carrefour Alamanda in Putrajaya as Shahrir and Shafie (left) look on.

“This price reduction exercise will offer consumers the lowest prices on selected daily consumable items such as food and vegetables,’’ said Shafie.

He said the campaign was consistent with Carrefour’s tagline “The Preferred Hypermarket in Malaysia”, providing consumers value for money for essential everyday items.

Shafie said Carrefour was the first hypermarket to introduce the price cut campaign in 2006 and had implemented it twice in 2007.

He added that in March this year, Carrefour had promo*ted the campaign again and this time it was the biggest offer with discounts of up to 50% on the selected 1,000 products.

Giant Kota Damansara open tomorrow

Tesco Old Klang Road

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3083027247_ca2df4577c_o.png

Tesco may become world No.2 retailer by 2012
Published: 2008/12/10



LONDON: Britain’s Tesco will overtake France’s Carrefour within the next five years to become the world’s second-biggest retailer by turnover behind US group Wal-Mart, according to a report yesterday.

Grocery market researchers IGD forecast Tesco would achieve compound annual growth of 11 per cent between 2007 and 2012, led by expansion in China, the United States and India, and boosting its annual turnover to US$157.1 billion by the end of the period.

That would just overtake Carrefour which, with forecast compound annual growth of 7 per cent, would reach turnover of US$157 billion by the same date, it said.

Wal-Mart, however, would remain way ahead, with annual turnover expected to rise over US$100 billion to US$476.2 billion.

“Emerging markets will not be immune to the global economic slowdown, yet the pace of growth will continue to outstrip that of the developed world,” said Jonathan Gunz, senior business analyst at IGD.

“We estimate that in grocery, retail markets in China and India will each grow at a compound annual rate of 13.2 per cent between 2008 and 2012, exceeding any other country in the top ten. Other emerging markets to watch include Indonesia, Ukraine and Vietnam,” he added. - Reuters

Tesco Ampang dipilih pasar raya terbaik
KUALA LUMPUR 11 Dis. - Pasar raya Tesco di Ampang telah dipilih sebagai pasar raya terbaik di bawah Program Piawaian Akreditasi Cemerlang, 'Perkhidmatan Peruncit dan Budi Bahasa' 2008/2009.

Program tersebut telah dianjurkan oleh Persatuan Peruncit Malaysia (MRA) dan Perbadanan Produktiviti Kebangsaan (NPC).

Pengarah Pemasaran Tesco Stores (M) Sdn. Bhd., Paul Morris dalam kenyataannya berkata, syarikat itu berbangga kerana menerima anugerah tersebut khususnya bagi Tesco Ampang dan ini adalah pengiktirafan untuk semua kakitangan di cawangan tersebut yang sentiasa bekerja keras dan berdedikasi.

Menurutnya, antara faktor pendorong kepada kejayaan tersebut adalah jaminan syarikat untuk menawarkan harga barangan yang baik, memudahkan pelanggan agar mereka memperolehi barangan yang diperlukan, memastikan produk yang berkualiti kepada pengguna, tidak perlu beratur panjang dan khidmat kakitangan yang mesra.

Tesco Ampang is best hypermarket
Saturday December 13, 2008

Tesco Ampang, a hypermarket under the Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd group, has been voted best hypermarket under the 2008/2009 “Retailer service & Courtesy” Standards of Excellence Accreditation Programme organised by the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) and the National Productivity Corporation (NPC).

Tesco Malaysia marketing director, Paul Morris said: “It is a great honour for Tesco, particularly Tesco Ampang and a tribute to all staff at Tesco Ampang who have put in so much hard work and dedication.”

Morris said one of the main reasons for the success was the Tesco “Shopping Trip Promise” that all stores strive to deliver.

The promises include ensuring good prices, availability of goods, quality products, greater product range so that customers can get what they want and need, good service and that all Tesco stores are enjoyable to shop in.

Tesco Ampang Store general manager, Gunasegaran said the award was achieved not only by sheer hard work, dedication by each and everyone at Tesco but also a genuine want to achieve excellence for customers.

“This recognition also fires up our enthusiasm to continue to improve ourselves and our service so that we can be better and hopefully win the award again for all our customers.”

Tesco Ampang is best hypermarket
Saturday December 13, 2008

Tesco Ampang, a hypermarket under the Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd group, has been voted best hypermarket under the 2008/2009 “Retailer service & Courtesy” Standards of Excellence Accreditation Programme organised by the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) and the National Productivity Corporation (NPC).

Tesco Malaysia marketing director, Paul Morris said: “It is a great honour for Tesco, particularly Tesco Ampang and a tribute to all staff at Tesco Ampang who have put in so much hard work and dedication.”

Morris said one of the main reasons for the success was the Tesco “Shopping Trip Promise” that all stores strive to deliver.

The promises include ensuring good prices, availability of goods, quality products, greater product range so that customers can get what they want and need, good service and that all Tesco stores are enjoyable to shop in.

Tesco Ampang Store general manager, Gunasegaran said the award was achieved not only by sheer hard work, dedication by each and everyone at Tesco but also a genuine want to achieve excellence for customers.

“This recognition also fires up our enthusiasm to continue to improve ourselves and our service so that we can be better and hopefully win the award again for all our customers.”


duno wat so special bout tesco ampang....:ohno::ohno:

Giant rancang buka dua lagi cawangan



GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, pengendali pasar raya besar Giant merancang membuka dua lagi cawangan terbarunya di Kelantan dan Selangor pada awal tahun depan bagi memenuhi permintaan pelanggannya.

Pengarah Wilayah Asia Timur Dairy Farm International, Datuk John Coyle, berkata pembukaan cawangan terbaru itu di Kota Bharu, Kelantan pada Januari ini dan di Putra Heights, Selangor dijangka beroperasi Februari tahun depan.

“Sebagai peneraju industri peruncitan, Giant berperanan utama dalam menyokong kempen kerajaan, selain menawarkan pelbagai jenis produk berkualiti pada harga rendah.

“Pembukaan cawangan terbaru itu bertujuan memenuhi permintaan penduduk di kawasan berkenaan yang ingin mendapatkan pelbagai barangan keperluan harian di bawah satu bumbung,” katanya.

Pasar raya sahut kempen turun harga barang


GEORGETOWN: Rangkaian Pasaraya Sunshine milik Suiwah Corporation Berhad (Suiwah) menyahut seruan kerajaan dengan menyertai kempen penurunan harga bagi meringankan bebanan rakyat.

Sebanyak 600 jenis barang yang merangkumi makanan segera, kering, sejuk beku, produk penjagaan diri dan keperluan harian dikurangkan kurang sehingga 30 peratus sejak 8 November lalu.

Pengarah Sunshine Amanjaya Sdn Bhd merangkap Ahli Lembaga Pengarah Suiwah Corporation Berhad, Datuk Abdul Rafique Abdul Karim, berkata kempen penurunan harga itu sepatutnya berakhir hujung bulan ini tetapi dilanjutkan sehingga 31 Januari depan.



"Penurunan harga ini diharap dapat meringankan beban pengguna terhadap barang keperluan harian. Ini sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab kami kepada masyarakat," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis pelancaran kempen itu oleh Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad di pasar raya itu di Bayan Baru, kelmarin.

Lima pasar raya Sunshine yang menyertai kempen berkenaan ialah Sunshine Farlim Hypermarket, Sunshine Jelutong, Sunshine Bukit Mertajam dan Pasaraya Sui Wah Ayer Itam.

Sementara itu, Abdul Rafique berkata, syarikat itu akan membuka satu lagi cawangan pasar raya di negeri ini yang dijangka membuka peluang pekerjaan kepada 1,000 orang.

Katanya, walaupun dalam keadaan ekonomi yang tidak menentu tetapi syarikat terus berkembang, sekali gus membantu meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat.

Tesco customer gets grand prize


REGULAR Tesco Hyper Shah Alam shopper Sharipah Ali got more than she bargained for recently when she picked up one million Clubcard Points and RM10,000.

Sharifah was the grand prize winner of Tesco Clubcard’s first birthday contest which was held from Aug 24 to Sept 24 for all Tesco Clubcard and Biz Clubcard members.

“We would like to congratulate Sharifah and her family and hope she continues to shop at Tesco,” Tesco Malaysia marketing director Paul Morris said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/19/central/m_52Sharipah.jpg
Special gift: Sharifah receiving her prize,

During the promotion, shoppers had to spend a minimum of RM85 on a single receipt and have the Clubcard swiped.

Tesco also gave away other prizes including Sony, Nokia and LG products.

Weekly prizes, including petrol vouchers and Clubcard points, were also given out during the campaign.

Morris said the Tesco Clubcard had received an overwhelming response from customers, with more than 1.8 million household members.

Kajian bina pasar raya tidak tepati sasaran - Penduduk

Oleh A. JAILANI ABDULLAH

KOTA DAMANSARA 19 Dis. - Kajian untuk mendapatkan maklum balas berhubung isu pembinaan pasar raya Carrefour di Seksyen 11/1 di sini tidak menepati sasaran, kata penduduk Kota Damansara.

Menurut mereka, cara kajian itu dijalankan seolah-olah terdapat agenda tersembunyi untuk mewajarkan pembinaan pasar raya berkenaan pada akhirnya.

Difahamkan, kajian yang dibuat oleh Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (UPENS) itu, menerusi sebuah syarikat perunding, adalah untuk mendapatkan maklum balas penduduk sama ada mereka bersetuju atau tidak dengan kehadiran pasar raya besar itu di kejiranan mereka.

Difahamkan juga, kajian yang dibuat pada penghujung bulan lalu itu akan dibentangkan dalam pertemuan antara Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Selangor (MTES) dengan pihak-pihak yang terlibat esok, seterusnya membuat keputusan.

Kerana tidak puas hati dengan cara kajian dijalankan, penduduk telah mengadakan sidang akhbar untuk bukan sahaja menyuarakan kekesalan mereka terhadap cara soal selidik dijalankan tetapi untuk menegaskan bahawa mereka tidak berganjak daripada persepakatan membantah kehadiran pasar raya besar itu berjiran dengan mereka.

Seorang wakil penduduk, Abdul Hannan Abdullah mendakwa, soal selidik di dalam kajian itu lebih menjurus kepada mendapatkan keputusan bahawa penduduk-penduduk bersetuju dengan pembinaan pasar raya itu.

"Soalan-soalan dalam kajian itu tidak mencapai maksud sebenar kerana kami melihat ia akhirnya akan menghasilkan kesimpulan bahawa majoriti penduduk bersetuju.

"Soal selidik itu pula dijalankan pada masa penduduk tidak berada di rumah dan kami difahamkan oleh penduduk yang telah ditemu bual bahawa soalan-soalan itu ditanya kepada mereka yang ada di antaranya berusia 16 tahun dan suri rumah, ada yang ditanya menerusi telefon sahaja... kajian ini tidak sampai kepada golongan yang sepatutnya," katanya.

Kajian itu juga, dakwa beliau, tidak merujuk kepada Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11, dan para pelajar sekolah berkenaan.

"Mereka yang tinggal di kawasan paling hampir dengan tapak Carrefour berkenaan juga tidak ramai yang ditemu bual sebaliknya orang yang tinggal jauh dan tidak akan terganggu dengan kehadiran pasar raya itu," dakwanya.

"Daripada cara kajian dijalankan nampaknya keputusan itu nanti akan menyebelahi pihak pemaju pasar raya. Kami sudah masak dengan 'permainan' seperti ini.

"Ada pihak yang mempertikaikan tindakan kami mengadakan sidang akhbar ini. Kata mereka perkara kecil seperti ini pun takkan nak buat sidang akhbar," katanya.

"Tetapi ingin kami tegaskan di sini bahawa mereka yang mengajar kami. Dulu mereka buat lagi teruk... sikit-sikit buat sidang akhbar, sikit-sikit sidang akhbar, tunjuk perasaan. Kami hanya mengikuti apa yang mereka buat," tegas beliau dengan nada kesal kerana tindakan mereka diperlekehkan oleh individu-individu yang dulu kononnya memperjuangkan isu rakyat.

"Dulu mereka kata akan memperjuangkan rakyat, sekarang nada mereka berlainan pula. Mereka kata jika projek itu dihentikan akan membuatkan pelabur asing takut untuk melabur... kepentingan siapa sebenarnya yang mereka nak perjuangkan dalam janji-janji mereka sebelum ini. Siapa yang mengundi mereka... kami atau pelabur asing?," katanya lagi.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, penduduk-penduduk berterima kasih kepada Ahli Parlimen Subang, R. Sivarasa dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Kota Damansara, Dr. Mohd. Nasir Hashim yang menyokong mereka.

Abdul Hannan yang merupakan Timbalan Ketua Blok 9 dan Ahli Jawatankuasa Persatuan Penduduk Gugusan Dedap berkata, seharusnya kerajaan negeri melihat keperluan sebenar penduduk di kawasan itu.

Tegas beliau, penduduk tidak membantah pembangunan tetapi mesti kena caranya selain mendahulukan keperluan komuniti setempat.

Katanya, di kawasan itu tidak mempunyai balai bomba manakala balai polis terdekat di Dataran Sunway disewa.

Selain itu, ujar beliau, sudah terdapat pasar raya besar lain yang terletak hanya kira-kira 500 meter dari tapak pembinaan Carrefour itu.

Seterusnya, persatuan-persatuan penduduk berhampiran yang bergabung membentuk persepakatan itu mendesak agar lebih seribu tanda tangan membantah kehadiran pasar raya besar itu yang telah dihantar kepada kerajaan negeri Selangor sebelum ini diambil kira dalam pertemuan Jumaat ini.

Pada pertengahan April lalu, akhbar- akhbar melaporkan tunjuk perasaan penduduk berhampiran tapak pembinaan pasar raya itu sehingga membuatkan kerajaan negeri mengarahkan agar kerja-kerja pembinaan dihentikan sehingga sekarang.

Penduduk memberikan alasan antara lain ialah selain terlalu hampir dengan kawasan perumahan dan sekolah di kawasan itu sudah terdapat pasar raya Giant selain cadangan asal tapak berkenaan ialah untuk pembinaan 30 unit rumah kedai dua tingkat.

Tesco helps 180 children back to school

KUALA LUMPUR: Tesco Stores donated school uniforms to children at four schools in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor recently.

More than 180 children from SK Taman Bunga Raya, SK Bukit Beruntung, SK Bukit Sentosa and SK Kampong Sungai Buaya received two pairs of school uniforms each, school bags, stationeries and shoes.

The items were worth more than RM10,000.

Tesco Malaysia corporate affairs manager Darshan Singh said: "We held regular meetings with the community where we operate in, especially with resident associations, and when we heard about the plight of the children here in Bukit Beruntung, we felt compelled to help."


Tesco Malaysia corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias and the president of the Hulu Selangor local council, Tukiman Nail, were present at the event held at the Bukit Beruntung Golf and Country Resort.

Azlam Shah said he was happy that Tesco was able to help the community.

"Underprivileged children, regardless of race and religion, should be given help so that they will have a head start in education.

"We hope to continue to provide assistance and bring joy to the less fortunate,'' he said.

Tesco Malaysia also gave RM35,000 to the Hulu Selangor local council to help fund its charity programmes.

Carrefour perkenalkan pasar raya hiper kompak tahun depan

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2008/1229/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_01.1.jpg
Eric Gracia (tengah) bersama-sama Ras Adiba Radzi (dua dari kanan), Pengarah Gedung, Ramesh Kallimuthu dan maskot Carrefour memotong riben sebagai tanda perasmian pembukaan Carrefour di Tropicana City, Petaling Jaya, baru-baru ini.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 28 Dis. - Carrefour Malaysia, pengendali pasar raya hiper kedua terbesar di Malaysia, mengubah strategi perniagaan dengan mula memperkenalkan pasar raya hiper bersaiz lebih kecil daripada biasa di seluruh negara tahun depan.

Pengarah Serantau, Eric Garcia berkata, pasar raya yang baru ini sama konsepnya berbanding sedia ada tetapi berbeza daripada segi saiz dan juga barangan.

''Kami telah penilaian dan mendapati pasar raya hiper yang besar saiznya seperti cawangan kami di Wangsa Maju terlalu memenatkan. Jadi, kami memutuskan untuk membuka pasar raya hiper yang hanya berkeluasan antara 2,000 meter persegi hingga 7,000 meter persegi.

''Kami juga melihat pasar raya kompak ini juga mampu memberikan lebih banyak potensi,'' katanya selepas pembukaan pasar raya tersebut ke-16 di Tropicana City Mall di sini Sabtu lalu.

Pasar raya hiper bernilai RM21 juta dibina bagi menampung keperluan kira- kira 134,000 orang penduduk di kawasan sekitar.

Pasar raya hiper kompak pertama akan dibuka di USJ 19, Subang Jaya yang bernilai RM4 juta pada Januari depan, kata Garcia.

Perbezaan utama pasar raya hiper kompak dengan yang biasa dilihat ialah ia tidak menjual barangan bernilai tinggi seperti mesin basuh, televisyen dan lain-lain.

Selain daripada pasar raya kompak, Carrefour juga bercadang membuka kira-kira lapan buah pasar raya hiper di seluruh Malaysia. Beliau bagaimanapun enggan menyatakan jumlah pelaburan yang terbabit.

Ditanya sama ada, kehadiran pasar raya kompak bakal bakal menjejaskan perniagaan pasar raya mini atau kedai runcit, Pengarah Pemasaran dan Komunikasi, Sivakumar Haridas pula berkata, perkara berkenaan tidak boleh disalah anggap.

Ini kerana, katanya, terdapat perniagaan runcit lain membeli barangan daripada pasar raya hiper sebelum menjualnya kembali kepada pelanggan mereka ekoran harga yang ditawarkan adalah murah.

Beliau berkata, perkara penting yang perlu diambil kira oleh peruncit yang berada di sekitarnya ialah bagaimana hendak menggunakan segala sumber yang ada untuk keuntungan semua pihak.

Sementara itu, Carrefour menjelaskan pihaknya akan meneruskan projek pembinaan pasar raya hiper di Kota Damansara walaupun terpaksa berdepan dengan 'masalah'.

Seorang lagi Pengarah Pemasaran dan Komunikasi syarikat itu, Low Ngai Yuen berkata, pihaknya sedang membuat perbincangan dengan pihak yang terbabit dan akan terus berbuat demikian sehingga mereka dibenarkan semula untuk meneruskan projek pembinaan.

Pembinaan pasar raya yang terletak di Seksyen 11/1, Kota Damansara, PJU5 di sini dibantah penduduk sekitar kerana kedudukannya yang didakwa terlalu hampir dengan penempatan dan juga sekolah selain terdapat dua buah pasar raya lain dalam lingkungan lima kilometer termasuk Giant yang letaknya kira-kira 500 meter dari tapak Carrefour itu.

Para penduduk di kawasan sekitar juga turut merasa ragu dengan kelulusan yang diberikan untuk pembinaan pasar raya itu kerana tapak asalnya merupakan peruntukan untuk rumah kedai.

9 lagi cawangan Carrefour 2009
Oleh Mohd Harzrul Aminuddin


RANGKAIAN pasar raya Carrefour bercadang menambah cawangan pasar rayanya tahun depan walaupun keadaan ekonomi semasa lembap.

Perancangan itu diumumkan Pengarah Serantau Carrefour, Eric Garcia, selepas merasmikan cawangan pasar raya terbaru Carrefour di Tropicana Mall, Damansara, kelmarin.

Katanya, pihaknya sudah melakukan kajian terperinci berhubung penambahan cawangan berkenaan, termasuk melakukan kaji selidik mengenai tempat atau kawasan sesuai serta sasaran pasaran.

“Setakat ini semua perancangan awal berjalan lancar dan Carrefour Malaysia hanya menunggu kelulusan daripada ibu pejabat di Perancis.

“Jika tiada masalah, kemungkinan sembilan lagi cawangan baru akan dibuka di Malaysia tahun hadapan,” katanya.

Penambahan cawangan itu bertujuan meluaskan perniagaan pasar raya Carrefour yang terkenal dengan tawaran potongan harga lebih 1,000 barangan keperluan harian.

Menurut Eric, jika pembukaan cawangan baru itu terlaksana, pihaknya bukan saja memberikan pilihan membeli-belah kepada lebih ramai pengguna, malah turut menyediakan peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk tempatan.

Beliau berpendapat keadaan ekonomi dunia yang dijangja lembap tahun depan tidak semestinya menjejaskan operasi pengembangan pasaran pasar raya itu.

“Kami yakin ia tidak akan menjejaskan pasaran kerana orang ramai masih membeli,” katanya.

Sementara itu, konsep potongan harga sehingga 60 peratus dijanjikan kepada pengguna yang membeli-belah barang keperluan harian seperti makanan dan sayuran di pasar raya besar Carrefour di Tropicana Mall, Damansara.

Potong harga 60 peratus
Oleh MOHD HARZRUL AMINUDDIN
harzrul@hmetro.com.my

http://www.hmetro.com.my/Sunday/Setempat/20081228090311/mainpix
RASMI...Eric (tiga dari kanan) merasmikan Pasar Raya
Besar Carrefour di Tropicana Mall Damansara, semalam.


PETALING JAYA: Konsep potongan harga sehingga 60 peratus dijanjikan kepada pengguna jika mereka memilih Pasar Raya Besar Carrefour di Tropicana Mall Damansara, di sini, sebagai destinasi untuk membeli barangan keperluan.

Dengan pelancarannya semalam, potongan harga itu boleh dinikmati pengguna jika mereka membeli barangan keperluan harian seperti makanan dan sayuran.

Menurut Pengarah Serantaunya, Eric Garcia, konsep potongan harga itu bersesuaian dengan kempen penurunan harga anjuran kerajaan baru-baru ini.

“Dengan diskaun itu kami menjanjikan situasi menang-menang kepada pengguna kerana di Carrefour pengguna boleh membeli barangan segar dan berjimat dalam masa sama.

“Ini bersesuaian dengan fokus utama pasar raya Carrefour, iaitu menjadi peruncit makanan utama dengan harga saingan yang berpatutan kepada orang ramai,” katanya selepas merasmikan pasar raya itu, semalam.

Katanya, Carrefour juga menawarkan harga barangan yang jauh lebih murah jika dibandingkan dengan tempat lain.

“Ini kerana kami mengutamakan kepuasan pelanggan dan selepas itu baru keuntungan,” katanya.

Eric berkata, ini adalah stor pasar raya ke-16 di seluruh negara, malah pihaknya tidak menolak kemungkinan penambahan pasar raya lagi pada masa akan datang.

Dengan keluasan 6500 kaki persegi serta kemudahan tempat letak kereta sehingga 2500 petak, tentu tidak menjadi masalah kepada orang ramai untuk membeli-belah dalam suasana selesa.

Sementara itu, Carrefour Tropicana Mall dibuka setiap hari dari 9.30 pagi hingga 10.30 malam pada hari bekerja dan pada Sabtu serta Ahad dibuka dari jam 8 pagi hingga 11 malam.

Turut hadir pada majlis itu ialah Pengurus Pasar Raya Carrefour Tropicana Mall, Ramnesh Kalimuthu dan Pengurus Komunikasi Carrefour yang juga bekas personaliti TV3, Ras Adiba Radzi.

The Store ke-77
Oleh Mohd Roji Abdullah
am@hmetro.com.my

PACIFIC Hypermarket & Departmental Store Sdn Bhd, tidak bimbang dengan kemelesetan ekonomi yang sedang melanda dunia kerana yakin bidang peruncitan khususnya jualan pakaian dan bahan makanan tidak akan terjejas seberbanding barangan lain.

Pengarah Eksekutifnya, Charlie Tan, berkata berdasarkan keyakinan itu, pihaknya tidak bimbang mengembangkan satu lagi cawangannya di Kluang, dan menjadi pasar raya hiper pertama di daerah tengah negeri Johor itu.

Justeru, beliau yakin pelaburan lebih RM5 juta untuk membuka cawangan ke-77 rangkaian pasar raya hiper milik The Store Corporation itu, berbaloi dan mampu memberi pulangan memuaskan walaupun dunia sedang dilanda krisis ekonomi.

“Semua orang memerlukan pakaian dan makanan. Kami menyediakan semua itu menyebabkan kami yakin krisis ekonomi dunia tidak akan memberi kesan ketara kerana orang ramai pastinya memerlukan makanan.

“Selain menjadi pasar raya hiper pertama di Kluang, kedudukan bangunan ini juga cukup strategik dan menambahkan keyakinan kami untuk bertapak kukuh di daerah tengah Johor ini,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas pembukaan rasmi Pacific Hypermarket & Departmental Store Sdn Bhd, di bangunan Kluang Mall, semalam.

Hypermart opens 16th outlet


CARREFOUR will look to opening more compact hypermarkets to offer greater convenience to shoppers.

The chain’s regional director, Eric Garcia, said the compact stores would cater for people who just wanted to buy groceries.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/6/central/m_09carrefour1.jpg
A boon for PJ folk: The new Carrefour hypermarket located within the new Tropicana Mall in Petaling Jaya has a sales area of 604 sq m.

The company will be opening a compact store in USJ 19 early this year.

“These stores would do without the big and bulky items like washing machines but we would still be able to provide the same assortment of goods,” Garcia said during the opening of the chain’s 16th outlet in the new Tropicana Mall in Petaling Jaya recently.

Garcia said they had wanted to open a store at the location for the past 10 years and it had finally materialised.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/6/central/m_09carrefour.jpg
Open for business: Garcia (fourth from left) officially opening the new outlet in Tropicana Mall. With him are Carrefour public relations and CSR director Ras Adiba Radzi (third from left) and store director Ramesh Kallimuthu (third from right).

On opening day, Carrefour employees lined the entrance to welcome guests as they entered the store.

Customers were given free balloons, flowers and goodie bags.

Meanwhile, children were excited to see a mascot walking around the store and took the opportunity to take pictures with it.

Tesco to open new stores despite global slowdown
By Adie Suri Zulkefli Published: 2009/01/13


TESCO Stores (M) Sdn Bhd will proceed with its plans to open four new stores this year, despite the global economic downturn.

Its chief operating officer David Hobbs said the RM250 million expansion plan will continue as the Malaysian market is deemed a key market in the region.

The British retailer was confident that the Malaysian economy will be able to ride through the global financial crisis wave.

"We remain confident that the Malaysian economy will remain resilient. As such, we have decided that our expansion plans will be implemented," he told a press conference at the opening of the Persiaran Sembilang access road, leading to the Seberang Jaya Tesco Extra site in Butterworth, Penang, yesterday. The event was witnessed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Tesco has spent RM7 million to build the road.

Tesco also remains committed to provide jobs for the locals.

"We are proud to say that 100 per cent of the work force for our 28th Tesco Extra outlet in Semenyih, Selangor, which is due to begin its operations next week, are locals," he said.

Hobbs said the company will reduce its dependency on foreign workers in stages.

The Seberang Jaya Tesco Extra outlet, for instance, employs 90 per cent Malaysian workers. Also, 90 per cent of the Tesco-label products in its stores are manufactured by local manufacturers.

Meanwhile, Lim said most manufacturers, especially multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the state, have responded positively to the state's "Malaysia's First" policy.

Lim had announced the policy last week, saying that contractors bidding for state government projects will be blacklisted if they failed to provide job opportunities for the locals first.

Tesco invests RM200m in ambient distribution centre
by Regina William
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


GEORGE TOWN: Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd is not letting up on its investments in Malaysia, even as many renowned stores and hypermarket chains are closing down worldwide due to the global economic downturn.

Tesco Malaysia chief operating officer David Hobbs said the company was investing RM200 million in an ambient distribution centre in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor.

The centre, located on a 49-acre site, has a built-up area of 50,000 square metres and will be ready by September this year.

The ambient centre wil be the sole distribution centre for room-temperature goods for all 28 Tesco stores nationwide.

Tesco also has a fresh food distribution centre, which is located in Simpang Pulai, Ipoh.

“Tesco is committed to reinvest in Malaysia despite the global economic slowdown as we believe Malaysia is better placed to emerge stronger after this.

“It is with this confidence that we are not letting up on our investments here in Malaysia, with our 28th store being opened in Semenyih this week, and another four stores being built with an investment of RM250 million in Malaysia,” Hobbs said after the official opening of the eighth Tesco Extra store in Seberang Jaya, which is the final store of the former Makro cash and carry store to be renovated and completed.

Hobbs expressed optimism that Tesco Malaysia will continue to record positive growth this year despite the slowdown due to overwhelming support from its customers, thanks to its efforts to help consumers save through lower prices.

Tesco spent RM600 million to renovate the eight stores, with more than RM100 million being spent on the 10-acre, 15,000-sq m Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng officiated at the opening of the store and an RM7 million access road built by Tesco for shoppers and residents.

Hobbs said with the conversion of the Makro stores, Tesco has created 4,000 new jobs, more than 800 of them in Penang where there are two Tesco Extras (including the Seberang Jaya Tesco Extra) and another Tesco outlet in Jelutong.

Tesco has 9,000 employees in Malaysia and carries more than 3,000 of its own brands.

Some 90% of the products are made in Malaysia, with 80% being produced by small and medium enterprises in the country.

Carrefour Express sasar buka 100 cawangan Lembah Klang

Oleh ILAH HAFIZ AZIZ

KUALA LUMPUR 13 Jan. - Carrefour Malaysia akan menambah 100 lagi kedai serbaneka, Carrefour Express di sekitar Lembah Klang pada tahun ini.

Pengarah Carrefour (Rangkaian Kedai Runcit), Mohamed Salim Mohd Ali berkata, penambahan bilangan kedai itu dilihat mampu menggalakkan usahawan tempatan berniaga menggunakan sistem francais.

''Konsep unik yang diperkenal bukan sahaja mampu untuk menarik orang ramai menjadi usahawan malah ia berpotensi besar untuk diterima masyarakat,'' katanya.

Beliau menyatakan demikian pada sidang akhbar memperkenalkan juara Carrefour Duniaku musim kedua, Mastura Baharum, 23, atau lebih dikenali sebagai Mulan, di sini.

Mastura menjadi peserta termuda memenangi Carrefour Express bernilai RM500,000 setelah mengalahkan 12 lagi peserta.

Tambah Salim, usaha memperkenalkan jenama Carrefour Express ini adalah seiring dengan saranan Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (MeCD) supaya memperkenalkan model perniagaan secara keseluruhan melalui sistem francais, terutama kepada golongan muda.

''Carrefour bukan sahaja membenarkan usahawan menggunakan jenama ini malah melatih mereka dengan sistem yang setanding dengan pengurusan pasar raya yang sedia ada.

''Usahawan hanya perlu berfikir untuk menambah dan mencari pelanggan sahaja kerana risiko untuk menceburi perniagaan ini adalah terlalu rendah ekoran sokongan berterusan Carrefour,'' katanya.

Jelas beliau, orang ramai yang telah mempunyai kedai runcit juga boleh memohon untuk menukar premisnya menjadi Carrefour Express.

Sehingga kini, sebanyak lima buah Carrefour Express telah beroperasi di sekitar Lembah Klang.

Sementara itu, Mastura ketika ditemui berkata, pengalaman ketika bersaing di dalam Carrefour Duniaku musim kedua akan membantunya menguruskan Carrefour Express.

''Saya juga bersedia menjadi usahawan muda dan melalui bantuan Carrefour, perniagaan ini tidak akan bermasalah,'' katanya.

Tesco belanja RM7 juta bina jalan


BUTTERWORTH: Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd (Tesco) membelanjakan RM7 juta bagi membina jalan Persiaran Sembilang di sini, bagi kemudahan penduduk di sekitar kawasan itu, khususnya yang ingin mengunjungi Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya.

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya, David Hobbs, berkata jalan itu sebagai tambahan kepada laluan sedia ada di kawasan itu bagi penduduk sekitar mengunjungi pasar raya besar berkenaan.

Katanya, dalam mengendalikan sesuatu perniagaan, pihaknya perlu mengatasi apa juga masalah yang mungkin timbul walaupun terpaksa mengeluarkan perbelanjaan yang besar.


"Bagi cawangan ini, Tesco membina jalan bernilai RM7 juta yang bukan saja memudahkan pelanggan berkunjung ke premis kami, tetapi juga bagi penduduk berdekatan keluar masuk," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis perasmian Persiaran Sembilang dan Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya oleh Ketua Menteri, Lim Guan Eng di cawangan itu di sini, kelmarin.

Hadir sama, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Seberang Jaya, Datuk Ariff Shah Omar Shah dan Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Prai (MPSP), Farizan Darus.

Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya yang berkeluasan 15,000 meter persegi dibuka pada September tahun lalu. Ia adalah Tesco Extra kelapan dan yang terakhir dibuka selepas pengambilalihan Makro Cash & Carry (Makro).

Premis itu direka bentuk dengan konsep yang memenuhi keperluan pelanggan, sama ada peniaga mahupun keluarga atau individu di bawah satu bumbung yang memasarkan pelbagai barangan, termasuk 2,000 produk industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS).

Pembukaan cawangan itu dan Tesco Extra Sungai Dua di Georgetown menyediakan peluang pekerjaan kepada 800 penduduk negeri ini.

Sementara itu, Guan Eng berkata, hampir 90 peratus pekerja Tesco di Pulau Pinang adalah rakyat tempatan, iaitu seiring dengan polisi kerajaan negeri yang menggalakkan majikan mengambil pekerja tempatan.

Katanya, dasar itu akan diteruskan dan berharap peratusannya penggunaan pekerja tempatan ditingkatkan lagi kepada 100 peratus.

"Kita akan cuba mengurangkan pekerja asing sedikit demi sedikit dan berusaha menjadikan Pulau Pinang sebuah negeri yang mempunyai 100 peratus pekerja tempatan," katanya.

RHB eyes 1.1 million credit cards by end-2009
by Chua Sue-Ann
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Banking Group, which aims to hit 1.1 million credit cards in 2009, is set to launch up to three credit cards with partners during the year, its head of retail Renzo Viegas said yesterday.

RHB expects the number of credit cards to grow by 200,000 this year from its current base of about 900,000, Viegas said yesterday after the launch of Tesco-RHB cards.

He said 2009 would be a challenging year for the credit card industry which could see a slower growth of 6% to 8% compared with the estimated 8% to 10% growth last year.

“We expect to grow at least 20% through value propositions. People may not be taking additional cards so the industry may not grow that fast but there will be swapping to value cards and we are confident of our brand,” he said.

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_ba03128b-cb73c03a-1220b360-e626f71e/1/RHB-Tesco_inside.jpg
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (4th from left) and (from left) Hwang, Tesco Stores M'sia COO David Hobbs, chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Abid, RHB Banking Group MD Michael Barrett, RHB Bank director Datuk Abdullah Mat Noh, Vegas and Visa Malaysia country manager Stuart Tomlinson at the launch of the cards yesterday.
Viegas said RHB was also targeting 250,000 new debit cards this year, adding to the 25,000 cards issued after the launch of its first RHB Cash Connect Debit MasterCard four months ago.

He added that there was a huge opportunity in debit card issuance as its 1.7 million savings and current account holders could help realise that target.

Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and RHB yesterday launched their joint debit and credit cards which offer up to 5% cash rebate and Tesco Clubcard points.

Viegas said RHB expected to issue about 120,000 for each of the Tesco-RHB credit and debit cards.

Meanwhile, Tesco Malaysia is set to open four new stores this year to add to the 27 Tesco Hypermarket and Tesco Extra outlets nationwide, said its marketing director Paul Morris.

He said Tesco would open its Semenyih store next Thursday and another in Kuala Selangor soon but declined to disclose the location of the other two outlets expected to open in the middle of the year.

“Tesco is very confident about the future of the Malaysian economy and wants to continue growing our share in this market so we expect to carry on growing at a very strong rate,” Morris said.

Tesco Malaysia’s financial director Soonil Hwang said the total investment for the four stores was RM300 million. He said the hypermarket chain was keen on opening more outlets in the country when economic conditions improved.

Tesco Semenyih open 2morrow
(2nd tesco in kajang)

http://wikimapia.org/p/00/00/50/51/65_big.jpg

http://wikimapia.org/p/00/00/50/51/63_big.jpg

Well, two Tescos are being build in Kedah, one in Alor Star and one in Sungai Petani. So two Tescos for each city.

Well, two Tescos are being build in Kedah, one in Alor Star and one in Sungai Petani. So two Tescos for each city.

seems like tesco intend to have 2 tesco in every major town. they r building 2nd tesco (tesco extra) in melaka. There r plan to build a 2nd tesco in seremban. soon alor star and SP wil hv their 2nd store. Very obvious tesco wants to compete with Giant to hv the most stores in malaysia.

Tesco Semenyih open 2morrow
(2nd tesco in kajang)

http://wikimapia.org/p/00/00/50/51/65_big.jpg

http://wikimapia.org/p/00/00/50/51/63_big.jpg

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/Semenyih_Map884x884.jpg

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/Semeyih_BusSign377x1000.jpg

Alamat / Address
1, Jalan TPS 1/1,
Taman Pelangi Semenyih,
43500 Semenyih, Selangor.
Tel (603) 8727 3800

Carrefour Express bukan pembunuh

Oleh SARAH NADLIN ROHIM
sarah.rohim@utusan.com.my

PETALING JAYA 27 Jan. - Carrefour Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Carrefour), pemilik pasar raya besar Carrefour, menolak anggapan kehadiran Carrefour Express sebagai 'pembunuh' kedai runcit tempatan.

Carrefour Express merupakan kedai serbaneka atau runcit yang diperkenalkan oleh Carrefour Malaysia.

Pengarah Kedai Serbanekanya, Mohamed Salim Mohd. Ali berkata, Carrefour Express ditubuhkan dengan kerjasama orang ramai dan untuk berkhidmat kepada orang ramai.

''Cakap-cakap yang mengatakan Carrefour Express menutup peluang peniaga kedai runcit tempatan yang telah ditubuhkan sejak beberapa generasi adalah satu anggapan yang salah.

''Sebenarnya kewujudan Carrefour Express adalah untuk membantu usahawan tempatan mengembangkan perniagaan mereka, selain masih mengekalkan konsep kedai runcit yang bersifat kekeluargaan dan dekat dengan komuniti setempat,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di pejabatnya baru-baru ini.

Mohamed Salim berkata, Carrefour Express juga bertanggungjawab untuk memulihkan perniagaan runcit usahawan tersebut bagi membantu mereka untuk terus kekal dalam perniagaan.

''Dengan pengalaman Carrefour yang mengendalikan perniagaan di seluruh dunia serta sentuhan peribadi pemilik kedai, perniagaan itu mempunyai potensi untuk berjaya,'' katanya.

Tambah Mohamed Salim, sistem yang digunakan oleh Carrefour Express adalah 100 peratus sistem francais dengan konsep 'kedai runcit gabungan pasar raya besar dan pasar mini'.

''Melalui sistem francais ini, pihak Carrefour akan menyediakan latihan dan pemantauan, manakala usahawan perlu membayar harga yuran menjadi francaisi sebanyak RM150,000.

''Selain itu, usahawan Carrefour Express juga perlu memahami keseluruhan perniagaan dan kami akan menyediakan latihan sehingga tiga bulan, ini termasuk latihan di dalam kedai, luar kedai dan ujian,'' jelasnya.

Usahawan Carrefour Express juga perlu mesra pelanggan dan menumpukan sepenuh perhatian terhadap perniagaan mereka.

''Dengan perancangan kami pada tahun ini untuk membuka 100 cawangan Carrefour Express di Lembah Klang, kami telah mengenal pasti calon-calon francaisi yang berminat untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada warga Carrefour.

''Setakat ini, lebih daripada 100 permohonan telah diterima dan 50 peratus daripadanya adalah di kalangan mereka yang telah mempunyai perniagaan runcit sendiri dan ingin mengembangkan perniagaan dengan konsep yang lebih moden dan bekalan produk terjamin,'' katanya.

Sehingga hari ini Carrefour Express mempunyai lima cawangan dan akan terus berkembang. Untuk maklumat lanjut, usahawan yang berminat boleh menghubungi Carrefour di talian 1-300-88 2939.

Retailer creates 1,200 new jobs


KUALA LUMPUR: At a time when companies are shutting down and retrenching workers, Mydin Muhamed Holdings Bhd is hiring.

Mydin is actively looking for 1,200 workers for its new hypermarkets in Malacca and Kubang Kerian, Kedah, which are due to open in April and June.

It is in the mood for expansion because it believes that during an economic downturn, people will tend to shop at cheaper retail outlets.

“We are creating employment, which will help the economy during these trying times,” said managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin.

The Government should help the retail sector to open more outlets by getting banks to extend more financing, he added.

Mydin has no intention of letting go staff, including its foreign workers as it believes it can ride out the economic crisis. It currently has 5,000 workers, 20% of whom are foreigners.

“We should not just throw away our workers when we are facing trying times because they have families, too. Doing that would be very unethical,” Ameer said.

by nicholaschan
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/2125877205_cb7bf87c6a_o.jpg

currently penang hv 3 tesco (1 tesco n 2 tesco Extra)

Selangor govt sees no reason to stop hypermarket project
Mazlinda Mahmood

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has no reason to stop a Carrefour hypermarket from being constructed in Kota Damasara Section 11 as it has complied with construction terms.

According to a statement from the menteri besar's office yesterday, the state government lifted the stop-work order on the hypermarket only after a survey by Merdeka Centre, an independent research company, showed that more than half of the residents living within a kilometre from the site did not oppose the project.

The independent company was appointed after residents rejected an earlier proposal to appoint the Petaling Jaya city council to conduct the research.

However, there were still residents who were not satisfied with the findings and questioned the research methodology.


The statement said the state government could be sued by the project owners if it agreed to the protestors' demand as it would jeopardise investors' confidence.

It said the state government has taken into account the opinions of all parties before allowing the project to resume construction works.

"This project was approved by the previous state government and the local council before Pakatan Rakyat took over.

"Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim called for a discussion involving all parties to find the best solution and he also participated in several discussions on the project," the statement said.

On Sunday, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said he was ready to vacate his seat if the project next to Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11 went ahead.

Selangor govt lifts stop-work order on hypermarket
Noel Achariam

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Monday/Stories/2468351/insidepix1
Kota Damansara residents protesting against the lifting of the stop-order.

PETALING JAYA: The stop-work order on the controversial Kota Damansara Section 11 Carrefour hypermarket project has been lifted.

Plans to build the hypermarket on a 2.5 hectare plot next to a primary school are back on track from yesterday.

The developer, Bayu Melati Sdn Bhd, was given the go-ahead by the Selangor government in December despite numerous objections by residents in the area.

The developer was issued a stop-work order in April last year by the Petaling Jaya city council for failing to comply with the stipulated working hours.


More than 150 residents of Kota Damansara gathered over the weekend to protest against the lifting of the stop-work order.

Despite the heavy rain on Saturday, the residents turned out in full force and brandished placards and banners calling for the project to be stopped.

The residents said they did not need another hypermarket in their housing estate as there was already one nearby and another hypermarket would only cause congestion in the area.

The residents who turned up for the protest were from Gugusan Dedap Kota Damansara, D' Villa Avenue, D'Villa Botany, D'Villa Equestrian, Bayu Damansara Kota Damansara, and Friends of Kota Damansara.

D'Villa committee member Vincent Lim said he was surprised at the large turnout.

"I never expected to see so many people here. They have come to support us, and that goes to show how serious this is," he said.

Several parents said they feared for the safety of their children once the hypermarket project was completed.

"More people will be coming here to shop and we fear that the crime rate will increase," said a concerned parent.

D'Villa Avenue residents' association committee member Dali Sardar said the residents of Kota Damansara were disappointed with the Selangor government for allowing the project to resume.

"During several meetings with the state government and the Petaling Jaya city council, we made it clear that we were against the project and yet they have decided to let it proceed," he said.

Sardar said by allowing the project to proceed, the state government had broken the promise it made during the March 2008 election.

"The interest of large corporations is again being given priority and importance at the expense of the rakyat. The plight and woes of the residents are again being ignored.

"We are not against development, we are just asking that the hypermarket be relocated to another area."

Sardar said the residents wanted a police station, fire station or a hospital to be built instead.

"These are the amenities that are lacking in the area. Why do we need another hypermarket when there is already a hypermarket 500 metres away?"

Sardar said motorists heading for the Carrefour hypermarket would have to make a U-turn along Persiaran Mahogani, the same route that residents use to get to their homes.

"This would create traffic congestion and endanger pedestrians, especially schoolchildren."

Sardar added that the residents were not informed by the authorities that the stop-work order had been lifted and they only knew about it from a notice distributed by the developer.

The Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of Sekolah Kebangsaan Section 11 Kota Damansara also wants the Carrefour hypermarket project to be stopped.

PTA chairman Datuk Seri Che Khalid Mohd Noh said: "We have about 11,000 students. With the hypermarket here, traffic will increase and pose a danger to the children."

Hypermarkets thrive in hard times
by Lim Shie-Lynn
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Hypermarkets are seeing opportunities for growth even as consumers tighten their purse strings amidst the economic downturn.

Industry players believe that hypermarkets would do well in the present retail landscape where consumers opt to fill their grocery carts with cheaper goods.

This is where established hypermarkets Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Carrefour Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Giant Stores (owned by GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd) and Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd would be able to leverage on shoppers making a beeline for stores offering discounts and promotions.

Observers also said more hypermarkets would open this year to cater for the increased demand.

To offer cheaper groceries, Tesco Malaysia has invested heavily in cutting prices, said its marketing director Paul Morris, who added that the cost of producing food had increased in tandem with the higher costs of energy, fuel and animal feed last year.

“Given the worries about the state of the economy and news of job losses, consumers still need to feed their families and are buying as usual. The only difference is that they are increasingly looking to spend less,” Morris told The Edge Financial Daily recently.

By tracking purchasing trends, Tesco has found that customers have cut back on purchases of non-food items as well as non-essential grocery products such as snacks, confectionery, and instant and canned food.

“(We have) done great deals with our suppliers to bring the cost of shopping down further. It has been a tough environment… but by working with our suppliers and cutting costs in our own business we have continued to lower prices across the store,” said Morris.

“I believe we are entering the kind of market conditions where Tesco Malaysia’s strengths stand out and customers would be looking to us to help them cope with tougher economic times.”

Tesco Malaysia is also not letting up on its expansion plans and is set to open four new stores this year.

Home-grown retailer Mydin is also in expansionary mode. Its managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin opined that “in every crisis, there is an opportunity”.

“Mydin would do well if other (players) are contracting or re-evaluating their expansion plans. We will move forward.

“This confidence is based on the fact that Mydin is a discount retailer. When people are more stringent and reduce spending, there is a tendency to go to a discount retailer known for its low and wholesale prices,” he said.

Ameer sees the possibility of Mydin performing better in 2009 and 2010. “We expect to increase our turnover from RM1.3 billion last year to RM1.5 billion for the year ending March 31, 2009.”

The retailer is expected to turn in a pretax profit of RM60 million, he said. According to filings with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Mydin’s pretax profit for its financial year ended March 31, 2008 (FY08) stood at RM58.4 million.

Net profit was up 17% to RM39.8 million in FY08 from RM34.01 million in FY07.

In terms of spending trends, Ameer said there had been a shift to buying more groceries with sales of essential items up 20% while that of electrical items tumbled by 35%.

Carrefour and Giant could not be reached for comment.

Commenting on the financial stimulus package announced by the government, Ameer said: “The first (plan) has nothing on distributive trade. We hope the second stimulus package would give more emphasis on retail trade.”

Pembinaan pasar raya patuhi terma tetap diteruskan


SHAH ALAM: Tidak ada sebab bagi kerajaan negeri menolak projek pembinaan pasar raya besar di Seksyen 11 Kota Damansara kerana ia mematuhi terma pembinaan, selain majoriti penduduk tidak membantah cadangan itu.

Mengikut kenyataan Pejabat Menteri Besar, kerajaan negeri boleh disaman pemilik projek jika masih menurut kehendak penduduk yang membantah projek berkenaan dan lebih teruk, keputusan itu dikhuatiri menjejaskan keyakinan pelabur.

Katanya, kerajaan negeri sudah mengambil kira pandangan daripada semua pihak sebelum membenarkan projek itu diteruskan dan tiada jalan lain selain berbuat demikian.

"Perlu dijelaskan, projek ini diluluskan kerajaan negeri dan pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) terdahulu sebelum Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih kerajaan negeri pada Mac tahun lalu.

"Namun, kerajaan negeri tidak bersikap `lepas tangan' apabila diberitahu mengenai bantahan penduduk dan mengarahkan semua pembinaan dihentikan sehingga satu penyelesaian dibuat.

"Menteri Besar (Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim) kemudian mengarahkan satu perbincangan dibuat membabitkan semua pihak untuk mencari jalan terbaik dan beliau juga menyertai beberapa sesi perbincangan mengenai projek ini," kata kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di sini, kelmarin.

Sebelum ini, seorang Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun), Pakatan Rakyat Selangor, kecewa dengan kepemimpinan Abdul Khalid yang tidak mempedulikan rintihan rakyat berhubung projek pembinaan pasar raya besar bersebelahan sebuah sekolah di Seksyen 11, Kota Damansara.

Malah Adun Kota Damansara, Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim yang juga Pengerusi Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), yang menang atas tiket Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) pada Pilihan Raya Umum lalu bersedia mengosongkan kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Kota Damansara jika projek bersebelahan Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11, di sini diteruskan.

Pejabat Menteri Besar berkata, berikutan itu, satu persetujuan dicapai bagi menghasilkan kajian berkaitan sambutan penduduk sekitar satu kilometer dari tapak projek.

Katanya, kerajaan melantik syarikat penyelidikan berkecuali iaitu Merdeka Centre selepas penduduk menolak cadangan awal Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) untuk menjalankan kajian itu.

"Kerajaan negeri hanya membenarkan pembinaan diteruskan selepas hasil kajian mendapati lebih separuh daripada penduduk sekitar tidak membantah projek ini.

"Namun, ada segelintir penduduk masih meluahkan rasa tidak puas hati dengan keputusan ini dan sekarang mempertikaikan pula metodologi kajian," katanya.

Closed car park rile shoppers
Dawn Chan

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/copy_of_2470857/insidepix1
What used to be a designated car park for shoppers at Giant has been fenced up following a tussle between the hypermarket and the owners of the land.

SUBANG JAYA: Shoppers at Giant in USJ 1 want the hypermarket to resolve their parking woes after a parking area near it was boarded up about a month ago.

However, it is learnt that the situation is out of the hypermarket's hands as the parking space does not belong to them. It became an off-limit zone following a tussle between the hypermarket and the landowners.

The land, which is located between the Giant and Mydin hypermarkets, has been fenced up with "No Trespassing" signages prominently displayed.

Shoppers are upset as they now face problems finding parking spots in the already congested area.


Businessman Sam R, a frequent shopper, said he went round the area twice and still failed to find a parking lot.

Left with no choice, Sam parked his car at the side of the road.

"I do not care if I get a summons because I am frustrated by the lack of parking space," said the 45-year-old from USJ 2.

Sharing Sam's sentiments was cabbie Rahman Mahan, who wanted to go to Giant for a quick lunch but had to change his plans after failing to find a parking spot even after driving around for 20 minutes.

Rahman said Giant's management should have had a back-up plan as the parking problem has greatly inconvenienced shoppers.

"It is difficult enough to secure a parking spot on weekdays and the problem gets even worse during the weekends. No one wants to waste time and fuel going around and waiting for available parking spots," he said.

Norhafiza Abdullah, a student pursuing a degree in education said Giant should come up with a solution to the problem before they begin losing their business.

"Parking space is a basic facility that should be provided by a hypermarket. Now, it is a hassle coming here to shop. Ideally, Giant should allocate a piece of land to be used as a parking space but there is hardly any space left in the area," said the 23-year-old.

Housewife Rashidah Mohd, on the other hand, said she might take a taxi to Giant in future to avoid the parking problems.

"My husband and I are frequent shoppers here and he has been complaining about having to circle the area a few times before getting a parking spot. I hope something will be done by the management as we live nearby and we prefer to shop in Giant," she said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the hypermarket said they were in a quandary due to the land tussle. The case is said to be pending in court.

"We have an existing tenancy agreement with the land owners and we have been promptly paying the fees on a monthly basis. We did not default on any payment," he said before declining to comment further on the case.

He, however, acknowledged that there were insufficient parking spaces to cater for the shoppers.

"We are doing the best we can to solve this problem."

Guidelines on foreign hypermarkets to be liberalised
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/02/16



THE guidelines governing foreign hypermarkets in the country will be liberalised to encourage investment from both new and existing players, but not to the extent that it affects local players, in particular the sundry shops.

The government has since 2001 introduced guidelines to control the expansion of foreign hypermarkets and protect mom-and-pop stores.

The rules were later incorporated into the The Guidelines on Foreign Participation in the Distributive Trade Services Malaysia 2004.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs' secretary-general, Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom, said changes were made to ensure that the need for a continued flow of investment did not threaten the interest of local retailers.

He said the government would look at the ability of the mom-and-pop stores to co-exist with the hypermarkets.

"If they cannot compete, (we will look at) how we can assist them and strengthen their position," Mohd Zain told Business Times.

While some guidelines will be relaxed, the ministry has decided that foreign hypermarkets must still have 30 per cent Bumiputera equity.

Currently, out of the three foreign hypermarket players in the country - France's Carrefour, Hong Kong's Dairy Farm group, which owns the Giant outlets, and the UK's Tesco - only Dairy Farm has yet to comply.

According to ministry officials, Dairy Farm's Malaysian unit, GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has been given a time frame to sell its 30 per cent stake to a Bumiputera partner.

It is understood that the Hong Kong-based group is finding it difficult to secure a partner given the size of the business.

Dairy Farm first entered the country in 1999 through the acquisition of a 90 per cent stake in the Giant business, formerly owned by the Teng family.

The remaining 10 per cent was sold by the Teng family in July 2001. Since then, the company has been completely foreign-owned.

Carrefour, operated by Magnificient Diagraph, has Syarikat Pesaka Antah, controlled by the Negri Sembilan royalty, as its 30 per cent partner.

Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd's local 30 per cent partner is Sime Darby Bhd. - By Vasantha Ganesan

Giant Kota Damansara

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_01.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_02.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_03.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_04.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_05.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_06.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_07.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_08.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_09.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_10.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_11.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_12.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_13.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_14.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_15.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_16.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_17.jpg

hehe.. really close to my place... :cheers: :banana:

Carrefour Malaysia will not cut jobs


KUALA LUMPUR: Carrefour Malaysia Sdn Bhd will not cut jobs as it plans to further grow its business in the country, said managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.

Seapking after a seminar yesterday, Shafie said Carrefour currently had 4,000 workers in its 17 branches nationwide.

He said Carrefour hoped to get the nod from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to operate more outlets in the country.

”The plan is not only to help small and medium enterprises grow their businesses in Malaysia but also to market their products internationally,” he said.

Shafie said it had dealt with the Bumiputra Manufacturers and Services Industry Association of Malaysia to sell local SMEs’ products in Carrefour’s 20 branches in the Middle East. - Bernama

Carrefour Malaysia not cutting jobs
Published: 2009/02/23




CARREFOUR Malaysia Sdn Bhd will not cut jobs as the hypermarket plans to further grow its business in the country, says managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.

"There is no plan to cut jobs. As we grow, we need more people. There is no way that we are going to cut any at the moment," he told a media briefing after the seminar on "Opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to market products in the Middle East" in Kuala Lumpur last week.

The seminar was officiated by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Jelaing Mersat.

Shafie said Carrefour currently has 4,000 workers at its 17 branches nationwide.

He said the hypermarket hopes to get the approval from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to operate more outlets in the country.

"We hope to get more licences. We hope the ministry will be able to help us open the outlets so that we can help the SMEs in Malaysia.

"The plan is not only to help them grow their businesses in Malaysia but also to market their products internationally," he said.

Shafie said it has a deal with the Bumiputera Manufacturers and Services Industry Association of Malaysia to sell local SME products in Carrefour's 20 branches in the Middle East.

Carrefour is the number one retailer in Europe and the second-largest retailer in the world. - Bernama

http://www.mahsing.com.my/images/banner_new2.jpg

new tesco at setapak

Carrefour mahu buka lagi cawangan baru

Oleh Muzdalifah Mustapha
bisnes@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 23 Feb. - Carrefour Malaysia Sdn. Bhd tidak berhasrat memberhentikan pekerja sebaliknya bercadang untuk memperluaskan lagi perniagaan dalam negara.

Pengarah Urusannya, Shafie Shamsuddin berkata, pihaknya tidak terlibat dalam sektor yang bercadang untuk memberhentikan pekerja kerana penjualan barangan keperluan tidak begitu terjejas dengan krisis ekonomi dunia.

"Kita telah membuat perancangan untuk menambah lebih pekerja berikutan Carrefour dijangka membuka beberapa lagi cawangan pasar raya kelak.

"Setakat ini pencapaian Carrefour adalah memberangsangkan terutama apabila mendapat peluang memasuki pasaran antarabangsa di Asia Barat," katanya selepas majlis pelancaran Pusat Pengumpulan dan Pengedaran (Dubai Trading House) di sini hari ini.

Sebelum ini, Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam menganggarkan kira-kira 45,000 pekerja dari pelbagai sektor pengilangan mungkin kehilangan pekerjaan apabila kebanyakan kilang akan memberhentikan untuk sementara berikutan kegawatan ekonomi global.

Menurut Shafie, Carrefour kini mempunyai lebih 4,000 pekerja daripada 17 cawangan seluruh negara.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya berharap akan mendapat persetujuan daripada Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna untuk membuka lebih cawangan dalam negara tidak lama lagi.

"Diharap pihak kementerian akan mempercepatkan proses yang berkaitan kerana secara tidak langsung Carrefour akan membantu mempertingkatkan industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS) bukan sahaja dalam negara bahkan di luar negara," jelas beliau.

Harbour Point Business Centre, Port Klang

http://www.altruism.com.my/atweb/site/titijaya/uploads/projects/images/Harbour%20Point%20Perspective%20-%20Giant%20@%20hp%20mall.JPG
Location

Jalan Sungai Aur, Port Klang.
Surrounded by a post office, Port Klang bus terminal, Port Klang wet market & food court (situated opposite), KTM commuter station, Pulau Ketam jetty, Immigration office, hospital, police station & financial institutions.

sunshine's first 24hrs hypermart in malaysia

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9408/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg/1/w409.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img120/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg/1/)

sunshine's first 24hrs hypermart in malaysia

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9408/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg/1/w409.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img120/sunshinetamanlipsin.jpg/1/)

now back to normal hours...

New Tesco store in Kuala Selangor
Published: 2009/02/28





HYPERMARKET operator Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd has opened its newest store in Kuala Selangor, its 29th in Malaysia and the 10th in Selangor.

“It’s been a tough environment with the price of energy, fuel and animal feed hitting the cost of producing food.

But by working with our suppliers and cutting costs in our own business we have kept a lid on inflation and continued to lower prices across the store,” Tesco Malaysia chief executive officer Chris Bush said in a statement.

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/KS%20Bus%20Bunting%28805%29.jpg

Giant rancang buka tiga pasar raya tahun ini
PETALING JAYA 2 Mac - GCH Retail (M) Sdn. Bhd., yang sebelum ini dikenali sebagai Dairy Farm Group, yang mengurus rangkaian pasar raya besar Giant di Malaysia, sedang mengkaji untuk menambah tiga lagi pasar raya besar sebelum akhir tahun.

Pengarah serantau Asia Timur, Dairy Farm International dan pemilik rangkaian pasar raya besar Giant, Datuk John Coyle berkata, mereka akan membuka pasar raya besar itu di Kuala Terengganu, Mid Valley Megamall di Kuala Lumpur dan Taiping.

"Lebih 80 peratus jualan di pasar raya kami di seluruh Malaysia terdiri daripada barangan tempatan," katanya.

Bagi pasar raya di luar negara dan syarikat sekutu kami di Singapura, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan dan Brunei, jualan produk Malaysia juga semakin meningkat," katanya pada pelancaran Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia, Giant oleh Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Sharir Abdul Samad di Pasar Raya Besar Giant di Putra Heights, hari ini.

Tahun ini pertumbuhan mungkin perlahan sedikit berikutan keadaan ekonomi yang tidak menentu, katanya.

Beliau berkata, Giant menurunkan harga bagi 25 produk buatan Malaysia terpilih bulan ini. - BERNAMA

Carrefour upbeat on Malaysian operations


KUALA LUMPUR: Carrefour remains optimistic on the performance of its Malaysian operations this year and will continue with expansion plans.

Regional director Eric Garcia said the company was still positive on its sales as Malaysia was not as affected by the global economic crisis as the European countries.

“Consumer spending is still quite positive currently,” he told a press conference after the launch of Carrefour Malaysia’s 10-day small and medium enterprises (SMEs) promotional programme yesterday.

The programme will feature activities such as products promotions, product sampling, live cooking demonstrations and performances.

On Carrefour’s performance in the last six months, Garcia said the local operations did not experience any slowdown in sales, which were still strong.


Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Deputy Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (centre) and Eric Garcia (right) making “coffee tarik” after the launch on Wednesday.

“Our strategy in the hard times is to continuously explore consumer needs and strive to fulfil them,” he said, adding that its product prices were among the lowest in the market.

Garcia said Carrefour’s expansion plans were still on track this year and the hypermarket chain was also exploring business opportunities in east Malaysia. Carrefour currently has 17 outlets in Malaysia.

“We are also waiting for the guidelines from the Government on the hypermarket expansion,” Garcia said. He said Carrefour planned to promote more local products overseas through its global network.

“We have brought local SMEs’ products to France, Dubai and Singapore,” he said.

Hypermarket slashes price


KUANTAN: In view of the economic situation, a hypermarket took the initiative to launch a price cut campaign for the benefit of consumers.

The campaign named “Stretch Your Ringgit,” was officiated by Kuantan Municipal Council president Datuk Azizan Ahmad.

Also present were Carrefour Kuantan store director Koh Kai Boong and East Coast Mall general manager Zubir Samsuri.

Azizan lauded the initiative by the hypermarket as a good business strategy to entice more customers.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/5/southneast/ms_pg04azizan.jpg
A good move: Azizan Ahmad (centre), Koh (right) and Zubir Samsuri at the launch of the campaign recently.

He said the move was timely in view of the present global economic situation which had brought hardship to many people.

“We hope the products up for offer are of good quality with adequate shelf life.

“I received feedback that prices of food and services are expensive in Pahang compared to Terengganu and Kelantan.

“It is time to change this perception.

“Let’s work together to ensure Kuantan is seen as a cheap place to eat, shop and live,” he said.

Meanwhile, Koh said the hypermarket would stick with its customers in these trying times.

“We pledge to serve the needs of our customers and add value to their every ringgit,” he said, adding that under the campaign, selected essential items would be bundled and offered at a price of RM10 every two weekdays and RM50 for weekends.

Carrefour jangka pertumbuhan positif tahun ini
KUALA LUMPUR 4 Mac - Carrefour Malaysia menjangka pertumbuhan yang positif untuk perniagaannya tahun ini meskipun kelembapan ekonomi semasa, kata Pengarah Serantaunya, Eric Garcia hari ini.

Garcia berkata, syarikat itu kini mengendalikan 17 pasar raya besar seluruh negara dan bersedia untuk membuka lima pasar raya besar yang baharu tahun ini.

Syarikat itu, katanya, masih optimistik bahawa perbelanjaan pengguna di Malaysia masih baik.

Garcia berkata, Carrefour akan menumpukan kepada interaksi dengan pelanggan bagi mengetahui keperluan mereka, sambil menambah bahawa kempen 'Carrefour Ambil Berat Tentang Anda' yang dilancarkan baru-baru ini merupakan sebahagian daripada strategi itu.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas pelancaran program promosi dalaman syarikat itu. - BERNAMA

Malton bakal lancar projek hartanah RM48 juta

SHAH ALAM 4 Mac - Malton Bhd. (Malton) akan melancarkan beberapa projek pembangunan hartanah bercampur dengan nilai RM48 juta pada sepanjang tahun ini di Bukit Rimau, dekat sini .

Pengarah Eksekutif, Hong Lay Chuan berkata, pelancaran itu tidak mengambil kira usaha menempatkan sebuah pasar raya besar, Carrefour dan juga sebuah hospital swasta.

''Bukit Rimau dimajukan di atas tanah seluas 155.39 hektar dengan bilangan penduduk, termasuk kawasan berhampiran seramai 50,000 orang. Kini, terdapat 20.23 hektar tanah yang dikhaskan untuk tujuan komersial yang belum dibangunkan.

''Meskipun dunia mengalami masalah ekonomi tetapi kami tetap optimis dalam melaksanakan projek-projek pembangunan syarikat kerana masih terdapat permintaan,'' katanya di sini ketika memeterai perjanjian pembinaan Carrefour dalam kawasan projek pembangunannya baru-baru ini.

Beberapa projek kediaman Malton, seperti perumahan teres di Puchong, telah menunjukkan peningkatan permintaan.

Lay Chuan berkata, pembangunan hartanah bercampur itu akan melibatkan pelancaran 16 unit rumah berkembar dan 24 unit lot kedai, masing-masing bernilai RM30 juta dan RM18 juta.

Katanya, pembinaan lot-lot kedai bersebelahan dengan Carrefour juga adalah bagi merancakkan kegiatan perniagaan di kawasan berkenaan.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan Carrefour, Shafie Shamsuddin berkata, pihaknya akan melabur antara RM50 juta dan RM60 juta untuk membina pasar raya besar Carrefour.

Katanya, daripada jumlah itu, sebanyak RM20 juta digunakan untuk kawasan tanah seluas 2.93 hektar manakala baki digunakan untuk membina pasar raya.

Mengikut perancangan, Carrefour Bukit Rimau dijangka dibuka sama ada penghujung tahun ini atau awal tahun 2010, tambahnya.

Malaysia to review hypermart ruling
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/03/06

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ishahrir-2/pix_middle

The government will review and may revoke approvals given to foreign hypermarkets to open additional stores, if they take too long to start operations.


To date, of the 107 licences given to foreign hypermarket operators - Tesco, Giant and Carrefour - only 78 stores are operational.

"The balance (of 29) have for one reason or another not materialised," the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs secretary general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom said.

He said the current guidelines do not have a specific time frame for hypermarket operators to open their new stores once approval is given.

"We may consider an amendment to fix a certain time frame to set it (hypermarket) up, failing which we will revoke the licence," Mohd Zain said.

The approvals are being reviewed because the current guidelines state that only one hypermarket can open for every 350,000 population, which means only 75 hypermarket licences should have been given out in the first place.

In a recent interview, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said he was perplexed how the guidelines could have been breached.

"We have given 107 licences for foreign hypermarkets. Based on a population of 26 million, the ratio has become one hypermarket per 243,000 population.

"The question now is, what is the interpretation of the guideline? Does it mean in a 350,000 population base we open one hypermarket? Or do we open on a per capita basis so we only have 75 hypermarkets (nationwide)?

"I am perplexed as this is the current situation. Since we are the licensing authority, what guidelines do we choose? Our own simple guideline of per capita appears to have been breached," he said.

Shahrir said the ministry would have to weigh the concerns of crowding out the traditional retailers and at the same time keeping consumers happy in a low-price environment.

"The other aspect is, because they (foreign hypermarkets) are keen to open more branches, it is also a source of foreign investment and employment, and opportunities to see more competition in the hypermarket sector.

"Obviously the ministry has to sit down and figure out the direction for the future (in terms of licensing)," he said.

On whether the ministry will stop issuing licences until this issue is resolved, Shahrir said: "We are receiving applications. We do not reject applications. But these do not necessarily amount to approvals."

Carrefour Sees Positive Growth This Year




KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Carrefour Malaysia sees a positive growth for its business this year despite the current economic slowdown, its regional director Eric Garcia said today.

Garcia said that the company, currently operating 17 hypermarkets nationwide, was on track to open five new hypermarkets this year.

The company, he added, was still optimistic that consumer spending in Malaysia remained good.

Garcia said Carrefour would be focusing on interaction with customers to discover their needs, adding that the recently launched "Carrefour Cares For You" tagline was part of the strategy.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the company's in-house promotion programme here by Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

-- BERNAMA

Hypermart to reopen
By WINNIE YEOH


SUNSHINE Farlim Hypermaket in Penang is reopening on March 13 at noon.

Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd supermarket division general manager Yee Kam Ming said the hypermarket will sell fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats as well as clothing from factory outlets and other products directly from manufacturers.

“Sunshine Farlim has served the community as a consumer-centred retail chain stores since 1999 and it will be revamped to become Penang island’s largest one-stop wholesale centre with 15,000 sq ft dedicated as the wholesale/wet market section,” he told a press conference at the site in George Town recently.

The original plan was to build a 30-storey shopping mall complete with service apartments, offices or hotels.

“But we’ve made some changes accordingly due to the current economic situation.

“We want to provide a place for small grocery shop owners, hawkers and restaurant owners to save time, energy and cost at our one-stop-get-it-all supermarket,” Yee said.

He said suppliers would be able to sell directly at the hypermarket instead of going through a third party.

“It is a good concept for suppliers and customers as we do not charge suppliers for stall space; we only charge a minimum amount for storage space.

“With that, customers can buy things at cheaper prices,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/9/north/big.jpg
Bigger and better: Sunshine Farlim will reopen on Friday.

He also said customers will also enjoy fair prices at their kedai runcit section.

There will be 600 parking bays, express lane for pregnant mothers, breast-feeding rooms, baby diapers changing rooms and kiddy land.

General manager Lillian Kee said another highlight of the hypermarket is the baby and maternity essentials corner which will take up 12,000 sq ft of the overall 80,000 sq ft trading area.

“We’ll also organise prenatal courses with hospitals from time to time and provide service and recommendation regarding confinement homes for mothers,” she said, adding that there will also be a massage parlour.

The new hypermarket will also have a car care section, a ‘reduce to clear’ section, a garden centre, specialty shops, and food and beverage outlets that provide halal and non-halal food.

For details, call Helen Ong at 016-419 8879 , Wong Sai Keong at 016-421 9911 , Yee at 016-419 8850 and Cynthia Hwang at 016-416 2166 .

1,000 Carrefour Express menjelang 2013


KUALA LUMPUR 8 Mac - Carrefour Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Carrefour) pemilik pasar raya besar Carrefour, merancang membuka lebih 1,000 cawangan Carrefour Express di seluruh negara menjelang tahun 2013.

Carrefour Express merupakan kedai serbaneka atau runcit yang diperkenalkan oleh Carrefour Malaysia.

Pengarah Kedai Serbanekanya, Mohamed Salim Mohd. Ali berkata, ketika ini Carrefour Express sedang mengukuhkan struktur francaisnya dalam usaha untuk mencapai hasrat itu.

''Struktur francais itu kini sedang diperkemaskan supaya Carrefour Express dapat menawarkan sesuatu yang berkualiti kepada francaisi kami.

''Namun pada tahun ini, tumpuan utama Carrefour Express adalah membuka 100 cawangan di Lembah Klang, sebelum ia dikembangkan ke negeri-negeri lain,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di pejabatnya baru-baru ini.

Mohamed Salim berkata, sistem francais ini merupakan yang pertama diperkenalkan di Asia dan Malaysia merupakan platform kepada perkembangan sistem itu di rantau ini.

''Di Eropah terutama di negara kelahiran Carrefour, Perancis mempunyai lebih 4,800 buah kedai dan 90 peratus daripadanya adalah berbentuk perniagaan francais.

''Dengan kejayaan dan pengalaman luas Carrefour di Eropah, ia adalah tidak mustahil bagi Carrefour Express untuk berjaya di rantau ini,'' katanya.

Kelebihan utama yang dimiliki Carrefour, adalah rangkaian pengedar dan logistik yang memudahkan Carrefour Express bergerak kepada pelanggan dan bukan sebaliknya, jelas Mohamed Salim.

''Selain itu, kami juga mempunyai jenama sendiri (house brand) dengan harga berpatutan dan dalam keadaan ekonomi yang mencabar ini, jenama Carrefour menjadi pilihan pengguna dalam usaha mereka untuk berjimat.

''Carrefour Express juga menawarkan hampir kesemua produk yang terdapat di pasar raya besar kami bergantung kepada permintaan di setiap lokasinya,'' kata Mohamed Salim.

Tambahnya, harga produk yang ditawarkan di Carrefour dan Carrefour Express adalah lebih kurang sama, manakala harga produk asas seperti gula, beras, tepung adalah sama.

Sehingga hari ini Carrefour Express mempunyai lima cawangan dan akan terus berkembang. Untuk maklumat lanjut, usahawan yang berminat boleh menghubungi Carrefour di talian 1-300-88 2939.

Tesco to consider franchised stores?
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/03/10



Tesco Stores (M) chief executive officer does not dismiss the possibility, but says that its immediate focus is to expand its hypermarket network

BRITISH hypermarket operator Tesco may give French rival Carrefour a run for its money in Malaysia as it looks to enter the convenience store business through franchising.

Tesco seems to have taken the cue from Carrefour Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which runs the Carrefour Express convenience store, to tap further into the multi-billion-ringgit retail grocery trade in the country.

When contacted by Business Times, Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Chris Bush did not dismiss the possibility, but said that its immediate focus was to expand its hypermarket network.

Tesco runs 29 large-format stores, Tesco hypermarkets and Tesco Extra, making it the overall market leader in the country. It plans to open another six outlets this year.

"We have not made any decision on the franchise concept for a convenience store as we are still focusing on our hypermarket expansion.

"We are seeking clarification from the ministry (of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs) on the convenience retailing sector for future opportunities," Bush said.

The current guidelines prohibit foreign hypermarket operators from opening convenience stores.

However, Carrefour last year found a smart way of expanding its business through the franchise format as it then fell under a different set of rules under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development.

Currently, all hypermarkets are regulated by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

Carrefour opened its first franchise store, called Carrefour Express, in March last year.

It was recently reported that 100 Carrefour Express stores would be set up in the Klang Valley by the year-end and that there were plans to expand the network to 1,000 within five years. It has some five stores today.

The Carrefour Express model is reported to be able to break even within three years, while retailers can expect 3-6 per cent return of gross sales.

Interestingly, in 2005, Tesco found a way to skirt a ruling that denied it the possibility of hypermarkets opening supermarkets or outlets of between 400 sq m and 2,000 sq m.

Tesco was given the green light then to open three supermarkets, each covering 1,000 sq m.

The approvals were given on the premise that the Parkson group was moving away from the supermarket business and tenants were seeking an anchor to fill the vacuum.

However, the Tesco Express supermarkets did not survive long and have since closed.

Hua Yang sells land to Tesco for RM3.2m
Published: 2009/03/13



PROPERTY developer Hua Yang Bhd has sold a piece of land in Bandar Universiti Seri Iskandar, Perak to British retailer Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd for RM3.2 million.

The deal was done by Hua Yang's wholly-owned subsidiary Agro-Mod Industries Sdn Bhd.

The land measures 215,186.4 sq ft, Hua Yang said in a statement.

The 838-acre Bandar Universiti Seri Iskandar township was first developed in 1999 with a gross development value of RM616 million, to cater to the growing university student population of Perak.

...another tesco in the making!!!.....

Carrefour to phase out foreign workers
Published: 2009/03/14





Carrefour Malaysia will not renew the contract of its foreign workers when it expires and will fill up the vacancies with locals, its managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said today.

At present, 350 workers from Indonesia and Bangladesh are employed at the company's hypermarkets nationwide and the number would be reduced gradually when their contracts expired, he said.

"In the past three months, we have been employing 600 local workers and we are planning to grow our business gradually," he said when launching the "Stretch Your Ringgit" campaign in Petaling Jaya which focused on the pegging of prices for essential products.

"We are planning to open up more outlets nationwide and are awaiting government approval," he said. Carrefour has 17 outlets with more than 4,000 workers.

Shafie said that to support the government's second stimulus package plan in averting price increase on basic necessities, Carrefour had invested RM15 million to further cut back prices on 45 essential items with a guarantee of more savings and more value.

"The products were selected by the customers based on a survey on consumers’ needs. It includes cooking oil, detergent, baby diapers and fresh items such as fruits and vegetables," he added. - Bernama

Carrefour Keen To Expand, Awaiting Approvals For 5 Outlets


By Siti Radziah Hamzah

PETALING JAYA, March 14 (Bernama) -- Hypermarket operator Carrefour Malaysia is keen to expand its business and is currently awaiting approvals from the authorities on its applications to open up five more outlets in the country.

"We have submitted a lot and today we are waiting for at least five more licences, but we have no response yet from the government," Carrefour Malaysia-Singapore Managing Director Shafie Shamsuddin told Bernama.

Shafie said Carrefour was looking to open some outlets in the northern states, namely Penang and Perak if given the approval.

He noted that among the foreign hypermarket operators, Carrefour was the smallest as it has been unable to get approvals for many of the outlets that it had applied for.

On its foreign workers status, Shafie said Carrefour had no plans to renew the contract for its existing foreign workers.

Currently, Carrefour employs 350 Indonesians and Bangladeshi in its hypermarkets nationwide and the number will be reduced gradually.

"In the last three months, we have employed 600 Malaysian workers. We are going to grow our business," he told a media conference earlier today on its "Stretch The Ringgit" Campaign.

Carrefour currently has 4,000 workers in its 17 branches nationwide.

Among the essential items on its reduced price list are milk, rice, noodles, bread and cooking oil.

The items selected for the campaign are among the top products surveyed constantly.

-- BERNAMA

Carrefour tawar peluang kerja


CARREFOUR Malaysia Sdn Bhd terus komited menawarkan peluang pekerjaan kepada rakyat tempatan menerusi rancangannya untuk membuka beberapa cawangan baru tahun ini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Shafie Shamsuddin, berkata syarikat mengambil kira-kira 600 pekerja tempatan sepanjang tiga bulan lalu walaupun tempoh berkenaan dianggap amat mencabar kepada persekitaran ekonomi global.

Pada masa sama, katanya, Carrefour Malaysia tidak akan memperbaharui kontrak 350 pekerja asing dari Bangladesh dan Indonesia yang akan tamat dalam tempoh sebulan atau dua bulan lagi.



Beliau berkata, pihaknya juga akan meneruskan Program Latihan Pengurusan yang masuk kali keenam penganjurannya tahun ini untuk melatih bakal pengurus jualan dari kalangan graduan.

“Bagi tahun ini, kami mengambil 26 calon untuk mengikuti program terbabit dengan mereka yang cemerlang sepanjang tempoh latihan insentif enam bulan akan terus diserap menjadi pengurus jualan Carrefour,” katanya mengenai kempen ‘Regangkan Ringgit Anda’ di Subang Jaya, kelmarin.

Shafie menambah, program latihan yang dikenali sebagai `Program Laksamana’ itu akan diadakan selama enam bulan, iaitu tiga bulan latihan amali dan tiga bulan latihan di dalam kelas.

Katanya, latihan dijalankan di bawah program berkenaan menyeluruh dan calon berjaya mendapatkan markah baik selepas dua kali tahap ujian akan terus diserap sebagai pengurus jualan.

“Bagi calon yang mencapai tahap sederhana, mereka akan dihantar mengikuti latihan tambahan selama satu hingga dua bulan dengan bimbingan mentor daripada kalangan pengurus jualan kanan syarikat,” katanya.

Beliau menambah, setakat ini program terbabit sudah mengeluarkan 160 pengurus jualan Carrefour.

Carrefour kini mempunyai 4,000 pekerja di 17 cawangannya di seluruh negara.

Mengulas mengenai pembukaan cawangan baru Carrefour, Shafie berkata, pihaknya berharap kerajaan akan meluluskan permohonan membuka cawangan pasar raya berkenaan tahun ini, terutama ke wilayah utara.

“Kami menerima banyak permintaan daripada wilayah utara dan merancang membuka beberapa cawangan di Pulau Pinang dan Perak tahun ini. Kami masih menunggu kelulusan kerajaan,” katanya.

Mengenai kempen ‘Regangkan Ringgit Anda’, Shafie berkata, ia komitmen syarikat dan pelaburan berterusannya dalam menyokong pelan pakej rangsangan kedua kerajaan.

Hypermart to help customers save more


CARREFOUR Malaysia has launched the Stretch Your Ringgit campaign, which focuses on pegging prices for consumer essentials like milk, rice, cooking oil, detergent, bread and fresh produce.

Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said there were about 45 items with a pegged price and more than 1,000 other essential items were being offered with “serious savings” for consumers.

Customers can now buy a 5kg Carrefour Cooking Oil at RM10, 10kg Carrefour Super Special Tempatan Rice at RM19, 800gm Jacob’s Cream Crackers at RM10, 82gm x 5 Maggi Mee at RM3, among others.

“The prices would remain consistent until the end of the year. Certain products like the cooking oil and rice would be limited to certain units to a customer each day, as we would like the offer to be extended to everyone,” Shafie said.

He said Carrefour’s plans to ease the burden of the people in the current economic situation would be to approach it using the 3A’s strategic points: Accept the current crisis, Adapt the cost to the change in lifestyle, and Assist the customer.

“We’ve also hired more than 600 Malaysians in the past three months, and plan to hire more in the coming months as we hope to get more licences from the government to open more Carrefour stores.

“We’re gradually phasing out the non-Malaysian contract workers, like those from Bangladesh or Indonesia, by not renewing their contracts,” Shafie said.

He highlighted that some of the essential items were Carrefour house brands, which he said were on par in terms of quality.

“We are able to save more in terms of reduced cost in marketing and packaging, which we prefer to give back to the customers.”

Shafie said it was natural for consumers to adapt their behaviour and needs, particularly in view of the current economic situation.

Shafie encouraged consumers to provide feedback on the type of products they would like Carrefour to consider for the campaign via its hotline at 1-300-88-2939 or www.carrefour.com.my.

The campaign is conducted at all 17 Carrefour stores nationwide.

Carrefour sasar tambah lima cawangan lagi



PENGUSAHA pasar raya besar Carrefour Malaysia berminat mengembangkan perniagaannya dan ketika ini sedang menunggu kelulusan pihak berkuasa bagi permohonannya membuka lima lagi gedung beli-belah di negara ini.

“Kami sudah membuat permohonan dan hari ini kami menunggu sekurang-kurangnya lima lagi lesen, tetapi kami tidak mendapat sebarang jawapan daripada kerajaan,” kata Pengarah Urusan Carrefour Malaysia-Singapura, Shafie Shamsuddin.

Menurutnya, Carrefour merancang membuka beberapa gedung beli-belah di negeri-negeri di utara iaitu Pulau Pinang dan Perak jika diberi kelulusan.

Beliau berkata, di kalangan pengusaha pasar raya besar asing, Carrefour adalah yang paling kecil kerana tidak mendapat kelulusan bagi banyak permohonan pembukaan gedungnya.

Mengenai status pekerja asingnya, Shafie berkata Carrefour tidak merancang membaharui kontrak pekerja asing sedia adanya.


Ketika ini, Carrefour mengupah 350 pekerja Indonesia dan Bangladesh di pasar raya besarnya di seluruh negara dan bilangan itu dikurangkan beransur-ansur.

“Dalam tempoh tiga bulan lalu, kami mengambil 600 pekerja tempatan,” katanya pada majlis kempen Lebihan Nilai Ringgit Anda di Petaling Jaya, kelmarin.

Ketika ini Carrefour mempunyai 4,000 pekerja di 17 cawangan di seluruh negara.

Antara barangan penting dalam senarai harga yang dikurangkannya ialah susu, beras, mi, roti dan minyak masak.

Barangan yang terpilih bagi kempen tersebut adalah antara produk utama yang sentiasa dikaji selidik. - Bernama

Tesco lowers prices, forgoes RM50m
Published: 2009/03/20





HYPERMARKET operator Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd has cut the prices of some grocery and fresh wet market products, forgoing some RM50 million in revenue for the year.

“This is part of our ongoing quarterly commitment to help customers spend less.

From today (Thursday), 200 essential products will enjoy an average discount of about 8 per cent, which is a lot for fresh and grocery products,” chief executive Chris Bush said in a statement.

Marketing director Paul Morris said Tesco has identified 200 products that are the most important for customers and slashed their prices.

Tesco to slash over RM50m off products

Tags: Chris Bush | Paul Morris | Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd

Written by Financial Daily
Friday, 20 March 2009 00:34

KUALA LUMPUR: Hypermarket Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd on March 19 announced it will slash more than RM50 million off the price of grocery and fresh wet market products this year.

“From today, 200 essential products will enjoy an average discount of about 8%, which is a lot for fresh and grocery products,” Tesco Malaysia CEO Chris Bush said in a statement yesterday.

This is Tesco’s first price cut this year, and builds on the RM25 million invested last year in reducing prices.

Tesco Malaysia marketing director Paul Morris said it reviewed its top 1,000 branded lines as well as about 1,000 price sensitive products and identified 200 product lines which were the most important for customers and slashed the prices.

“Our Price Cut of up to 40% on important everyday items is a great example of how well we listen to customers” he said.

Hypermart cuts prices on grocery and fresh products


KUALA LUMPUR: Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd is permanently cutting prices on 200 essential grocery and fresh market products, the hypermarket’s chief executive officer Chris Bush said.

“This is not a promotion that will end in a week or a month, but a long-term price cut where 200 essential items will see an average discount of about 8%, which is a lot for fresh goods and groceries,” he told a media conference at Tesco’s head office in Mutiara Damansara yesterday.

The price cuts, the first this year, will cost the company more than RM50mil – double that for the price cuts last year.

“Our objective is not to drive sales, but to gain lifetime loyalty from customers,” Bush said.

Tesco hopes to achieve this by helping customers spend less at this time of economic recession.

Marketing director Paul Morris said that to ensure that the most important and relevant products were made cheaper, purchasing trends were tracked using the store’s loyalty cards.

“The chosen items are things that always appear on customers’ lists, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, spices, sauces and baking goods,” he added.

The price of red tomatoes is down 30% from RM4.99 a kg to RM3.49; Patin fish down 15% from RM3.50 a kg to RM2.99; and chicken thighs down 7% from RM6.79 a kg to RM6.29.

Bush pointed out that the price cuts were in line with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s “Buy Malaysian Products” campaign as almost all the products involved were produced locally.

Present at the launch of the price cut campaign were the ministry’s deputy chief secretary Daud Tahir and consumer affairs division director Datuk Mohamed Elias Abu Bakar.

Retail Shops / Commercial Complex / Tesco & Condo at Old Klang Road

http://propertydealormoredeals.com/old%20klang%20road-tesco1.jpg

http://propertydealormoredeals.com/Old%20Klang%20Road%20Serviced%20Condo.jpg

http://propertydealormoredeals.com/eco-friendly%20landscape.jpg

Tesco buys part of Equine land


KUALA LUMPUR: Equine Capital Bhd’s units are disposing of 10.05 acres of leasehold land in Petaling for RM29.77 million cash to Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

The units disposing of the land are Taman Equine Industrial Sdn Bhd and Taman Equine (M) Sdn Bhd.

Equine said on April 3 the leasehold tenure of the land was 99 years and expires on Sept 18, 2093. The land was categorised as building land zoned for commercial use.

The land is presently charged to Alliance Bank Malaysia as security for credit facilities granted to Equine Capital. The land shall be transferred to Tesco free from all encumbrances.

The land was acquired in 1994 at RM4,234. The land was subsequently revalued upon listing of Equine in 2003 and the resulting revaluation surplus raised its net book value to RM10.41 million, and the value has been maintained until March 31 last year.

At present, there are partially completed building structures on the land which are the suspended projects of Festive Markets and Gourmet Deck. However, these structures would have to be demolished.

Development expenditure incurred on the suspended projects of Festive Markets and Gourmet Deck, mainly construction costs, totalled RM12.35 million to date.

Additional costs of RM6.67 million are expected to be incurred for tearing down the structures on the land, earthworks, additional infrastructure, and legal and statutory (sub-division of titles) fees.

Perlis Has Made No Decision On Hypermarket Applications


KANGAR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The state government has made no decision on the application by a number of hypermarkets to expand their business to Perlis, the chairman of the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Committee, Sabry Ahmad said today.

He said as a small state, the government had to consider various aspects before making a decision on the matter.

Speaking to Bernama here, he said there was a big possibility that only one hypermarket may be allowed to operate in the state.

Asked about concerns among supermarket operators in the state that the presence of a hypermarket may affect their business, he said that this would not happen.

According to Sabry, the presence of a hypermarket would create more room for farmers to market their produce.

Among the hypermarkets that have expressed an interest in operating on Perlis, include Giant and Tesco.

-- BERNAMA

State may allow one hypermarket




KANGAR: The Perlis government has not decided on the applications by hypermarkets to set up outlets in the state, said Sabry Ahmad, chairman of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee.

He said being a small state, it had to consider various aspects before making a decision on the matter.

He said most likely only one hypermarket would be allowed to operate in the state.

Asked about concerns among supermarket operators that the presence of a hypermarket might affect their business, he said that would not happen.

Sabry said the presence of a hypermarket would create more opportunities for farmers to market their produce. -- Bernama

Hypermart chain marks anniversary
By JASTIN AHMAD TARMIZI


FRENCH hypermarket chain Carrefour recently celebrated its 15 years in Malaysia, having opened its first store in Subang Jaya in 1994.

Now with 17 stores nationwide, including 11 in the Klang Valley, Carrefour is a household name among urban Malaysians.

The 15th anniversary celebration was held at the Carrefour outlet in Tropicana City Mall in Petaling Jaya.

Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore managing director Shafie Sham-suddin said the company was proud and happy to be celebrating its 15th birthday here in Malaysia.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/9/central/m_30jelaing.jpg
Happy birthday: Jelaing (left) and Shafie cutting a cake to mark the occasion, while the children look on.

“We are grateful that we have been able to grow, and now we have 17 stores,” he said.

“The opening of Carrefour in Subang Jaya was the introduction of the first hypermarket concept in Malaysia. We are glad that we have come this far, and we hope to grow and be a long-term success in Malaysia,” he said.

Joining in the celebration were students from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf and Sekolah Kanak-Kanak Pekak Selangor.

“We should not forget the people around us. We must care for our children and for the disabled,” Shafie said.

Activities such as painting and drawing were organised for the youngsters in conjunction with the celebration.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Jelaing Mersat was present to officiate at the event.


Enjoying themselves: A Carrefour employee helping one of the children in an activity.

“It is good that Carrefour has been in Malaysia for so long. It has contributed by creating job opportunities for many Malaysians,” he said.

“This industry can contribute a lot to the economy of the country. It also contributes to the development sector,” he added.

Mydin Melaka


http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo60/kodachrome/RIMG13235.jpg

Tesco Malaysia To Open Five More Stores


KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd will open at least five more stores this year, said Tesco Malaysia chief executive officer Chris Bush.

"Tesco is a significant investor in Malaysia, with more than RM3 billion invested since our inception in 2001," said Bush in a statement today.

Meanwhile, the company also announced the opening of its newest Tesco Store in Kulai, Johor today. It will be Tesco's 30th store in Malaysia and the fourth in Johor.

The Tesco Store in Kulai will create 320 new jobs for locals at both the management and non-management levels.

Bush added that when the company opened its recruitment centre more than three months ago, there had been a substantial amount of interest for the 320 positions available.

The company is also looking to create another 2,000 jobs for locals this year to support the rapid expansion programmes planned.

Tesco currently has a workforce of almost 12,000 employees, with more than 5,000 new jobs created last year alone.

-- BERNAMA

Tesco: Over 300 new jobs at Kulai branch
Published: 2009/04/21





TESCO Stores (M) Sdn Bhd said its newly-launched hypermarket in Kulai has created more than 300 new jobs.

Chief executive officer Chris Bush said the new store is the 30th Tesco store in Malaysia and the fourth to be built in Johor.

The company plans to have at least 35 Tesco stores by year-end. “With the strong headwinds felt nationwide and adverse impact of Singapore’s recession hitting Johor, now more than ever we must continue to invest in Malaysia,” said Bush.

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/Kuali%20Map_750x510.jpg

No.52, Taman Desamas,
Batu 22 7/2,
Jalan Kulai-Air Hitam,
81000 Kulai, Johor Darul Takzim.

Tel (607) 663 6293

http://www.tesco.com.my/images/default/setup/BUS%20Bunting_200x600.jpg

Carrefour: Keputusan Jumaat ini

KUALA LUMPUR 21 April - Semua kementerian dan agensi yang terlibat dengan pembinaan pasar raya Carrefour di Kota Damansara yang mendapat bantahan penduduk kawasan itu perlu membuat keputusan sama ada pembinaan itu perlu diteruskan atau sebaliknya pada Jumaat ini.

Sehubungan itu, Biro Pengaduan Awam (BPA) Jabatan Perdana Menteri mengarahkan semua agensi yang terbabit dengan projek pasar raya itu membuat kajian semula dengan segera.

Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Senator T. Murugiah berkata, hasil kajian itu kemudiannya perlu dibentangkan kepada beliau supaya satu keputusan dapat diambil.

Menurutnya, kajian semula itu perlu kerana pembinaan pasar raya itu mendapat bantahan daripada penduduk sekitar.

"Saya berjanji akan memanjangkan perkara ini kepada kementerian dan agensi yang berkaitan hari ini juga dan pegawai-pegawai yang terlibat perlu bersemuka dengan saya untuk menjelaskan isu ini.

"Keputusan tentang perkara tersebut akan diperoleh selewat-lewatnya hari Jumaat ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita ketika diminta mengulas tentang isu pembinaan Carrefour Kota Damansara yang mendapat bantahan daripada penduduk di sekitar kawasan itu pada majlis bertemu rakyat di Pusat Kegiatan Masyarakat Sri Batu di Sentul hari ini.

Murugiah menambah, pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) sepatutnya menyelidik dan membuat kajian terlebih dahulu sebelum memberi kelulusan kepada sebarang projek.

Ini, jelasnya, adalah bagi mengelakkan peraturan dan undang-undang yang dikuatkuasakan diperlekehkan oleh golongan tertentu.

Ujarnya, pegawai PBT juga perlu turun padang untuk memastikan projek yang diberi kelulusan menepati kriteria-kriteria yang telah ditetapkan.

"Kadang-kadang sesetengah agensi yang dilantik untuk memeriksa projek tidak menjalankan tugas dengan betul dan amanah, jadi ada kemungkinan mereka akan melakukan kesilapan.

"Perkara berkenaan akan dapat dipastikan sekiranya pegawai yang bertugas turun padang dan melihat sendiri keadaan sesebuah projek yang dijalankan," ujarnya.

Tambah beliau, projek pasar raya berkenaan telah diluluskan sejak tahun 2005 namun sehingga kini ia tidak dapat disiapkan kerana mendapat bantahan daripada penduduk.

Jelasnya, bantahan tersebut dikemukakan berikutan pembinaan pasar raya berkenaan berdekatan dengan kawasan perumahan dan sekolah yang dikhuatiri boleh membawa masalah sosial.

"Pembinaan pasar raya berkenaan sudah 40 peratus siap dan pembinaannya akan diteruskan. Arahan lanjut berkaitan projek tersebut akan diputuskan oleh pihak berwajib selepas mendapat laporan daripada agensi yang terlibat," ujarnya.

Sebelum ini, Utusan Malaysia telah melaporkan bantahan penduduk Kota Damansara terhadap pembinaan pasar raya itu yang didakwa terlalu hampir dengan kawasan perumahan dan sekolah.

Kekecewaan mereka yang terdiri daripada Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Penduduk D'Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap, Bayu Damansara, Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11 dan Friends of Damansara diluahkan dengan mengadakan tunjuk perasaan di hadapan tapak pasar raya itu.

Mereka mengadakan tunjuk perasaan kali kedua selepas bantahan mereka tidak mendapat perhatian sewajarnya daripada kerajaan.

Pembinaan Carrefour dihenti

Oleh Dg. Ku Mahirah Ag. Binting
kota@utusan.com.my

SENTUL 28 April – Perjuangan penduduk Kota Damansara yang membantah projek pasar raya besar Carrefour berhampiran kediaman mereka akhirnya berjaya setelah lesen pembinaannya ditarik balik serta- merta.

Keputusan mengenainya diumumkan oleh Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Senator T. Murugiah hari ini.

Murugiah, yang juga pengerusi Biro Pengaduan Awam (BPA) berkata, keputusan tersebut telah dipersetujui oleh Ketua Pengarah Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna (KPDNHEP) setelah siasatan pihaknya mendapati projek berkenaan melanggar banyak garis panduan yang ditetapkan oleh kerajaan.

“Pihak pemaju projek telah melanggar beberapa syarat, antaranya lokasi pasar raya itu yang berdekatan dengan sebuah sekolah di kawasan tersebut.

“Selain itu semasa pihak pemaju menjalankan kaji selidik dengan penduduk sekitar mengenai pembinaan pasar raya di kawasan itu mereka hanya melakukannya secara lisan tanpa mendapat persetujuan hitam putih,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita ketika diminta mengulas tentang isu pembinaan Carrefour Kota Damansara yang mendapat bantahan daripada penduduk sekitar kawasan itu, pada majlis bertemu rakyat di Pusat Kegiatan Masyarakat Sri Batu, Sentul di sini hari ini.

Murugiah menambah, pihak pemaju perlu mencari tempat lain yang sesuai jika ingin meneruskan pembinaan projek tersebut.

“Pemaju tersebut juga akan diambil tindakan kerana memberi laporan yang tidak betul ketika mendapatkan lesen pembinaan pasar raya tersebut,” tambah beliau.

Tambahnya, pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) bertanggungjawab untuk merobohkan binaan pasar raya berkenaan yang telah siap sebanyak 40 peratus.

Sehubungan itu, Murugiah mengingatkan bahawa pemaju yang tidak mematuhi peraturan yang telah ditetapkan akan dikenakan hukuman sewajarnya.

Ini, jelasnya, adalah bagi mengelakkan peraturan dan undang-undang yang dikuatkuasakan diperlekehkan oleh golongan tertentu.

Tambah beliau, projek pasar raya berkenaan telah diluluskan sejak tahun 2005 namun sehingga kini ia tidak dapat disiapkan kerana mendapat bantahan daripada penduduk.

Sebelum ini, Utusan Malaysia telah melaporkan bantahan penduduk Kota Damansara terhadap pembinaan pasar raya itu yang terlalu hampir dengan kawasan perumahan dan sekolah.

Selain itu, penduduk juga bimbang kewujudan pasar berdekatan kediaman mereka akan membawa masalah sosial.

Rasa tidak puas hati penduduk itu telah disalurkan menerusi tunjuk perasaan berdekatan tapak projek yang disertai oleh Gabungan Persatuan- Persatuan Penduduk D'Villa Botany, Gugusan Dedap, Bayu Damansara, Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 11 dan Friends of Damansara selain membuat aduan kepada BPA selepas aduan dan rayuan mereka kepada kerajaan negeri ditolak.

Malaysia limits foreign hypermart licences to 107
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/05/04



The government has capped the number of foreign hypermarket licences at 107 until the end of this year, to address the issue of unused licences.

To date, of the 107 licences given to foreign hypermarket operators, only 78 stores are operational.

The remaining store openings have not happened due to reasons ranging from land issues, developers unable to carry out project to hypermarkets unable to get state consent.

To help clear the unused licences, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom said it is willing to swap old or non-operating hypermarket licences for new ones.

"We want to clear the unused licences first. One hundred and seven is the benchmark that we are keeping for this year," he told Business Times.





The ministry is now undertaking a study and drawing out a five-year plan on what should be done beyond 2009.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry regulates the opening of foreign-owned hypermarkets. Local hypermarket operators such as Mydin, Econsave, Pacific and Sunshine are free to open without adhering to restrictions imposed on the foreign players such as Giant, Carrefour and Tesco.

Mohd Zain said for example, should a hypermarket operator surrender three of its licences, then it can apply for three openings at three other locations.

However, the new approvals will be subject to the usual criteria for foreign hypermarket openings.

Current guidelines state that only one hypermarket can open for every 350,000 population, which means only 75 hypermarket licences should have been given out in the first place.

However, with the 107 licence issues, the ratio is now around 243,000 based on a 26 million population.

The current guidelines, which are being reviewed, may look at revoking approved licences should the hypermarkets take too long to start operations.

"It would be reasonable to give two years from when we give the green light to get the building up and start operations," he said.

Tesco siasat harga barang berbeza





PUTRAJAYA: Harga barang dan produk di semua pasar raya Tesco seluruh negara adalah sama memandangkan ia sudah diselaraskan mengikut harga yang ditetapkan kerana dibeli secara pukal daripada pembekal.

Pengurus Perhubungan Awam Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Tesco), Dazrene Azmil Darus berkata, masalah perbezaan harga di pasar raya Tesco tidak ditimbul kerana ia sudah ditetapkan ibu pejabat.

“Harga di semua pasar raya kami sama ada di utara, selatan, timur atau barat adalah sama, malah kami turut mengadakan promosi secara serentak di semua cawangan pasar raya besar kami dengan menawarkan harga yang sama bagi setiap produk dan barangan.

“Jadi, tidak mungkin harga di Tesco Kelantan dan Tesco Kuala Lumpur berbeza. Bagaimanapun kita akan menyiasat dakwaan ini kerana kemungkinan terdapat kesilapan yang tidak disedari,” katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas aduan daripada member iMetro, Awira (IMA54567) semalam yang mendakwa harga barangan di Tesco Kelantan lebih mahal berbanding Tesco Kuala Lumpur.

Di samping itu, Dazrene berkata pengadu juga boleh mengemukakan aduan menerusi laman web di www.tesco.com.my atau berhubung dengan pusat khidmat pelanggan di mana-mana cawangan pasar raya besar Tesco terdekat.

“Pengadu perlu mengemukakan bukti dan maklumat pengadu untuk mengesahkan aduan yang diberikan,” katanya.

http://www.pa.com.my/admin/uploads/The%20Gallery/The%20Gallery/page_3.jpg

Perak mulls over plan to restrict hypermarkets


IPOH: The Perak Government is mulling over a plan to restrict the number of hypermarkets to give local sundry shops a fighting chance to survive.

State executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said one way was to impose conditions on new hypermarkets such as fixing a percentage of Malaysian workers.

He said that a group of sundry shop operators met him recently to voice concerns that more stores were dying out and closing down, especially during the economic downturn.

Dr Mah, whose portfolio includes Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Trans- portation and Non-Islamic Affairs, said there had been reports that a certain hypermarket planned to open small branches at shoplots.

“So I think we need to look into the possibility of imposing conditions on these hypermarket operators.

“At the same time, we want to make it easier for the people to buy goods at cheaper prices at hypermarkets and supermarkets while protecting sundry store owners,” he said.

Dr Mah said that the state government did want a situation like in Hong Kong where sundry shops did not exist any more and everything was in the hands of big hypermarkets.

Speaking to reporters at the annual general meeting of the United Youth Movement of Malaysia’s Kinta district branch here yesterday, Dr Mah called for feedback and suggestions before proposing the restrictions.

On another matter, Dr Mah expects a low-cost carrier to start operating flights between the Sultan Azlan Shah airport and Singapore in late June or early July.

Giant sells 250,000 chickens after capping price


PETALING JAYA: The Giant chain of hypermarkets have sold more than 250,000 chickens in the past week since capping its price at RM4.89 a kilo under a price stabilisation fund.

GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd marketing director Ho Mun Hao said the chain had set aside RM5mil under the fund to subsidise the price of chickens at its stores nationwide.

The subsidised price was launched on May 8 and would be kept at RM4.89 for an indefinite period.

However, it would be reduced accordingly if chicken prices fall.

“The fund is in response to consumer and government concerns over the recent hike in chicken prices and in line with Giant’s business philosophy of helping consumers get more out of their ringgit,” Ho said in a statement yesterday.

In comparison, he said the price of chickens at other retailers were between RM5.29 and RM5.89 a kilo.

He also gave an assurance that the subsidised price would remain at RM4.89 even if chicken prices rose over the next few weeks.

“Giant is committed to improving the well-being of all Malaysians and helping consumers manage price fluctuations of daily essential needs such as chicken and other fresh produce,” he added.

Carrefour offers great deals to NST readers
By : Jennifer Gomez


PETALING JAYA: Carrefour Malaysia has teamed up with the New Straits Times to launch its week-long "Cut and Save Campaign" beginning today.


Elaine Mok is convinced that Carrefour has the best deals in town.

The campaign, which ends on Sunday, is aimed at ensuring that Carrefour customers enjoy the best deals, given current times when budgets are understandably tight.

Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said three coupons offering savings of between RM15 and RM50 for selected items would be available daily in the NST during the campaign.

These coupons are valid for two days.

On the weekend, there will be 12 coupons each day worth up to RM100.

With these coupons, customers can get up to 30 per cent discounts on selected items, of which nearly 80 per cent are foodstuff.

"We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to satisfy our customers and this has led us to develop distinctive services, new products and promotions that will make shopping at Carrefour a very different experience compared with other shopping venues."

Shamsuddin added that this latest initiative was to help customers spend wisely.

Carrefour Malaysia is a hypermarket chain selling a wide range of groceries and products ranging from frozen food to garments and electrical items. It has 17 stores in Peninsular Malaysia.

Carrefour shoppers are excited about the Cut and Save Campaign, including Saadiah Yassin, 50, and Elaine Mok, 38, who were shopping at the Subang outlet last Tuesday.

Saadiah shops at Carrefour once a week but she is looking forward to dropping by more often during the campaign week.

"I'll certainly be on the lookout for the coupons, and hope to make full use of them. I'll most probably go for the fresh food."

She said she was happy to shop at Carrefour as it had a wide range of fresh food, thus saving her from making trips to the wet market.

"I get my fish here as wet markets can be quite expensive these days."

Mok was also happy with the range of products in Carrefour, saying that she had been a loyal customer for the past 10 years.

"I come here at least three times a week and I'm convinced that it offers the best deal in town. I will definitely be looking out for the coupons in the NST."

This campaign complemented Carrefour's pledge to pay twice the difference between the prices offered by it and its competitors on any product, if the latter's price is lower.

Tesco: They're less choosy about jobs now
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/05/19



Contrary to popular belief, Malaysians are not fussy about the jobs they do, especially not now.

British hypermarket operator Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd has seen an overwhelming response - up to five times more than usual - to its job openings over the past few months.

And the applicants are willing to do the job that they once refused and considered as menial.

"In February, we had over 300 to 350 applicants coming in for our walk-in interview in Kulai. This is five times more than usual," Tesco's human resource director, Norfaiezah Arshad, said.

"People have become less choosy too. They say 'I am willing to do any job. I am even willing to do the night shift'," she said.





According to Norfaiezah, it is usually difficult to get people to work night shifts and behind the fish counter. Now, they are willing to accept any job as long as they are employed.

Norfaiezah was talking to Business Times about the number of jobs the hypermarket operator will create between now and February 2010.

Tesco, which today employs 10,200 staff at its 30 stores, will create an additional 4,000 jobs as it plans to open another four to five stores and a distribution centre.

Of the number, 2,000 will be direct employees of Tesco who will be paid some RM24 million in salaries. Tesco's openings will also create an indirect employment of another 2,000 as it rents out space at its mall to other operators.

The non-management level in the retail business is notorious for high-level of turnover. In Malaysia, Tesco has, however, seen a reduction in turnover of sales floor staff.

Norfaiezah said its move to have tighter control on the people it hires, improved facilities (such as staff canteen, TV area and provision of newspaper), and continued improvement in the way it treats its sales floor staff has helped with staff retention.

"We used to have quite a high turnover, but now the turnover is predominantly for those working for less than 12 months," she said.

Of the 10,300 currently employed, 15 per cent are at management level and only 11 are expatriates for specific posts where local talents are difficult to find.

Norfaiezah said the long-term strategy is to groom local talent to replace the expatriates. Due to the lack of talent in the retail industry, Tesco is planning a new initiative to build retail skill.

Tesco invests RM300m in distribution centre
Published: 2009/05/25




Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has invested over RM300 million to set up its non-chilled distribution centre in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor.

The centre is expected to be opened this September, its chief operating officer, David Hobbs said.

"We are very committed to the Malaysian market. The new distribution centre could be the most modern distribution centre in Malaysia," he said on the sidelines of the "Tesco International Sourcing Programme" seminar in Kuala Lumpur today.

Hobbs said Tesco Stores Malaysia is also planning to set up seven new stores this year.

Tesco Stores Malaysia was incepted on Nov 29, 2009, as a strategic alliance between Tesco Plc UK and local conglomerate, Sime Darby Bhd.

It commenced operations in February 2002 with the opening of its first hypermarket in Puchong, Selangor.

The hypermarket operator employs nearly 12,000 workers and operates 30 stores nationwide.

The "Tesco International Sourcing Programme" seminar was jointly organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and Tesco Malaysia. -- Bernama

Hypermarket set to open
By : Zainuddin Muhammad



KEMAMAN: The wait is almost over for 170 employees of a hypermarket in Kemasik, who have been on unpaid leave since January.

After more than eight months, the Giant Super Store at Mesra Mall will be open for business soon.

Sources close to Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the anchor tenant of the only shopping mall in the area would be issued a business licence soon by the Kemaman Municipal Council.

Sources declined to say when exactly the store would open, but added the menteri besar was expected to announce it soon.

The hypermarket opening had been a thorny issue for Ahmad, who was embroiled in a power struggle with others over his position, but observers noted that the Kijal assemblyman now has a clear path ahead with his development plans after the Umno leadership said he would remain as menteri besar.

This can only be good news for Azim Azmuddin Abdul Aziz, 21, who thought his prayers were answered when he got the sales assistant job at Giant in early October last year.

But his joy lasted for only two months when he received a letter, asking him to temporarily go on unpaid leave until the store, which was supposed to begin in October, could be opened for business.

The father of a one-year-old daughter thought the delay would be brief but after four months, he knew he had to look for another job.

After an exhaustive search he got a job as a part-time general helper at the nearby Kemaman Port.

Similarly, Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Ali was in the dark why the store's opening was delayed, especially when it was fully stocked with products.

He said he had to accept the unpaid leave deal because of family commitments.

Cashier Norliza Mohamad, 21, said she was employed by the hypermarket in May last year and was sent for training in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Shah Alam and Damansara.

She wanted the job badly because she could not accept employment at any of the outstation stores as her father had passed away and she needed to help her mother raise her younger school-going brother and sister.

Melati Ehsan unit wins deal to build hypermart
Published: 2009/06/09





MELATI Ehsan Holdings Bhd says subsidiary Bayu Melati Sdn Bhd has won a RM54.8 million contract to build a Carrefour hypermarket at Bandar Tun Hussein Onn in Cheras.

The construction of a two-storey hypermarket was awarded by Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd.

Melati Ehsan Bags RM54.8 Mln Contract


KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Melati Ehsan Holdings Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bayu Melati Sdn Bhd has received a contract worth RM54.8 million to construct the two-storey Carrefour Hypermarket with a single-storey basement at Bandar Tun Hussein Onn in Cheras.

The company, in its filing to Bursa Malaysia here Monday said, the work on the project had commenced as of Jan 5, pending finalisation of the design and contract sum for approval and agreement by Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd.

It said the project will not have any effect on the share capital and substantial shareholdings of the company.

However, it is expected to contribute positively to the earnings of the Melati Group for the financial year ending August 31, 2009.

The project is expected to be completed in September 2009.



-- BERNAMA

Retail scene to hot up
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/06/16



A new Malaysian company, whose hiring plans indicate a sizeable operation being drawn up, is expected to enter the RM65 billion retail scene soon.

While details remain sketchy, Perbadanan Pembangunan Peruncitan Bhd (PPPB) has been incorporated and sources say it will start by opening hard discount stores before moving into hypermarket and supermarket operations.

Hard discount stores typically sell below-the-average market price, have relatively smaller sales areas and carry limited products.

The sources said that PPPB, which has a project office in Putrajaya, also has its sights trained on overseas markets.

It plans to open at least 10 stores in Malaysia by the year-end and projects to have about 60 within five years of starting business.


The first of the stores, to be called Juara, is expected to be in Pekan, Pahang.

It is understood that PPPB will allocate 80 per cent of some 100,000 sq ft for retail space. It will carry some 100,000 stock-keeping units.

For a start, the stores will be located in secondary towns. Eventually, there will also be outlets in major cities.

Unlike foreign operators, local retailers are not restricted from expanding their business.

PPPB is currently on a recruitment drive. It advertised 294 job openings for various levels in a local daily last month.

The jobs include those in its planned hypermarkets, supermarkets, cafe and boutique, and overseas business development.

In addition to managerial vacancies for business development in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, it is seeking a manager for mergers and acquisitions.

A check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia showed that PPPB was incorporated on May 8 this year with authorised capital of RM100,000 and total shares issued of RM3.

The directors, each holding one share, are Mohamad Safwan Abdul Malek, Siti Nor Ahaszariyah Adnan and Rosnita Anak Joseph.

The nature of business was quoted as hypermarket and retail industry, manufacturer and wholesale and general trading.

It is understood that those recruited will be sent to France for training with Leader Price.

Leader Price, part of Le Groupe Casino (Casino Guichard Perrachon), is a hard discount brand created in 1989.

The company has some 480 stores in France and representation in more than 40 countries.

Projek Carrefour diteruskan

Oleh SITI AIRUNNISA ALAUI
kota@utusan.com.my


http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0615/Utusan_Malaysia/Kota/wk_01.1.jpg
Pembinaan Carrefour Kota Damansara diteruskan walaupun sebelum ini dimaklumkan projek itu menyalahi garis panduan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KOTA DAMANSARA 14 Jun - "Kami sudah jangkakan projek pembinaan pasar raya besar Carrefour Kota Damansara ini akan diteruskan juga.

"Jadi disebabkan itu penduduk telah bersedia lebih awal dan telah membawanya ke peringkat mahkamah untuk diselesaikan dengan cara yang lebih adil."

Itu adalah maklumat terbaru yang diperoleh wartawan Utusan Malaysia apabila menemui Yang Dipertua Persatuan Penduduk Flat Gugusan Dedap, Zamarudin Zainudin, 47, baru-baru ini di kediamannya di Seksyen 11, Kota Damansara.

Beliau mengulas mengenai projek Carrefour berkenaan yang masih berjalan walaupun sebelum ini Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Senator Datuk T. Murugiah memaklumkan bahawa lesen pembinaan pasar raya besar itu ditarik balik kerana ia melanggar banyak peraturan.

"Ini bukan pertama kali kenyataan dikeluarkan oleh pihak-pihak berkenaan dan kemudiannya projek tersebut diberhentikan selama beberapa bulan. Kemudian projek itu disambung semula.

"Tetapi apa yang menyedihkan, kenyataan yang keluar daripada Timbalan Menteri juga tidak dapat berbuat apa-apa untuk membantu penduduk di sini.

"Jadi, terpaksalah penduduk berusaha sendiri untuk mendapatkan hak kami," jelasnya.

Tambahnya, beliau berharap pihak mahkamah akan segera memberi injunksi bagi membolehkan projek berkenaan dihentikan.

Ujarnya, sekiranya mahkamah tidak dapat membantu, beliau berharap Perdana Menteri dapat masuk campur bagi menyelesaikan isu ini.

"Bantahan penduduk terhadap pembinaan pasar raya tersebut ada asasnya apabila ia dibina terlalu dekat dengan sekolah dan kawasan perumahan.

"Selari dengan moto pimpinan tertinggi negara, 'Rakyat didahulukan, pencapaian diutamakan', saya rasa bantahan rakyat terhadap projek pembinaan pasar raya ini perlu diberi perhatian oleh Perdana Menteri kerana ia akan menjejaskan banyak pihak," jelasnya.

Sementara itu, Murugiah ketika dihubungi memberitahu bahawa beliau telah mengemukakan laporan siasatan pihaknya kepada Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan (KPDNKK) mengenai bantahan penduduk terhadap projek itu.

Beliau yang juga Pengerusi Biro Pengaduan Awam (BPA) berkata, arahan penarikan lesen hanya boleh dilakukan oleh KPDNKK, dan beliau hanya menyampaikan masalah orang ramai kepada kementerian terbabit.

"Saya telah menjalankan tugas saya untuk membantu penduduk agar perkara ini dipanjangkan kepada pihak berkenaan dan diselesaikan.

"Akan tetapi hanya KPDNKK boleh memutuskan pekara tersebut.

"Saya akan cuba mendapatkan maklum balas daripada KPDNKK melalui menteri barunya, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob mengenai pembinaan bangunan berkenaan," jelasnya.

Tesco Cuts Prices Of 300 Grocery Products


KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd has reduced the prices of nearly 300 grocery products starting Thursday.

Tesco said it would invest RM8 million to cut the prices and this would increase its investment todate to RM100 million.

"This is the second reduction this year and built on the RM12 million invested last quarter to reduce the prices," it said in a statement.

Its chief executive officer, Chris Bush, said the move was part of the company's ongoing quarterly commitment to help customers spend less.

"From today, we have reduced the everyday price on nearly 300 essential grocery products with an average discount of eight percent.

"As the global recession continues we have worked hard to reduce the costs in our business to pass onto customers as lower prices," he said.

He said Tesco would also offered cheaper alternatives to over 200 new products.

"They range from shampoo, detergents, cooking and baking needs and also food items like canned drinks, confectionery and frozen food," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Tesco belanja RM8j kurangkan harga

KUALA LUMPUR 18 Jun - Tesco membelanjakan RM8 juta untuk menawarkan promosi potongan harga yang melibatkan 300 jenis barangan runcit.

Promosi harga itu menyaksikan Tesco melabur RM100 juta sehingga kini bagi menjayakan promosi itu kepada para pelanggannya.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tesco, Chris Bush berkata, usaha itu adalah sebahagian daripada komitmen untuk membantu pengguna berjimat cermat dan bermula hari ini 300 jenis barangan runcit telah diberi purata diskaun sehingga lapan peratus.

Ini merupakan Kempen Potongan Harga Tesco kedua dan syarikat telah melabur RM12 juta bagi tempoh sehingga suku kedua untuk menurunkan harga.

"Sebagaimana kegawatan ekonomi berterusan, kami akan bekerja keras untuk mengurangkan kos di dalam perniagaan kami dengan merendahkan harga barangan untuk faedah pengguna," katanya dalam kenyataan akhbar di sini hari ini.

Dalam pada itu Tesco juga turut mengumumkan beratus produk baru yang bakal menawarkan harga pilihan terendah di dalam senarai barangan.

Senarai barangan itu menampilkan 200 produk baru seperti syampu, serbuk pencuci, memasak dan membakar serta barangan minuman dalam tin, kuih-muih dan makanan beku.

"Pengguna melihat kepada lebih banyak pilihan jenama murah. Kajian kami menunjukkan dengan tawaran pelbagai jenama yang banyak akan memberi alternatif kepada pembeli untuk kurang berbelanja berbanding sebelum ini," katanya.

Dengan harga murah dan terendah itu, ia bukan sahaja memberi faedah kepada pengguna tetapi juga kepada ekonomi negara sebagaimana Tesco dan pembekal mendapat sumber dan dikilang dan dibungkuskan di negara ini.

Pelancaran dua inisiatif oleh Tesco itu membuktikan pihak pengurusan syarikat mendengar dan bekerja keras dengan para pembekal kami untuk membantu pengguna dan ekonomi tempatan ekoran dari kegawatan semasa.

Supermarkets, Hypermarkets Join Forces For Kelantan Mega Sale Carnival


KOTA BAHARU, July 8 (Bernama) -- A total of 19 supermarkets and hypermarkets in Kelantan have joined forces to make a success of the Mega Sale Carnival Malaysia 2009 organised by the Tourism Ministry.

Chairman of the State Tourism Action Council (MTPN), Datuk Abdul Aziz Derashid, said the annual programme, which took off here on July 4, will be offering products at discounted rates of up to 70 percent.

The products will include all types of clothings, food and drinks, toys and electrical goods produced in the country.

"People will be able to buy goods at a much cheaper rate than the usual prices they are sold at in other supermarkets," he told a press conference at his office here on Wednesday.

Abdul Aziz said Tourism Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen will be officiating the event at 2.30 pm on July 10 at the KB Mall here. Participating producers, distributors, non governmental organisations and associations are also expected to attend the event.

A variety of high quality products at competitive rates will be offered to both locals and foreigners during this carnival which is also intended to attract more tourists into the country.

As the goods will be much cheaper during this period, tourists are assured of a satisfying shopping spree during the carnival, he added.

--BERNAMA

Pasar Raya Giant pamer produk PKS bulan ini


PETALING JAYA: Sebanyak 50 barangan makanan yang dikeluarkan lebih 30 pembekal perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) akan dipamerkan sepanjang bulan ini sempena kempen promosi memasarkan produk usahawan Bumiputera di Pasar Raya Giant Kota Damansara di sini.

Kempen yang antara lain bertujuan mempertingkatkan hasil jualan PKS di seluruh negara dalam perniagaan perusahaan makanan itu adalah usaha sama pasar raya berkenaan dan Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) bertemakan Cita rasa Malaysia Untuk Dunia.

Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Yusoff Dohab dalam ucapan Ketua Setiausahanya, Datuk Abd Jabar Che Nai, berkata kerjasama berkenaan mampu mewujudkan sinergi kepada usahawan untuk melangkah maju ke hadapan.



Beliau berkata, usahawan berkenaan harus mengambil peluang keemasan ini untuk melangkah lebih jauh sehingga kualiti produk mereka mendapat pengiktirafan selain melepasi piawaian terutama bagi memasuki pasaran negara maju lain di dunia.

“Kita sedia maklum yang hanya segelintir saja usahawan PKS Bumiputera dapat menembusi pasaran di pasar raya terulung di negara kita seperti Giant, dan keadaan ini perlu diperbaiki supaya matlamat kerajaan untuk mencapai sekurang-kurangnya 30 peratus daripada pembekal ke pasar raya terdiri daripada pengusaha Bumiputera tercapai.

“Begitu pun kelemahan usahawan dalam pasaran harus dipandang serius termasuk masalah kurangnya pengalaman dan pengetahuan terutama dari segi promosi dan urus niaga di pasar raya besar dan masalah mereka yang tidak mesra pelanggan iaitu tidak aktif menganalisis kehendak dan perubahan pengguna.

“Selain itu, masalah kekurangan peruntukan untuk program promosi dan tidak wujudnya program promosi bersepadu bagi mempromosi dan membentuk jenama di pasaran juga adalah antara kelemahan yang ada,” katanya selepas merasmikan kempen In-Store Promotion di sini, kelmarin.

Hadir sama, Pengarah Pemasaran GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Ho Mun Hao dan Timbalan Pengarah II Bahagian Pembangunan Usahawan Mara, Adilah Hassan.

Yusoff berkata, kementerian berusaha memberikan bantuan kepada usahawan dengan matlamat ingin menambah daya tarikan dan daya saing bagi produk keluaran Bumiputera dari aspek pembungkusan dan pelabelan selain mempromosi dan memperluaskan pasaran bagi barangan keluaran mereka ke luar negara.

“Pihak kami juga berusaha untuk memberikan peluang golongan usahawan terbabit menerokai pasaran baru dan sedia ada di mana usahawan Bumiputera dilihat mempunyai lebih persaingan sama ada di dalam negara mahupun di luar negara,” katanya.

D-day for foreign hypermarts' franchise bids
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/07/14



The decision on whether foreign hypermarkets will be allowed to open convenience stores using the franchise concept will be known at the end of this month.

If the government says no, this would throw a spanner in the works for retailers Carrefour, which has a handful of stores, and Tesco that wants to enter the market.

Foreign hypermarkets want to expand in Malaysia but the government has kept a tight leash on their plans to protect local retailers.

But last year, Carrefour, which has the least number of hypermarkets in Malaysia, found a smart way of skirting around the rule and expanded its business by using the franchise format as it then fell under a different set of rules under the Entrepreneur Ministry.

Hypermarkets guidelines come under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MTDCC) and it prevents foreigners from opening convenience stores.





However, a cabinet reshuffle early this year dismantled the Entrepreneur Ministry and franchise licences now comes under the MTDCC.

"MTDCC has been receiving representation (feedback) from local players especially the small- and medium-sized players that franchising by foreign hypermarkets will have a serious impact on retail players.

"MDTCC needs to ensure that the development in the distributive trade needs to be balanced by orderly market development as underpinned by one of the major objectives of the guidelines," secretary general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom told Business Times.

The world's second largest retailer Carrefour operates a chain of Carrefour Express in Malaysia under the franchise concept. It plans to have 100 more stores by the year-end and 1,000 in five years.

British retailer Tesco, in March, also voiced its intention to move into the business and said that it was seeking clarification from MTDCC.

For Carrefour, a decision not in its favour would also raise questions about the fate of existing stores.

A Carrefour official when contacted said it is hopeful that the business model can continue as it is able to reach out to areas where it can share its knowledge and know-how.

As at press time, Tesco did not respond to Business Times' queries.

Tesco To Continue Investing In Asia


KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Tesco plc, the international grocery and general merchandising retail chain, will continue to invest in Asia despite the global economic slowdown, its chief executive officer of retailing services, Andrew Higginson, said Monday.

"We had terrific success and we are the biggest retailer in Asia. It is important for us to expand as there are still huge opportunities in Asia, including China and Japan," he said.

In Asia, South Korea is Tesco's biggest market outside the United Kingdom where the company is based, followed by Thailand and Malaysia.

Higginson said Tesco planned to spend 3.6 billion pound this year on capital expenditure to support growth around the world, of which slightly more than half will go to the Asian markets.

Malaysia, he said, is an important market for Tesco as the country is the third major anchor for Tesco in Asia, after South Korea and Thailand.

"It is important for Tesco to establish its third anchor before pushing into China," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) World Conference 2009 held here.

Besides Asia, Tesco will also continue to invest to expand its business in Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, Higginson said.

He said the company will continue to invest in developing its retailing and financial services and telecoms, adding that it is important to invest to be in a commanding position to reap benefits when the economy recovers.

Originally specialising in food and drinks, Tesco has over the years diversified into areas such as clothing, consumer electronics, financial services, telecoms, home, health and car insurance, and dental plans as well as Internet services and software.

The conference, themed "The Global Village -- No Boundaries, No Limits", focuses on managing global profitability in the downturn, outsourcing as a competitive strategy, managing costs, shaping the future and the impact of the current economic crisis on globalisation.

At the event, finance directors were told that businesses must not only continue to deliver against short-term demands but still invest for the long term if they are to be in the best position to benefit when the global economy starts to recover.

"Now, more than ever, we must really listen to our customers and strive to be first for them. But to be able to deliver for customers, you need to get the basics right -- manage cash and costs carefully," Higginson said.

-- BERNAMA

Tesco to continue expansion in Asia despite slowdown


KUALA LUMPUR: Tesco plc, the international grocery and general merchandising retail chain, will continue to invest in Asia despite the global economic slowdown, said chief executive officer of retailing services, Andrew Higginson.

“We had terrific success and we are the biggest retailer in Asia. It is important for us to expand as there are still huge opportunities in Asia, including China and Japan,” he said.

Higginson said Tesco planned to spend £3.6bil this year on capital expenditure to support growth worldwide, of which slightly more than half would go to the Asian markets.

Malaysia, he said, was an important market for Tesco as the country is the third major anchor for Tesco in Asia, after South Korea and Thailand.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/14/business/p4-tesco.JPG
A Tesco outlet in Kampar, Perak. Higginson says Malaysia is an important market for Tesco as it is the third major anchor for Tesco in Asia, after South Korea and Thailand

“It is important for Tesco to establish its third anchor before pushing into China,” he told reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the Chartered Institute of

Management Accountants (CIMA) World Conference 2009 here.

Besides Asia, Tesco would also continue to invest to expand in Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, Higginson said.

He said the company would invest in developing its retailing and financial services and telecoms, adding that it was important to invest to be in a commanding position to reap benefits when the economy recovered.

Originally specialising in food and drinks, Tesco has over the years diversified into areas such as clothing, consumer electronics, financial services, telecoms, home, health and car insurance, and dental plans as well as Internet services and software.Themed The Global Village – No Boundaries, No Limits, the conference focused on managing global profitability in the downturn, outsourcing as a competitive strategy, managing costs, shaping the future and the impact of the current economic crisis on globalisation.

At the event, finance directors were told that businesses must not only continue to deliver against short-term demands but still invest for the long term if they were to be in the best position to benefit when the global economy started to recover.

“Now, more than ever, we must really listen to our customers and strive to be first for them. But to be able to deliver for customers, you need to get the basics right – manage cash and costs carefully,” Higginson said. — Bernama

Giant to spend RM3mil a month for fresh produce


PETALING JAYA: The Giant hypermarket chain plans to spend about RM3mil a month to subsidise prices for 60 fresh produce items at all of its 132 stores nationwide.

“This is to cut down on food inflation which is increasing every day,” said its marketing director Ho Mun Hao.

He said that the 60 items, which include whole chicken and prepackaged Australian carrots, are basic food items which customers want prices reduced.

The items would be sold below cost price at least until the Chinese New Year celebrations next year.

This is a continuous effort by Giant since June last year where it has cut the prices of 1,200 grocery items.

“We conducted a focus group study on our customers at the end of last year which revealed that those from the blue-collar group are affected by the economy crisis and struggling to make ends meet,” Ho said.

The programme will be launched by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the Kota Damansara outlet today.

Ho said that since Giant reduced its chicken price in May this year, demand had risen by up to 40%.

“Our buyers always negotiate the best price by collaborating directly with the farmers so that our customers get the best deal,” he added.

Giant buka cawangan patuh etika Islam
Oleh Azli Ayob
azliayob@bharian.com.my





Iklan, garis panduan pakaian ikut syariah

GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, pemilik pasar raya besar Giant akan membuka cawangan pertamanya yang mematuhi etika Islam di Kota Bharu, Kelantan akhir tahun ini.

Pengarah Pemasarannya, Ho Mun Hao, berkata cawangan yang akan dibuka di Kota Bharu Trade Centre (KBTC) itu memberi pengalaman baru kepada GCH Retail.



"Ini adalah sebuah cawangan yang istimewa bagi Giant. Bagi cawangan ini kami menyediakan laluan membayar dan bilik mencuba pakaian yang berasingan untuk lelaki dan wanita.

"Selain itu semua gambar bagi iklan dan risalah bagi cawangan ini juga akan dipastikan mengikut garis panduan ditetapkan terutama dari aspek etika berpakaian," katanya pada sidang media di Petaling Jaya, semalam.

Ho berkata, selain di Kota Bharu, GCH Retail juga akan membuka sebuah lagi cawangan di Klang, Selangor menjelang hujung tahun ini.

"Ini adalah cawangan pasar raya Giant yang ketiga di Klang," katanya.

Beliau bagaimanapun tidak menyatakan pelaburan yang dibuat syarikat itu bagi pembukaan dua cawangan berkenaan.

"Pembukaan cawangan

di Kota Bharu dan Klang

itu akan menjadikan keseluruhan rangkaian pasar raya Giant seluruh negara berjumlah 134 daripada 132 cawangan ketika ini," katanya.

Pada sidang media semalam, Ho turut mengumumkan Giant akan melancarkan kempen harga subsidi ke atas 60 produk segar yang dijual di pasar raya itu mulai hari ini.

"Mulai hari ini, secara purata harga barangan segar yang dijual di Giant seperti ayam, ikan, sayur-sayuran, produk tenusu dan buah-buahan adalah antara 16 peratus hingga 20 peratus lebih murah daripada harga pasaran," katanya.

Beliau berkata, matlamat utama program inisiatif khas itu adalah bagi membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menikmati barangan segar pada harga lebih murah.

"Kami akan membelanjakan sekurang-kurangnya RM3 juta sebulan bagi memberi subsidi ke atas harga 60 produk segar yang paling banyak digunakan rakyat Malaysia supaya harganya kekal murah," katanya.

carrefor cheras almost complete

Monday is 'bring-own-bags' day at Carrefour
2009/07/28


PETALING JAYA: French hypermarket chain Carrefour has adopted a tough love approach in teaching shoppers about protecting the environment.

Starting yesterday, shoppers must bring their own bags on Mondays as the hypermarket declared it the "No Shopping Bags Day".

With shoppers using half a million plastic bags daily at its 17 stores nationwide, the potential benefits of the campaign is massive.

"We give out about 15,000 plastic bags per store per day. We can reduce use of plastic bags by that much if everyone be a part of the 'No Shopping Bags Day'," said Low Ngai Yuen, Carrefour's marketing and communications director.

Shoppers can, however, rent plastic bags from Carrefour for 10 sen each.



The money will be refunded to them when they return those bags.



"Money that is not refunded will be directed to turtle conservation efforts," she said at the World Wide Fund for Nature Telur Rangers flag off here yesterday.

The event which is part of WWF's Egg>Life campaign against the sale and consumption of turtle eggs.

Aware that not everyone would be happy with the campaign, she said it was necessary so as to teach shoppers to be greener.

"We are not quite there in terms of awareness. Many are dependent on plastic bags."

Tesco to offer 50m Clubcard points
Published: 2009/07/28



TESCO will be giving out an additional 50 million Clubcard points to members in the Klang valley, saving shoppers about RM500,000 on their future shopping bills, during the first ever Clubcard Bonus Day, starting July 29th until July 30th .

Over two days, customers will have opportunities to earn up to 5 times in extra Clubcard points on a host of products and services at Tesco stores including discounts from 67 participating mall tenants and special offers on selected products ranging from cosmetics to apparel.

Tesco marketing director Neil Adams explained how important this initiative is to customers who are all on tighter budgets in the current climate.

“Tesco is truly committed to giving our customers extra value and helping them spend less in this difficult times. We are expecting to give away more than 50 million Clubcard points in these 2 days. We are also expecting an increase in sign ups by 10 per cent,” added Adams.





Clubcard members will get extra Clubcard points on their favourite products and best of all, 2X Clubcard points on their total purchase receipt, 5X Clubcard points in Food Court and 4X Clubcard points when they swipe both their Clubcard and Tesco –RHB credit/debit card in Tesco.

This is in addition to the 2 per cent cash rebate that customers are already enjoying when they pay using the Tesco-RHB Credit/Debit cards in Tesco.

According to Adams, over 1 million Clubcard members from Klang Valley will benefit from this event.

“Rising costs of living continue to hit customers hard and they are looking to Tesco to help. We are working hard to look for ways to help customers bring down their cost of shopping and Clubcard Bonus Day is one way of doing this.” he said.

Adams explained that to date, Tesco has more than 2.3 million Clubcard members and have given out more than RM18 million worth of Clubcard cash vouchers back to customers.

“Tesco Clubcard is an integral part of the Tesco core purpose ‘to create value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty’.
Clubcard is the way we say ‘thank you’ to our customers for shopping with Tesco by giving money back to customers on top of our everyday low prices and great promotions,” adds Adams. - Bernama

Malton sees higher contribution with more projects
By ANGIE NG


PETALING JAYA: Malton Bhd expects higher contribution from its construction division following the return of more building and infrastructure projects in the country.

In the past two to three years, contribution from construction projects undertaken by its subsidiary, Domain Resources Sdn Bhd, has overtaken property development as the main revenue contributor at the group level.

According to executive director (projects) Hong Lay Chuan, Domain only started to undertake external construction projects earlier this year.

“Our objective is to achieve a 70:30 ratio of external and internal projects. We believe this will optimise our resources,” he told StarBiz.


Hong Lay Chuan ...the company will be looking for projects in the region
Its current projects comprise the construction of property projects and other related infrastructure development for its parent as well as for third party clients.

Currently, Domain has an order book of RM680mil.

Its ongoing projects include the construction of the Carrefour hypermarket complex in Bukit Rimau and the design and redevelopment of the former Jaya shopping centre in Section 14, Petaling Jaya.

The contract for Carrefour is worth RM34mil and the Jaya project is RM175mil.

Hong said Domain would be tendering for other projects, including RM534mil worth of in-house property projects and RM305mil external contracts, including an aircraft hangar in Subang and a commercial project in Putrajaya.

“Besides Malton’s in-house property projects, there will be more project design, build and management contracts for other clients. Going forward, the company would be looking for projects in the region as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, property development projects are also expected to make a comeback after the soft market sentiment of the past three quarters.

Malton executive director (sales and marketing) Fong Kin said that although the prevailing market sentiment had been quite soft, “it has been quite stable for us with monthly sales of RM30mil these past few months.”

For the financial year ended June 30 (FY09), the company is expected to turn in RM400mil in sales, a marginal increase over the RM394mil registered in FY08.

The company’s landbank include 56 acres in Ukay Springs that are planned for semi-detached houses and bungalows with potential gross development value (GDV) of RM500mil.

Another parcel is a 2.7-acre site in Taman Maluri earmarked for mixed development with service apartments, office suites and retail podium worth RM210mil. The project will be launched by year-end.

Development plans for its 67 acres in Sg Long, Cheras are under way while its 0.67-acre plot in Petaling Jaya will have service hotel suites worth RM70mil. It also has 17 acres in Seremban that will be turned into a RM160mil project comprising bungalows and shop offices.

Fong said more environment-friendly themes starting with the Ukay Springs project would be introduced into the company’s projects in future.

They will have designs that promote greater energy and water efficiency, better natural ventilation and water harvesting features.

Malton has seven ongoing projects including the Bukit Rimau township development, high-end residences and commercial projects with a total GDV of RM1.5bil, according to Fong.

Of this, RM900mil worth of properties have been sold.

One of its latest lifestyle offerings is the high-end gated development called The Grove in SS23, Petaling Jaya.

The 4.8-acre freehold project comprises 35 bungalows priced from RM3mil to RM3.8mil each.

Other developments include The Pearl @ KLCC and Amaya Saujana @ Saujana Subang.

The Pearl @ KLCC is a high-end condominium project along Jalan Stonor.

On 6 acres oppositve Saujana Golf Resort, Amaya Saujana comprises three 13-storey residential suite blocks with a total of 378 units priced from RM605,000 to over RM2mil. It has a GDV of RM285mil.

On the adjoining three-acre parcel will be a commercial development currently under planning.

Malton is also building the V-Square - an integrated commercial project comprising two corporate towers, a corporate business suite block, and two blocks of corporate offices, with retail space on the ground floors.

The 2.6-acre project in Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya is scheduled for completion in 2011 and will have a GDV of RM240mil.

Mydin dakwa alami kerugian RM300,000


KUALA LUMPUR: Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) yang mempunyai pasar rayanya di Jalan Masjid India di sini, mendakwa mengalami kerugian kira-kira RM300,000 berikutan perhimpunan haram mendesak Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dimansuhkan, Sabtu lalu.

Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, berkata jumlah itu adalah kira-kira 50 peratus daripada kemerosotan jualan yang sepatutnya oleh dua pasar raya borongnya di situ, pada hari berkenaan.

Malah, katanya, pasar raya itu juga terpaksa menanggung kerugian apabila jualan pada Jumaat dan Ahad iaitu sehari sebelum dan selepas perhimpunan haram diadakan masing-masing menurun antara 20 hingga 30 peratus.

"Kemungkinan untuk jualan akan terus merosot pada masa akan datang ada berikutan pandangan dan persepsi pelanggan terhadap lokasi itu yang imejnya kini sudah tercemar.

"Kebanyakan peniaga mampu memperoleh jualan antara dua dan tiga kali ganda pada Sabtu dan Ahad berbanding hari biasa.

"Malah, Sabtu lalu adalah hari paling sesuai untuk orang ramai membeli-belah kerana awal bulan dan keghairahan membuat persiapan untuk menyambut Syawal.

"Oleh itu, tindakan pihak tidak bertanggungjawab menjadikan Jalan Masjid India dan Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman serta kawasan sekitarnya sebagai lokasi untuk berhimpun secara haram amat dikesali kerana menjejaskan periuk nasi peniaga," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, semalam.

Ameer berkata, hampir 30 peratus pekerja di kedua-dua pasar raya borong itu tidak datang bekerja kerana bimbangkan keselamatan selain tidak mahu terperangkap dalam kesesakan teruk.

Katanya, kebanyakan pekerja adalah wanita dan pihaknya tidak boleh memaksa mereka datang bekerja pada Sabtu lalu.

"Setiap kali (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) `melenting', peniaga di kawasan ini yang sering menjadi pilihan penganjur untuk mengadakan perhimpunan haram akan menerima padah.

"Oleh itu, saya mengalu-alukan pandangan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak yang bersedia memberi kebenaran menganjurkan perhimpunan di tempat khas. Pergilah ke kawasan yang tidak menjejaskan periuk nasi peniaga," katanya.

Giant Kota Damansara

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_01.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_02.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_03.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_04.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_05.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_06.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_07.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_08.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_09.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_10.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_11.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_12.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_13.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_14.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_15.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_16.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2009/giant%20KD/giant_17.jpg
Giant Hypermarket (Kota Damansara)
taken from http://www.atsaarchitects.com/

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2008/giant2/giant2_06.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2008/giant2/giant2_07.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2008/giant2/giant2_10.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2008/giant2/giant2_08.jpg

http://www.atsaarchitects.com/atsa_web/current_project/2008/giant2/giant2_05.jpg

Kota Damansara folk: Area does not need a hypermarket
By FAZLEENA AZIZ


THE residents of Kota Damansara Section 11 continued with their protest over the construction of a hypermarket in the area.

Some 100 residents gathered in front of the site with banners expressing their disappointment with the Selangor state government over the issue.

The residents questioned the approval of the project, which is situated near Sekolah Kebangsaan Section 11.

The school’s parent-teacher association committee member, Shamsir Salleh, said the area did not need another hypermarket.

He also said having the hypermarket could lead to many social problems among the youths.

“We urge them to see this problem from our perspective as we strongly disagree with the construction.

Present during the protest was MIC youth coordinator S. Murugesan who questioned the state government for politicising the issue.

He said Selangor Local Government, Research and Development exco member Ronnie Liu should be more honest.

“According to Liu, the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consu-merism Ministry had revoked the permit.

“Then why still allow them to continue with the development?” he asked.

According to Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, the residents had every right to protest against the project.

He added that they wanted to see proof of the revocation order.

“If it had been revoked, then it is good news for the people.

“The residents are pursuing all available avenues and I would encourage them to bring it to the next level,” he said.

He also said the state government should not delay in resolving the issue.

The issue over the hypermarket has also been brought to the attention of the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T. Murugiah, who heads the Public Complaints Bureau.

Murugiah had said that the hypermarket was too close to the housing area and was asked to relocate.

Hypermarkets out to make IT happen
By EILEEN HEE


PETALING JAYA: Hypermarkets are raising their game these days by becoming more IT-savvy as they recognise the battle between the big retailers will largely be won in the information technology department.

According to Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd public relations manager Dazrene Azmil Darus, with almost 40% of the store already IT-centric, IT played a big part in its business.

“We are a modern day retailer. From our cashier, pricing and ordering system, it’s all wired,” he told StarBizWeek.

He said IT investments by the hypermarket, which “run into the millions,” continued to focus on pragmatic, cost-reducing projects such as inventory control and workforce.

“Initiatives, such as managing savings in the areas of communications and multimedia, will have a big impact on the business and we can use the savings to invest back into making shopping cheaper for the consumer,” he said.

He added that the hypermarket continued to invest to improve its overall IT capabilities, such as back-end systems, to grow its business and compete in the dynamic retail industry.

But, he said, it would take a lot more for IT to be the defining factor. “Each department must work together as a team to win in the modern day retail scene. Departments such as marketing, commercial and store retail operations all play vital roles.”

Meanwhile, Carrefour Malaysia Sdn Bhd marketing and communications director Low Ngai Yuen said from mid-2008 and the next five years, the hypermarket had budgeted RM75mil for its IT initiatives.

She said the initiatives were key for the growth of the hypermarket “while we finalise the best working model of the mini-market.”

Other areas Carrefour is concentrating on this year are human resources, supply chain and customer relationship programmes.

“One of the IT initiatives is our Mobile Top Up where it is done on the same receipt as the other purchases for quicker and more competent transactions,” Low said.

The hypermarket was raising the bar on efficiency rather than just pure automation, she said, adding: “IT spending’s motivation is not cost reduction but efficiency in the long run. For example, human resources’ projects that require IT updates are not aimed at reducing manpower working on them but rather for the new system to serve the growing workforce.”

Ultimately, she said, the idea was to improve customer satisfaction.

She said while IT played an important role, retail was still very much about the human touch. “Positive human interactions are infectious – more than a hi-tech store.

“We are constantly innovating to create a better atmosphere, help customers with their choices and better conveniences. One interesting update is how we are working with Point Cast on the Starling Scent Protocol, a breakthrough technology that incorporates ‘smell’ from LCD screens,” she said.

GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, the operator of Giant chain of hypermarkets, declined to be interviewed for this article. It is learnt that GCH Retail is in the midst of upgrading its IT system.