FBM KLCI close higher on positive gains

At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was up by 2.58 points or 0.17% to 1,506.69 amid positive gains in major regional markets.

Total volume of shares traded stood at 1.59 billion valued at RM1.16bil. Winners outnumbered losers by 492 to 254 while 335 counters remained unchanged.

Among the top gainers were British American Tobacco which put on 40 sen to RM49.60, Rock Chemical Industries added on 33 sen to RM1.80 and Cocoaland Holdings inched up 18 sen to RM2.18.

For the heavyweights, Axiata Group rose 6 sen to RM5.05, CIMB Groupwas up 6 sen to RM7.16, Public Bank added 6 sen to RM13.18 and Petronas gas rose 10 sen to RM15.20.

On the regional front, most major markets rebounded despite early jitters from the European Central Bank's surge in its balance sheet to a record 2.73 trillion euros (US$3.55 trillion) after last week's lending to 523 banks in the European Union.

The Nikkei 225 shed 0.29% to 8,398.89, the Hang Seng Index fell 0.65% to 18,397.92, the Shanghai Composite was up 0.16% to 2,173.56, the Taiwan Taiex Index added 0.26% to 7,074.82, the Kospi Index was up by 0.03% to 1,825.74 and the Straits Times Index rose 0.24% to 2,672.78.

The Nymex crude oil gained 30 cents to US$99.66 per barrel. Spot gold fell 5.32 cents to US$1,550.05 per ounce. The ringgit was quoted at 3.177 to the US dollar.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/29/business/20111229181039&sec=business

OUR NEW PROJECT

Disclaimer Notice : Export License For Sand To Singapore

MITI has received an information that approval letter for exporting of sand to Singapore was issued by the Import and Export Control Section, MITI.
Thus, MITI denied that the said letter was issued by the ministry. For information, the export license for sand was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment since 2007

http://www.miti.gov.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_bc9af0c4-c0a81573-f5a0f5a0-d0424561

Malaysia temporary Import and export.

Goods imported on a temporary basis with a view to subsequent re-export are allowed to be delivered on importation without payment of duty


However, it is subject to payment of a depositequivalent to not less than the amount of duty payable if the goods were imported for home use or security being given to the satisfaction of the director general for the payment of such duty.
Such deposit or security would be refunded or discharged if the goods are re-exported within three months from the date of importation or within a further period as approved by the director-general.
Application for temporary importation should be forwarded to the state customs director at the station import.


Approval for temporary importation is given for a three month period and extension for temporally importation will be allowed only certain circumstances and this is to be submitted to the station that has granted the approval earlier.

Good of Malaysian origin for temporary export are allowed under certain conditions as specified under the Customs Duties (Exemption) Order 1988.

Goods that are allowed must be for the purpose of exhibition, research and propaganda only.

more info please call us.....

Telcos agree to defer six pct service tax

"The meeting with the managements of Celcom, Maxis, Digi & U Mobile was
held in a cordial atmosphere ...they responded positively to the ministry's

KUALA LUMPUR: Telecommunications companies (telcos) have agreed to defer the six per-cent service tax for pre-paid users which was to come in to effect on Thursday. Knowledge, Communications & Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the agreement was reached at a gathering between the major telcos in the country & the ministry at Angkasapuri here today.

Celcom was represented by its chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Shazalli Ramly, Digi Group by CEO Henrik Clausen, Maxis Group by CEO Sandip Das & U Mobile by CEO Dr Kaizad Heerjee.

advice, the government's views & sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the matter," they told reporters after the meeting whichlasted about an hour. They said that the Cabinet would be updated on today's meeting at its next

sitting & hoped the issue would no longer be raised as the telcos concerned

had agreed to defer the tax.

Rais said the postponement would enable the Malaysian Communications &

Multimedia Commission to review the matter to choose when would be the best

time to implement the tax & the rate.

The telcos had been absorbing the six per-cent service tax that was to be

charged from pre-paid users but collectively decided recently to pass it to

customers from Thursday (Sept 15). 

They added that to appreciate the positive response from the telcos, which had

paid the government RM6 billion from service tax since 1998 besides playing a

major role in providing telco servics to  26 million Malaysians, they would

recommend to the government to provide them some incentives.- Bernama

Malaysia's Total Trade Registers 5.5 Per Cent Growth In May

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia recorded a year-on-year growth of 5.5 per cent in total trade to RM101.7 billion in May, compared with the RM96.433 billion registered in the same month last year, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He also said in a statement on the preliminary external trade statistics for May, that exports expanded 5.4 per cent to RM55.09 billion, from RM52.28 billion recorded previously.

Imports meanwhile, grew 5.6 per cent to RM46.61 billion compared to the RM44.15 billion previously.

A RM8.49 billion trade surplus was recorded in May, making it the 163rd consecutive month of trade surplus registered, since November 1997.

Compared with April 2011, exports decreased 4.7 per cent, while imports were 0.4 per cent lower with total trade declining 2.8 per cent.

For the cumulative five-month period, total trade increased 8.0 per cent to RM507.24 billion, supported by strong growth in exports of 6.2 per cent to RM279.25 billion, and imports of 10.3 per cent to RM227.99 billion over the same period last year.

Major items that contributed to the significant export increase in May were electrical and electronic products (RM19.08 billion), palm oil (RM5.33 billion), chemicals and chemical products (RM4.03 billion), crude petroleum (RM3.17 billion), liquefied natural gas (RM3.17 billion), refined petroleum products (RM3.12 billion), machinery appliances and parts (RM2.00 billion), manufacturers of metal (RM1.64 billion), optical and scientific equipment (RM1.46 billion) as well as wood products worth RM1.3 billion.

China, Singapore, Japan, the United States and Thailand were the top five export markets, accounting for 49.4 per cent of Malaysia's total exports in May.

Asean member countries accounted for RM13.44 billion or 24.4 per cent of total exports during the month in review.

Meanwhile, among major imports in May were electrical and electronic products worth RM14.11 billion, chemicals and chemical products (RM4.70 billion), refined petroleum products (RM3.62 billion), machinery appliances and parts (RM3.61 billion) and manufacture of metal (RM3.06 billion).

Top importers were China, Singapore, Japan, the United States and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Asean member countries accounted for RM13.08 billion or 28.1 per cent of total imports in May.

-- BERNAMA

Public Reminder !!!

Orang Awam dinasihatkan berhati-hati dengan penipuan menggunakan nama 'Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia'

1.    Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) ingin memaklumkan kepada orang awam mengenai penipuan menggunakan nama Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia oleh pihak yang tidak bertanggunjawab.  Modus operandi yang kerap dilakukan ialah melalui penipuan dengan menggunakan nama Ketua Pengarah Kastam, penyamaran sebagai pegawai kastam, penggunaan logo dan kad kuasa Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) dan akhir-akhir ini penipuan di dalam internet dengan mengaitkan penglibatan Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM).

2.    Walaupun hebahan telah dibuat melalui akhbar oleh Ketua Pengarah Kastam, melalui Laman Web Jabatan dan surat edaran kepada semua agensi Kerajaan, namun aktiviti negatif ini masih giat dijalankan dan ramai orang awam yang masih tertipu lagi.

3.    Dengan ini Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) ingin menegaskan kepada orang awam bahawa Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) tidak pernah melantik mana-mana pihak ketiga ataupun mana-mana agen untuk bertindak bagi pihak Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) untuk sebarang transaksi mahupun urusan jual-beli.

4.    Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) menasihatkan orang awam agar tidak mudah percaya dan berhati-hati dengan trend taktik penipuan diatas.

5.    SEBARANG PERTANYAAN BERKENAAN PERKASTAMAN / GST, SILA HUBUNGI PUSAT PANGGILAN KASTAM DI TALIAN 03 7806 7200 ATAU FAKS 03 7806 7599 ATAUPUN ANDA BOLEH MENGAJUKAN PERTANYAAN ANDA PADA SISTEM  e-pertanyaan

Ketua Pengarah Kastam

Malaysia

List of Products That Require Import and Export Licenses Under MITI

Issuance of Licenses for Import/Export of Items Listed in the Custom Prohibition of Import/Export Orders Under the Customs Act 1967

Background

The import and the export of goods listed under the Custom Prohibition Act 1967 are controlled:

• To safeguard local manufacturers' interest, health and plant life and the national security of the country.
• To take into consideration Malaysia 's foreign policies.
• To ensure that there should be adequate supply of essential goods.

The following goods under the Act require an Import license by MITI:

1. Raw Sugar.
2. Other Sugar.
3. Wheat Flour.
4. Milk (for tariff code 0401 30 110 and 2202 90 100 only).
5. Activated Clay and Activated Bleaching Earth.
6. Flat-Rolled Products of Iron or Non-Alloy Steel, of a width of 600mm or more, Hot Rolled, Not Clad, Plated or Coated.
7. Flat Rolled Products of Iron or Non-Alloy, of a width of 600mm or more Cold-Rolled. (Cold-Reduced), Not Clad, Plated or Coated.
8. Flat-Rolled Products of Iron or Non-Alloy Steel, of a width of 600mm or more, Clad, Plated or Coated.
9. Flat Rolled Products of Iron or Non-Alloy, of a width of 600mm or more Cold-Rolled (Cold-Reduced), Not Clad, Plated or Coated not further worked than Hot Rolled.
10. Flat-Rolled Products of Iron or Non-Alloy Steel, of a width of less 600mm or more, Not Clad or Coated.
11. Tubes, Pipes and Hollow Profiles of Cast Iron.
12. Tubes, Pipes and Hollow Profiles, Seamless, of Iron (other than Cast Iron) or Steel - Line Pipe of kind used for Oil or Gas Pipelines.
13. Other Tubes and Pipes (ex: Welded, Riveted or Similarly Closed) having Circular Cross- Sections, the external diameter of which exceeds 406.4mm of Iron and Steel.
14. Other Tubes, Pipes and Hollow Profiles (e.g: Open Seam or Welded, Riveted or Similarly loosed) of Iron or Steel.
15. Iron & steel products which has been exempted from Import License but require Certificate of Approval from CIDB (Construction) or SIRIM (Other than Construction).
16. Cable.
17. Vehicle.
18. Motorcycle.
19. Motor Vehicles for the transport of goods (i.e.: Dump Truck & Crawler Carrier).
20. Special purpose motor vehicles, other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods excluding fire fighting vehicles (for example breakdown lorries, crane lorries, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units).
21. Ships' derricks; cranes, including cable cranes; mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane.
22. Road Tractors for semi-trailers, completely built-up, old (i.e.: Prime Mover).
23. Plastic Waste (Waste, Paring and Scrap of Plastics).
24. Used Tyre.
25. Toxic Chemicals and their precursors covered under the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) 2005 (precursors is a substance that precedes and is the source of another substance).
26. Photocopy Machine (Black and White).
27. Photocopy Machine (Colour).
28. Multifunction Printer.
29. Toner.
30. Optical disc mastering and replicating.
31. Medicine Making Machine.
32. Safety helmets except as worn by motorcyclist or motorcycle pillion riders.
33. Activated Clay and Activated Bleaching Earth.

The following goods under the Act require an Export license from MITI:

1. Refined Sugar.
2. Other Sugar.
3. Milk and Milk Product ( Milk & cream, Buttermilk, yogurt, Whey, Butter & other fats/oils, from milk, Cheese & curd, Malt extract, preparation of milk for infant, condensed sweetened/ unsweetened milk).
4. Cement clinker.
5. Portland cement.
6. Naptha.
7. Roofing tiles.
8. Bricks.
9. Wire Rods.
10. Steel Bar.
11. Other Bars Free Cutting Steel.
12. Bars and Rods, Hot- Rolled, in irregularly, Wound Coils, Of other Alloy Steel.
13. Rods of Alloy Steel; Angles, Shapes and Sections of Other Alloy Steel; Hollow Drill Bars and Rods Of Alloy or Non- Alloy Steel.
14. Slag, Dross, Scaling & Similar, Waste; iron and steel, zinc.
15. Iron Waste and Scrap.
16. Stainless Steel Waste and Scrap.
17. Copper Waste and Scrap.
18. Nickel Waste And Scrap.
19. Aluminum Waste and Scrap.
20. Lead Waste And Scrap.
21. Zinc Waste And Scrap.
22. Zinc Dust, Powders and Flakes.
23. Pure Tin Ingot.
24. Tin Waste and Scrap.
25. Magnesium Waste and Scrap.
26. Cinematograph film exposed but not developed, of 16 mm or 35 mm.
27. Toxic chemicals and their precursors covered under the Convention on the Probihition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction 1993 (CWC).

Application procedures for licence to import/export goods under the Customs Act 1967:

• Completion of form J.K. 69 for import applicants and completion of form Customs No. 2 (Principal Custom Area) or form Customs No. 8 (Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse and Free Trade Zone) for export.
• Forms can be purchased from Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad or any of its branches.

Submission of applications:

• Completed applications together with relevant supporting documents must be submitted to either MITI Headquarters or any of its branches depending on the type of goods applied for:

Import and Export Control Division,
2nd Floor, Block 10,
Government Offices Complex,
Jalan Duta, 50622 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Tel: 603-6203 3022 (General Line)
Fax: 603-6201 3012/4806

TREASURY EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 14(2) CUSTOMS ACT 1972

1.0 INTRODUCTION
To encourage the development of the various economic sectors, the government has given various incentives to boost manufacturing, petroleum, R & D and tourism industries. Exemption from the payment of customs duties under Section 14(2) Customs Act 1967 is one such provision.

2.0 LEGAL PROVISIONS
There are two (2) provisions under the Customs Act 1967, which empower the Minister of Finance to grant exemption from the payment of import duties, under Section 14 of the Customs Act 1967, the Hon Minister of Finance can either:
2.1 By Order exempt any class of goods or class of persons, or
2.2 Specifically in writing, exempt any individual or company from the payment of any customs duty or prescribed charges or fees payable.

3.0 RATIONALE
Duty exemption is a form of assistance/ incentive provided by the Government to the manufacturing sector aimed at lowering their cost of production in order to become more competitive in the international arena.
It is believed that, the benefits received in the form of reduced costs would be passed down to the consumers in the domestic market in the form of lower prices. Thus besides providing the domestic consumer the opportunity to enjoy more competitive prices on finished products, the Government's objective of curtailing inflationary pressure is also achieved.

4.0 AGENCIES INVOLVED
Three government agencies that play a major role in providing the exemption under Section 14(2) Customs Act 1967 are as follows :
Stage 1 Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) - Application for exemption
Stage 2 Ministry of Finance (Treasury) - To approve or reject application
Stage 3 Royal Customs & Excise Department - To supervise and control
Click here to view the flowchart

5.0 TWO TYPES OF EXEMPTION GIVEN

5.1 Exemption on Raw Materials and Component Parts
Manufacturers may apply for exemption from import duties on raw materials and components imported and used in the manufacturing of their finished goods. The extent of exemption granted would be very much dependant on whether the goods are manufactured for sale in the domestic market or the export market.
5.1.1 Domestic Market
It is the government's policy to provide full/ partial exemption (where applicable) from import duty on raw materials/ components imported for the manufacturing of goods for local consumption.
5.1.2 Export Market.
To encourage the export market, it is the government's policy to grant full duty exemption on raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of goods exported.
5.2 Exemption on Machinery and Equipment
In conjunction with the exemption given on raw materials/ components, the government also grants exemption on machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing.


6.0 IMPORTATION PRIOR TREASURY APPROVAL

6.1 Temporary Exemption via Bank Guarantee
Companies are further allowed to import raw materials/ components or machinery/ equipment pending Treasury approval on condition a copy of the acknowledgement letter from MIDA together with a bank guarantee equivalent to the duty/ tax is submitted to Customs at the time of release.
However if no approval is obtained within six (6) months of release of goods, the relevant duty/ tax would become due and payable thereof.
6.2 Refund On Duties Already Paid
Companies that have obtained Treasury approval letters after the importation of goods are still allowed to make refund claims on import duties that have already been paid within three (3) months from the date of the approval letter.


7.0 WHEN AND HOW THE EXEMPTION FACILITIES MAY BE UTILISED
The exemption may be used/ claimed at the time of release or when the goods are purchased/ obtained from a warehouse licensed under sec. 65 / 65A of the Customs Act 1967.
The invoices and bills of lading should have the importer's/ manufacturer's name and the goods declared in either Customs Form No. 1 or Customs Form No. 9 for customs clearance.


8.0 PLACE OF IMPORTATION
Importation is only allowed through the import stations specified in the Treasury approval letter. Prior approval must be obtained from the original approved importing station before any changes are made to the entry points.


9.0 EXEMPTION PERIOD.
Exemptions are normally given for a period of one to two years. However, new applicants initially start with a one year exemption so that the production performance of both the manufacturers for the domestic and export markets can be easily monitored.


10.0 IMPLEMENTATION CONTROLS
Companies granted duty exemption are documentary controlled. As such, the companies are held fully accountable for the security of the goods and the duties involved, if any of the conditions of the exemption are breached.
The Industry Branch of the Customs Station nearest to the factory normally monitors and controls the activities of the exemption holder.


11.0 THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Customs Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring and controlling the users of the above exemption, to ensure that the exemption is enforced in full and at the same time, the conditions as in the "Lampiran" attached are complied with.
To achieve this, the Department from time to time, provides the necessary support and guidelines to ensure exemption holders are aware of their duties and responsibilities.
To facilitate controls, all new exemption holders are required to forward the following documents to the Industry Branch of the Customs Station controlling their factories.
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MA&A);
Form 9, Form 24 and Form 49
Location map [of approved premises];
Flow chart of the manufacturing process;
Input and output ratio.
Specimen signatures and relevant information of authorized personnel dealing with Customs matters ('Lampiran B').
A copy of any utility bill as proof of occupation of premises/ factory.
12.0 EXPORT OF MANUFACTURED GOODS
When manufactured goods using exempted raw materials/ components are exported, exemption holders have to make the necessary declaration on Customs Form No. 2 as specified below:
"Saya [nama]............................[jawatan]...............................di alamat .......................................mengakui bahawa barang siap yang dieksport ini diperbuat dari bahan mentah/ komponen yang diimport DI bawah pengecualian duti DI bawah seksyen 14(2) Akta Kastam 1967 melalui surat Perbendaharaan bil. .........................................................bertarikh........................"
...............t.t.....................
[Nama & jawatan:]
No.K/P:
Cop Syarikat:
Tarikh:


13.0 FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR COMPANIES GIVEN DUTY EXEMPTION
13.1 SUB CONTRACT WORK
The company given duty exemption is allowed to do sub contract work by obtaining the necessary approval from the State Director of Customs using " Lampiran M."
13.2 EXPORT THROUGH THIRD PARTY.
Manufactured goods intended for export through third party require prior approval from the relevant State Director of Customs using a Lampiran J.

14.0 THE ROLE OF THE COMPANY

14.1 The company must notify the Customs Department when there is a change of address/ increase in the number of stores/ factories.
14.2 The company must submit a quarterly return in " Lampiran K" for raw material usage or " Lampiran C" for inventory of machinery/ equipment imported, to the controlling customs station.
14.3 The company is required to maintain proper inventory/ records on machinery/ equipment/ raw materials/ components imported and used.
14.4 The company should obtain written approval from the controlling Customs Station for the movement of goods including the sale, destruction and export of waste, raw material/ components and sales of manufactured goods to the local market. For the sale of any manufacturing waste/ refuse, raw material/ components and manufactured goods to the local market, the duty or tax involved is to be paid. For goods that have been destroyed, the duty or tax involved will be remitted. However, a certificate of destruction must be submitted using a " Lampiran H - Format I" for raw material/ components and manufactured goods destroyed, and " Format II" for waste or refuse.
14.5 The company must inform the Customs Department ( Industry Branch/ Division) within 14 days, on the event of the following incidents:
Date of resolution of winding up.
An order to wind up is issued.
Appointment of liquidator/ receiver.
Upon ceasure of operations, voluntary winding up, involvement in civil suits and such activities.


15.0 LOSS OF GOODS IN A FIRE
Should the premises of a company storing exempted goods be destroyed by fire it becomes company's responsibility to forward the following documents to the Industry Branch controlling the factory:
15.1 Description of goods
15.2 Quantity of goods
15.3 Value of goods
15.4 Customs duties involved
15.5 Police Report
15.6 Fire Department Report.
15.7 Explanation from company ( owner's report ).

16.0 LEGAL PROVISION FOR NON COMPLIANCE

16.1 Re-imposition of Duty
Whosoever fails to comply with the terms and conditions imposed under the exemption is liable to all customs duties due and payable provided under Section 15 of the Customs Act 1967:
16.2 Provision for Offences
Any person found to have breached the conditions imposed, is liable to pay a fine not exceeding RM 20.000.00 under Section 138 of the Customs Act 1967.
When a serious offence is committed, there is a high possibility of the exemption given being withdrawn and the offender being black listed.

Ministry Blacklists Six Cosmetics Products

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has warned the public against the use of six cosmetics products, including one from a French manufacturer, found to contain scheduled poisons.

The products BML HB Lotion, Krim Malam Shana and Natasya Gold Krim Herba are said to contain tretinoin and hydroquinone while Biotox Whitening Hydro Cream contained dexamethasone and Yoko Whitening Cream and Sue Beauty Night Treatment Cream contained tretinoin.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Senior Director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman said the use of tretinoin, hydroquinone and dexamethasone in cosmetics may cause various side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.

Tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, peeling, discomfort and sensitivity to sunlight while hydroquinone can cause redness to skin, discomfort, skin discolouration, hypersensitivity and a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin.

"It also inhibits the pigmentation process and this attenuates the ability of the skin to protect our body from harmful UV rays, which can lead to the risk of getting skin cancer," she said.

Eisah said that dexamethasone, a steroid, when used topically, can cause skin irritation, dry skin, acne, thinning of the skin and increased risk of skin infections.

Prolonged use of topical steroids may result in systemic side effects such as suppression of the adrenal glands, metabolic disturbances and immune response impairment.

"Anyone who is in possession of the products is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it," she said.

Tourism Industry

Tourism Industry – Discover on How You can reach-out to Millions of readers!

Some businesses spent thousands of dollars engaging in advertising and promotional campaign in order to promote their products or service into the market. Worst is, the result wasn’t justify the cost o your investment.

However, we can opt for other options as there are also a few cost effective or perhaps zero cost to get your business reaching out to the public:

Sign-up for every FREE listing you can find e.g. online listing, directory listing, internet portal etc.
Getting involves in Online Forums by giving feedbacks and suggestions and of cause letting people know when your source is and where you came from.
Even if your company decided to go on with advertisement, it is important choose those channels that reflect exactly to your target market and somehow the advertising channel or the subsidiaries had had built a strong foundations.

Recently I’ve found a great platform for FREE listing or even if companies would like to advertise their profile, as there are affordable packages available. Check this out: e-Holiday

************************************************
The First Few Steps To Boost Your Business in Turbulent Time
************************************************

Internet has become a main source of promotional tools in today business. In catering to the need and trend, Yellowpages has developed their segment in series of online directories and one of it is e-Holiday, which is doing very well.

In a dynamic business context today, it is important to allocate a budget be it for branding, creating awareness or reaching out to the publics and perhaps your potential client. However, there are tones of advertising medias in the market and all claimed themselves to be great.

It’s important to understand the criteria, as the guideline for us when we source for one. Based on our years of business in the distribution channels, the top rated criteria when selecting for an advertisement channel are:
Maximum Exposure. Consider the other related strengths of the particular channel. This is to ensure that your advertisement is well-placed and assured of being exposed to high traffic usage.
Track & Measure Information. Look for advertising tools that somehow can enable you to track users who click on your link, see where they go on your website, know which product is the most interesting to users, and correspond with your product development as well as sales target.
Focused Market. Do some research and study on the target segment of the advertising channel. On a later stage, this will help you reach-out to users who are looking for you product e.g. Tourism Industry.
Affordable Advertising Rates. A comprehensive advertising packages that contain information that you want others and your potential client to know about you particularly in Tourism Industry  

************************************************
Researching Topics
************************************************

The Internet is primarily used to communicate, entertain, educate and research. It is thus no wonder that information-intensive eBooks, e-Directories, e-Catalogues etc are the most popular online products at present.

How do you decide on having those to help bring sales lead for your business?

There is no right or wrong answer which is the best way to promote online... Perhaps some of the good suggestions are:
Digitized your current printed material e.g. Brochures, Catalogues etc and start doing mass marketing via emails.
Out-source the marketing programme to the experts if you have some budget for this, as might cause you sum amount of money.
Associate with the established organisation that somehow inter-related to your industry to get leverage on their corporate branding and clientele, this will depend on what win-win benefits you can offers back to them?
Engage with medias in terms of advertisement channels depending on which target segment that your nature of business is aiming.

The whole idea is to tag along into an existing statically proven channel and leverage on it to reach out to your potential clients. Therefore Yellowpages had created e-Holiday, a Digitized Directory, as a perfect platform. e-Holiday


Generate more business leads with e-Holiday
High quality leads straight to your phone & website
Cost-effective advertising to suit all budgets
Range of options to stand out from your competitors
Choose advertising that best targets your customers

Exports likely to hit RM700bil this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's total export value is expected to reach RM700bil this year from RM639.4bil last year.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamedsaid the expected increase this year would be in line with 10th Malaysia Plan export growth target of 10.6%.

According to the Miti Report 2010 that was launched yesterday, manufactured products which dominated the bulk of the country's total exports last year saw an increase of 11.6% to RM461bil against 2009, accounting for 72.1% of the total exports.

Meanwhile, mining exports increased by 28.5% to RM101.9bil while agricultural goods grew by 29.6% to RM71.8bil last year.

Specifically, the major exports last year were electrical and electronics products, palm oil, chemicals and chemicals products, liquefied natural gas and crude petroleum.

With import value growth of 21.8% to RM529.2bil last year, the trade surplus was at RM110.2bil.

In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) this year, Mustapa was confident Malaysia would surpass or at least be at par with last year's figure of RM29bil.

“This is based on the FDI figure for the first quarter of this year at RM11bil. At this juncture, the FDI figure looks good.

“The investment committee jointly chaired by me and Pemandu chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala meets every fortnight to look at investment figures as well as issues and problem to achieve our target. At the moment, I can say that we are on track,” he told reporters at the report launch yesterday, the 19th annual report of the ministry to date.

“I am telling this because we are doing things differently now in making sure the smooth inflows of FDI into the country.”

For total trade of the country, Miti was pleased that last year's achievement of RM1.17bil, which reflected a 18.4% increase over 2009, was close to the country's pre-global economic crisis level of RM1.18bil in 2008.

“So far this year, the total trade performance has been quite good with a 10% increase in the first four months compared with the same period last year,” said Mustapa.

In terms of industries' contribution to the gross domestic products (GDP), the report said while the manufacturing sector would continue to contribute significantly to the overall GDP growth, the services sector would be developed as a growth engine and contribute 57.7% to the country's GDP this year.

Last year, the services sector contributed 57.4% to the country's GDP. By the end of the 10MP, the services sector is expected to contribute to 61% of the GDP.

Other key figures released in the report included RM47.2bil in total investments were received for 910 manufacturing projects approved and 97,319 jobs were created.

On the development of free trade agreements (FTA) in 2010, regional Asean FTAs with India, Australia and New Zealand came into force on Jan 1 while bilateral FTA with New Zealand was effective on Aug 1 last year.

Bilateral FTA with Chile and India negotiations have been successfully concluded and bilateral FTA negotiations with Turkey and the European Union have commenced.

Malaysia was also accepted as a full negotiating partner in the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership last year.

Sime Darby to Fight Corruption

As a principle of corporate Governance, it should start at the top and may or may not end at the top. The tone at the top helps to shape up strong corporate governance.

As reported in today newspaper, Sime Darby Berhad signed and handed its Corporate Integrity Pledge for the initiative to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to formalize its commitment in fighting corruption.

The pledge is in accordance with the second initiative of the Government Transformation Programme to fight corruption.

In this area, Sime Darby will work closely with MACC on fine-tuning its internal processes and improve its corporate governance and also to curb bribery and corruption especially among its stakeholders, including suppliers and staff. MACC will act as a secretariat to co-ordinate and assist in the implementation of the pledge. Sime Darby will work with MACC to organize courses for its suppliers pertaining to law and better conduct in doing business.

Abu Kassim, the chief of MACC said Sime Darby had undergone a self-regulating process and it would report to the MACC on efforts it had taken by the end of the year (2011).


Source: TheStar and NST, June 10, 2011

Understand the details about Import & Export Malaysia Customs Documentation

Malaysian Customs Documentation - Custom documentation's would consist of prescribed forms which appear in the second schedule of the Customs Regulations 1977.

These prescribed forms which are applicable for the importation and exportation of goods are goods declaration forms. The type of customs declaration form that is required by the customs department depends on the type of customs procedure applicable to the goods.

The types of customs declaration forms:-

• Customs No.1 for declaration of imported goods.
• Customs No.2 for declaration of export of goods.
• Customs No.3 for application/permit to transport goods within the Federation.
• Customs No.8 for application permit to transship/remove goods
• Customs No.9 for requisition/permit to release dutiable goods.

Proper preparation of customs declaration forms is highly essential. Special attention must be given to the full description, numbers, marks, packing and weight of the packages, the unit value and the total value, and the tariff classification of the goods.Section 79 of the Customs Act 1967 requires the declaring of dutiable goods imported to give a full and true account of the number and description of packages, of the description, weight, measure or quantity, and value of all such dutiable goods and the country of origin of such goods.


The exporter of dutiable goods, on the other hand, is also required to declare the full and true account of the number and description of packages and of the description, weight, measure or quantity and the country of destination of such goods as stated in Section 80 of the Customs Act 1967.
The declaring of non-dutiable goods imported or to be exported is required to give a full or true account of the particulars for which are required in the respective prescribed forms.
Section 90 of the Customs Act 1967 allows customs declaration forms to be made by the owner of the goods or by a forwarding agent licensed by the customs department for that purpose and to be duly authorized by the owner of the goods.

Malaysia exports up 7.8% in March

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia said Friday its exports, the mainstay of the country's economy, rose 7.8 percent year-on-year in March, as world trade picked up.The trade ministry said exports had reached 64.06 billion ringgit ($21.35 billion) while imports increased by 12.1 percent to hit 50.53 billion ringgit.Total trade for March saw an annual increase of 9.6 percent to 114.59 billion ringgit. The rise in exports was lower than that of February, which saw a 10.8 percent increase on the previous year.Eonomist Yeah Kim Leng said the slight drop on the previous month was all part of the pattern of global recovery."Following the global downturn export numbers were down as industries and exporters drew down on their inventories and as things improved in 2010, they rebuilt and restocked their inventories," he said."As we are now back to trend growth in 2011, it is not surprising that there are declines as last year's figures were high as a result of restocking inventories," Yeah added."The important thing is not the slight month to month declines but that the present figures are still very high compared to the same period last year."The export increases were mainly due to electrical and electronic products, palm oil, liquefied natural gas, chemicals and chemical products.Electrical and electronic items make up close to 40 percent of Malaysia's total exports to key markets such as Singapore, China, United States, Japan and Hong Kong.Although hit hard by the global economic slowdown, Southeast Asia's third-largest economy rebounded with an impressive 7.2 percent growth in 2010 and it is expected to grow five to six percent this year.Since taking power in 2009 premier Najib Razak has unveiled a series of economic reforms aimed at creating 3.3 million jobs and pushing the country towards developed nation status by 2020.Among his promises are major infrastructure projects and financial market liberalisation, which came with a vow to stimulate the private sector to attract much-needed foreign investment.

what is forwarding agent ?

A freight forwarder, forwarder, or forwarding agent is a person or company that organizes shipments for individuals or other companies and may also act as a carrier. A forwarder is often not active as a carrier and acts only as an agent, in other words as a third-party (non-asset-based) logistics provider that dispatches shipments via asset-based carriers and that books or otherwise arranges space for these shipments. Carrier types include ships, airplanes, trucks, andrailroads.

Freight forwarders typically arrange cargo movement to an international destination. Also referred to as international freight forwarders, they have the expertise that allows them to prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to international shipments. Some of the typical information reviewed by a freight forwarder is the commercial invoice, shipper's export declaration, bill of lading and other documents required by the carrier or country of export,import, or transshipment. Much of this information is now processed in a paperless environment.

The FIATA short-hand description of the freight forwarder as the 'Architect of Transport' illustrates clearly the commercial position of the forwarder relative to his client. In Europe there are forwarders that specialise in 'niche' areas such as railfreight and collection and deliveries around a large port. The latter are called Hafen (port) Spediteure (Port Forwarders). A forwarder in some countries may sometimes deal only with domestic traffic and never handle international traffic.

Malaysia Keen To Work With Sweden On Promoting Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is keen to work with the Swedish government on its experience in promoting innovation, says International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. 

He said in Sweden, there is a culture of innovation extending to all levels of society and for every 100,000 inhabitants of the country, there are 1,150 patents in force. 

"We certainly can learn from the Swedish because they have done well in this area. 

"They have gone through the innovation cycle and have a very good idea of what works and what doesn't," he said at the Sweden-Malaysia Innovation Day here Tuesday. 

"We are very impressed with Sweden. It is a small country but has managed to produce many well known companies," he added. 

Mustapa said he understands that the Special Innovation Unit (UNIK) under the Prime Minister's Department, will be closely following the Triple Helix model of innovation transfer successfully used in Sweden. 

The model emphasises the importance of interactions between universities, businesses and the public sector in contributing to innovation, he said. 

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems(VINNOVA), Charlotte Brogen said Malaysia has plenty of opportunities to take innovation to the next level. 

She said Malaysia had taken a good step in promoting innovation with the establishment of UNIK. 

"We are pleased to cooperate with our Malaysian counterparts in exchanging ideas on how we work and stimulate innovation in society," she added. 

Exercise is to streamline land transport industry

PETALING JAYA: The re-registration exercise of public service, goods and tourism vehi­cles by the newly-formed Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) is aimed at streamlining and improving the land transport industry.

SPAD’s chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Kamal said the re-registration of the estimated 350,000 vehicles in peninsular Malaysia would regulate and make for a better industry.

“The ultimate objective of the exercise is to better regulate the industry and to improve the nation’s land transport for the benefit of the people,” he said.

He said the exercise would enable SPAD to identify the current status of licencees and identify inactive and “problematic” operators.

“The data will later be used for the process of migrating all licences to operator-based licences from the current vehicle-based system,” he added.

He said that 4,200 operators had re-registered with SPAD with the number expected to rise.

“I am confident that SPAD’s nationwide road shows will see more operators coming forward to re-register their licences before the deadline,” he said, adding that an Open Day would be held later this month for all operators.

SPAD has fixed Sept 30 as the deadline for re-registration.

SPAD became operational on Jan 31 following its establishment via the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

The body which assumed the functions of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board is responsible for policies, planning and regulating all aspects of road and rail-based commercial vehicles

Malaysia exports beat forecasts

KUALALUMPUR: Exports surged at a faster pace than expected in March, on the back of stronger orders for electrical and electronics (E&E) products from Malaysia.

The impact of the March disaster in Japan was not felt in the first quarter of the year as expected.

Beating market expectations, it grew by 7.8 per cent year-on-year while imports rose by 12.1 per cent, resulting in a total trade of RM114.59 billion, with a trade surplus of RM13.52 billion.

Compared to February, exports increased by 23.7 per cent while imports rose by 28.9 per cent.

Credit Suisse economist Wu Kun Lung said electronic exports surged 22.8 per cent in March compared to February.

"In ringgit terms, electronics exports are now only about 4 per cent below the pre-crisis peak,"he commented.

"The bounce in March (E&E sector) was a positive sign, but we think it is too early to tell whether the trend will continue, as higher oil prices and the supply-chain disruptions caused by Japan's earthquake are likely to weigh on electronics exports in the second quarter."

Wu said commodities have remained the main driver of export growth in the past 18 months and in ringgit terms, they were almost back to the peak registered in July 2008.

MITI said exports to China breached the record value of RM7.98 billion registered in March 2010, with a rise of 19.4 per cent, contributed to mainly by higher exports of E&E products especially integrated circuits, and crude rubber.

Exports to the European Union (EU) registered an increase of 11.2 per cent to RM6.78 billion, due mainly to higher exports of palm oil, chemicals and chemical products,crude rubber and refined petroleum products.

Exports to Japan rose by 13.9 per cent to RM6.60 billion, attributed mainly to higher exports of crude petroleum, LNG, E&E products and palm oil.

In March 2011, exports to the US declined 9.4 per cent to RM5.22 billion from RM5.77 billion in March 2010, due mainly to lower exports of E&E products, machinery, appliances and parts as well as crude petroleum. 

Exports of palm oil to the US also registered an increase of 32.0 per cent from March 2010.

For the first quarter of the year, exports registered an increase of 3.5 per cent while imports contracted by 3.4 per cent, in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2010.

Going forward, Wu said external trade should remain on an upward trend for the rest of 2011.

"The disaster in Japan might cause some weakness in external trade in the second quarter, but we expect the impact to be temporary."

On the commodity front, we might see commodity exports weaken in the next few months following the recent drop in palm oil, rubber, and crude oil prices, but exports should improve with the recovery in the G3 (US, Europe and Japan) economies. 

Wellian Wiranto of HSBC Bank said while Malaysia's exports might come to see a softer patch in the coming months due to supply chain disruptions, yesterday's data also showed that Malaysia has some buffer in the form of commodities should help tide things over.

 

Singapore election 2011

Election 2011 is a tough one to call for a number of reasons and the public mood is unpredictable and capable of swinging either way.

HUNDREDS of family members enjoying their breakfast looked up in surprise as a thunderous applause broke out and everyone rushed towards five approaching figures.

They were opposition candidates who were campaigning in Aljunied, mingling with the crowd, signing autographs and posing for photographs.

The suburban quiet was broken by spontaneous shouts of “Workers’ Party”.

This is Election 2011, Singapore. In the midst of electioneering, every party is campaigning with gusto.

The noisy Aljunied reception is an indication of the intense feelings of many of its residents, whose ward remains an opposition hot spot capable of returning giant killers.

The importance of the election is not lost on the 2.2 million voters. Tens of thousands flock to rallies every night.

Singaporeans, who love a good wager, are busy working out the odds.

Many are betting on a significant erosion of public support for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has governed their city for 50 years.

What is giving the PAP and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a headache is the rising public unhappiness emerging from the rallies and the Internet. If translated into votes, they’ll be in trouble.

The sentiment is obviously shared by the stock market. It nervously dropped 75 points in three days, fearing the PAP may fare worse than its representatives are prepared to reveal.

“If it loses two or three Group Representative Constituencies (each with four to six candidates) – say 15 seats – you can expect a knee-jerk fall of 100 to 200 points,” said a stockbroker.

Despite the 14.5% gross domestic product rise, this middle-class society is not feeling richer or happier individually.

Many are irked by the large foreign intake, which is depressing job opportunities and salary levels.

Twice in the same day, Lee apologised to the nation for mistakes made by his Government in past years.

“If we didn’t get it right, I’m sorry. But we will try better the next time,” he said.

Hsien Loong acknowledged that the building of the two casinos had caused side effects, such as gambling problems among the locals.

He also apologised over four other issues – the escape of terrorist Mas Selamat, the Orchard Road flooding as well as high home prices and overcrowded MRT trains – the last two resulting from the large intake of foreigners.

His apology contrasted with his father Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s threatening approach.

The senior Lee warned Aljunied voters they would have five years “to repent” if they voted for the opposition.

But Hsien Loong said: “I think you’ve got used to our style. We don’t try to do it MM’s style.

“We do it our way, we spend some time to talk, to explain … to overcome some of these working problems so that we can go in the right strategic directions.”

The PAP leader’s apology and the significant pressure exerted on him by a new crop of opposition politicians have virtually ended the PAP’s stranglehold on this island.

It was immediately echoed by another PAP candidate, Grace Fu, who said at a rally: “We’re humans, we make mistakes.”

The PAP rarely mouths such words.

The election will fill 82 of Parliament’s 87 seats. One five-member PAP GRC was won when the opposition turned up 35 seconds late.

So who will win what?

The present election, unlike previous ones, is a tough one to call for a number of reasons.

For one thing, it is heavily contested and involves a rich choice for voters.

There are many quality opposition candidates who are as good if not better than the ruling party’s, so making a reasoned opinion is hard.

At the same time, many are voting for the first time, either because they have just reached 21 years old or because walkovers had deprived them the chance for years, even decades.

Evaluating how they will vote is no easy thing.

There are also too many issues affecting people’s lives, and some of these are tearing into the hearts of unhappy PAP die-hards.

Many would probably stay loyal and continue to give the ruling party another five years of overwhelming mandate. The number of PAP loyalists and fence-sitters who will throw their support behind the opposition will be decisive.

It is not possible to use past yardsticks to assess the outcome of this election. The public mood is unpredictable, and capable of swinging one way or the other by a few per cent.

A few believe the PAP will win all except one seat, while others predict the opposition will win as many as 17 or 18 seats.

Aljunied, apparently will almost certainly go down in history as the first GRC to be won by the opposition. One or two more GRCs lost could signify a major defeat for the PAP – by its own standards.

That will lay the ground for the emergence of a two-party political system by 2016, with an opposition capable of taking over from the PAP.

How will the PAP react to a negative result in preparation for the next election?

Brig-Gen (NS) Tan Chuan Jin’s warning that the PAP’s moral authority to lead would take a hit if it failed to address public frustration and angst says a lot.

The PAP candidate (considered a core leader) admitted that voters were “troubled, angry even” over issues such as the fairness of the GRC system and the attacks on the opposition.

“We need to be more compassionate and less calculative,” said Tan