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KUALA LUMPUR: Industrial packaging manufacturer Scientex Bhd is moving into the solar energy sector via a 50:50 joint venture with Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Inc (MCTI).
The new joint venture company will manufacture and distribute encapsulating sheets for solar cells. The company’s facility will be located at the Bukit Rambai Industrial Estate in Malacca. The first phase of production, targeted to begin in August 2012, will be 10,000 tonnes a year.
MCTI currently has a 20% share of the world market, producing some 40,000 tonnes a year. It is targeting to achieve 30% market share by 2013, once the Malacca plant is set up.
“Our target now is to be the future market leader in the solar ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) industry,” Scientex managing director P.J. Lim said.
MCTI will provide the technical expertise and raw materials for EVA for the encapsulating sheets, while Scientex will provide the site for the manufacturing plant, labour, marketing and customer synergies.
The encapsulating sheets will cater to the South-East Asian markets, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. It will also be exported to Europe.
Tokyo-based MCTI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals Inc, one of the world’s top three producers of EVA encapsulating materials for solar films.
The JV company will have a paid-up capital of RM45mil. Scientex will finance its investment of RM22.5mil in the company with internal funds.
Formerly a British hill station, Fraser’s Hill is shrouded with tranquillity and tinged with irresistible colonial charm. Just a hop and skip away from Kuala Lumpur, or 100km to be exact, it is a surreal place to head to when you need to get away from a hectic week at work. Its vast natural landscape, cosy English cottages and crisp mountain air, will most assuredly remind you of the joys of unhurried living.
The last 8 km from the Gap to the top of Fraser’s hill is a narrow winding road that only allows one-way traffic from 7.00am to 7.00pm. Take note of the following Gate times:
Duration: Overnight (2D/1N)
Driving Guide
8.00am
JELAI HIGHLAND RESORT CAR PARK
Fraser’s Hill is a fantastic birding location and word has it that this car park is an ideal place for a spot of bird watching. Daybreak’s the best time to glimpse exotic and rarely-seen birds such as Chestnut-capped Laughing Thrush, White-throated Fantail and Fire-tufted Barbet. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Address: Jalan Ampang, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622600
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free
9.30am
ARZED RESTAURANT
Tuck into a hearty breakfast at this very reasonably priced restaurant in the town centre. The local dishes served here taste good and serving portions are generous.
Address: No. 7, Puncak Inn, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622299
Operating Hours: 7.30am to 10pm
Cost: From RM4.50 to RM6.50
Optional:
KHENG YUEN LEE RESTAURANT
The curry laksa served here is one of this town’s best-kept secrets. Served only on weekends, it runs out pretty fast so be there as early as you can.
Address: Near the Upper Gate (road leading towards the Gap), Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622299
Operating Hours: 9am to 7pm
Cost: From RM4.50 to RM6.50
10.30am
FRASER’S HILL GOLF COURSE
If you fancy a quick round of invigorating golf, the best place to do so is none other than the oldest 9-hole golf course in Malaysia. This is an opportunity to indulge in your favourite sport amidst cool fresh air and lush greenery.
Address: Jalan Ampang, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622129
Operating Hours: 8am to 7pm
Cost: RM40.00 for the whole day
12.30pm
HILL VIEW RESTAURANT BAR (NON-HALAL)
Chinese food lovers will not be disappointed with Hill View Restaurant as the cuisine is tasty and the prices are reasonable.
Address: Jalan Genting, Fraser’s Hill (at Puncak Inn)
Tel: +609- 3622231
Operating Hours: 9.30am to 9pm
Cost: From RM6
2.00pm
BISHOP’S TRAIL
Explore the secluded and surreal 1.5km Bishop’s Trail which is a delight for nature lovers and bird watchers. Keep an eye out for the leeches and slippery trails when it rains though!
Address: off Ledegham Road, Fraser’s Hill
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free
Optional Activity:
CHILING FALLS
Don’t miss out on getting yourself soaked at one of the most beautiful and magnificent waterfalls of Selangor. You can reach them after trekking along the river and crossing it five times.
Address: 21 kilometers from Kuala Kubu Bharu on the road to the Gap
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free
5.00pm
TEA AT YE OLDE SMOKEHOUSE
Experience more of the alluring British charm by treating yourself to an honest-to-goodness Devonshire tea at Ye Olde Smokehouse. Their mouth-watering scones, butter, clotted cream and jam are certainly to die for.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622226
Operating Hours: 3pm – 6pm
Cost: From RM18
6.00pm
JERIAU FALLS
This mini natural waterfall is 15 minutes from the town centre. It takes a further 20 minutes stroll along a scenic walkway to reach it. Although not as magnificent as the Chiling Falls, all that walking is great to work up an appetite for dinner.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free
8.00pm
SHAHZAN INN
Have a sumptuous dinner at Shahzan Inn’s Merak Coffee House where the food tastes great and the portions are generous. Take your pick from the ala carte menu offering a variety of Continental and local dishes.
Address: Jalan Lady Guillemard, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622300
Operating Hours: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Cost: From RM17
Places to Stay
PUNCAK INN
This budget-styled inn may be one of the cheapest accommodations in Fraser’s Hill but it doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. Newly refurbished, each room comes equipped with hot shower, comfortable beds and a TV.
Address: Jalan Genting, Fraser’s Hill (Near the Clock Tower)
Tel: +609-3622201
Rates: From RM100.00
FRASER’S HILL SILVERPARK RESORT
You have a choice of studio, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments that command an amazing mountain view or a picturesque view of the town. Each room is luxuriously furnished and comes with its own private balcony.
Address: Jalan Lady Maxwell, 49000 Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Tel: +609-3622888
Rates: From RM178
THE PINES RESORT
Nestled amongst a lovely pine tree forest and breathtaking mountain views, these 96-room first-class fully-serviced apartments come with large private balconies and a host of other amenities for your comfort.
Address: Jalan Pecah Batu, Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Tel: +609-3622122
Rates: From RM220
YE OLDE SMOKEHOUSE HOTEL
When in Fraser’s Hill, do as the British do. Stay at this Tudor-style house for a bout of colonial luxury. Avoid the ground floor rooms as noises of guests walking around may disturb your peace.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622226
Rates: From RM308
MALACCA: Malacca state exco members and top officials could soon be cruising in eco-friendly hybrid cars.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that the state had received a proposal from Honda to change its current fleet to cars using green technology.
“Honda is offering us a good deal and we are now waiting for the green light from the Federal Government,” he said after announcing new portfolios for the state executive council yesterday.
“We have also assessed the proposal by Proton on similar cars and will leave it to the Federal Government to decide.”
Mohd Ali has created a new portfolio – Green Technology – that comes under his purview.
It is learnt that the state government was offered Honda’s 2011 Insight hybrid model as state official cars.
Mohd Ali said that the state government was contemplating only electric-powered taxis and buses in the state to reduce smoke emissions and to create a greener Malacca.
“We are looking at the blueprints submitted by Proton and a heavy vehicle manufacturer from China to introduce electric taxis and buses in the state. The change will be carried out in stages,” he said.
Mohd Ali added he would also pursue plans to have more government department buildings and private homes in the state to use solar power panels for their energy supply.
“Malacca will move forward progressively to adopt green technology in urban and community development,” he said.
On the exco reshuffle, Mohd Ali said he has given key portfolios to the MCA and MIC representatives.
State MCA chief Datuk Gan Tian Loo, who previously chaired the Public Works and Infrastructure committee, now helms the Education, Youth and Sports committee to enable him to bring about a paradigm change in universities, secondary and primary schools in the state.
State MIC chief Datuk R. Perumal, formerly in charge of Transport, Information and Consumerism, has been given the Urban Development and Agriculture committee to turn Malacca into a major dairy producer, Mohd Ali said.
He also picked newly appointed exco man Datuk Ghazale Ahmad as chairman of the Transport, Information, Unity and Consumerism committee.
All changes will take effect from April 1.
Going down a 150-m slope in a huge, inflatable ball is an idea of fun for those who crave something different. GAC Adventure offers the Orbing Downhill Dry Ride at MAEPS (Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang) during the weekends.
Orbing is also available at 2 other locations, namely Gemas Golf Resort in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, with a 250-m downhill (60-second ride) and TitiwangsaLake in Kuala Lumpur, and a 70-m downhill (25-second ride).
The Orbing Downhill Dry Ride ride involves 2 riders (above 140cm in height) being strapped into a comfortable padded security harness.
And for safety reasons, no spectacles, sharp objects, footwear, loose items like coins, wallet, mobile phone, are allowed in the Orb. For more info, contact GAC Adventure Consultant at 6(03) – 6257 0047 or e-mail at sales@firstinmalaysia.com.my.
Try rolling down the hill in a gigantic ball!
