Selangor, 28 February 2022 – The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) through the School of Politics, History and International Relations (PHIR) has engaged over 175 organisations with an outreach of 402 participants in capacity-building sessions over the past four months to enhance the competency of internal and third-party auditors in detecting and reporting incidences of forced labour in Malaysia. The effort was in direct response to Malaysia being downgraded to Tier 3 in the 2021 Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report by the US State Department, and the pressing need to improve conditions and labour standards for workers in Malaysia.

“Addressing the issue of Trafficking In Persons requires a multidimensional approach. Our capacity building training sessions demonstrate the value academia brings in advancing Malaysia in the area of improved labour standards. We are grateful to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK for funding our efforts; and for the cooperation from industry associations such as MARGMA and Government agencies including NSO MAPO, MPOCC, MSPO as well as participating plantation and manufacturing companies in recognising the issue at hand and the openness to collectively work towards positive change,” said University of Nottingham Malaysia, Interim Provost and CEO Professor Sarah Metcalfe. 

Review of Current Quarter Performance versus Corresponding Quarter Last Year 

For the current quarter, consumer-related activities expanded with the re-opening of the economy  vis-à-vis the relaxation of COVID-19 containment measures under the National Recovery Plan.  Notably, with the resumption of interstate travel, coupled with longer trading hours as compared  to the previous year's corresponding quarter, the Convenience Stores segment recorded higher  APSD and customer count, leading to a turnaround in SSSG of +18.8%. In this regard, Revenue  increased by RM92.6m or +21.7% to RM520.2m, with an increase across all product categories,  resulting in higher Gross Profits by RM42.8m or +34.9% to RM165.6m. 

Operating Expenses increased by RM15.3m or +10.8%, driven by higher store operation related  expenses. Excluding corporate exercise expenses, the Convenience Store segment recorded a Core  Profit After Tax of RM25.9m.