KUALA LUMPUR: Most firms struggled after Malaysia announced a lockdown in March 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Local businesses suddenly found themselves unable to operate normally, with retail premises, offices, factories and construction sites closed.
Many eventually survived the pandemic and started rebuilding. Some have enjoyed a return to normalcy and worked on achieving their next phase of growth. Zaiyadal Group is one of them.
Having weathered and recovered from the pandemic, Zaiyadal is now seeking to further grow its businesses inorganically and organically, group executive director Datuk Lukman Ibrahim told Business Times in an interview recently.
This is through acquisitions to consolidate its leadership position in the local laboratory services and halal sector, and expanded focus on the technologies embraced by the group in integrated environment solutions as well as solutions for the oil and gas and power sectors.
Lukman noted that the global landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards the adoption of environmental, social and governance criteria by companies.
This shift reflects an evolving awareness and commitment to sustainable business practices, fundamentally altering how businesses operate and how they are perceived by stakeholders.
In line with this trend, Zaiyadal wants to ramp up efforts in a sustainability-focused business, with a primary focus on providing green energy solutions through sustainable best practices.
Lukman highlighted the importance of selecting the right opportunities in this space, considering the numerous possibilities available.
He emphasised that sustainability is a mega-trend that is set to shape the future of businesses globally.
"From the group level, we see maybe several good opportunities that may be relevant to us. Of course, there are many opportunities, but we have to be very careful in selecting the right one," he said.
Focus On Environmental Treatment Solutions
Zaiyadal, through its listed subsidiary Progressive Impact Corporation Bhd (Picorp), is shifting its focus from solely monitoring the environment to providing treatment solutions.
In 2010, Picorp established Alam Sekitar Eco-Technology (ASMA) with a mission to be a key player in the wastewater treatment industry.
Over the years, ASMA has amassed a wealth of experience as a specialist in the wastewater industry by having successfully completed and commissioned sewage treatment plant and wastewater schemes.
Lukman said ASMA is capable of providing the total environmental solution for the wastewater industry from the design phase to the operation and maintenance phase.
Citing an example, he said Zaiyadal has been actively involved in providing wastewater management solutions, including completing a water drinking project in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.
"The project in Kelantan, which can address the water needs of up to 500,000 people, highlights our commitment to providing effective water treatment solutions.
"You can see that we are serving certain areas in Kelantan. And it works, the treatment that we have. We are in discussion with other authorities as well.
"We believe we could replicate this in other parts of Kelantan and also other states and even other countries," he said.
RE As New Growth Source?
Lukman said Zaiyadal is also looking towards renewable energy (RE) as a new avenue for growth, recognising the increasing demand and necessity for such solutions in the future.
Through its subsidiary Progressive Impact Technology (PITECH), he said Zaiyadal is committed to providing electric vehicle (EV) solutions, indicating a strategic move towards sustainable energy initiatives.
He expressed confidence in IPTB Sdn Bhd, Zaiyadal's wholly-owned company, which is currently in discussions to establish several EV charging stations.
"Going forward, as we know that renewable energy is going to be there, there is a requirement for it.
"While we currently have our fuel station, BuraqOil, the addition of EV charging stations will diversify our offerings and cater to the growing market of EV owners. This initiative will provide convenience to consumers with EV vehicles, allowing them to charge their vehicles easily," he said.
Eyes on LSS5, Solar Power Expansion
Zaiyadal also plans to participate in the much-anticipated fifth round of the Large Scale Solar programme (LSS5) or LSS-Peralihan Tenaga SuRiA.
Lukman said the company, through PITECH, has decided to bid for Package 1 of the tender.
Package 1 of the LSS5 tender comprises rooftop or ground solar power plants with a permitted generation capacity of 1.0 megawatt (MW) to 10 megawatts (MW). This package is reserved for companies with at least 51 per cent Bumiputera ownership.
"We think it is fair to separate the packages. This LSS round is fairer to all segments of players as we can compete according to their sizes," he said.
Lukman said the decision to participate in LSS5 reflects Zaiyadal's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and contributing to Malaysia's sustainable energy goals.
"If successful, this venture into solar power generation will further solidify our position as a key player in the renewable energy sector.
"We are currently preparing its bid for submission before the tender's due date on July 25, 2024. With the track record that we had with, for example, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, we believe that we could do this," he added.
