Q1 2026NEWSLETTERPage 2Grand Opening of Syntiant MalaysiaPage 3SCAM Prevention Program 2026Collaboration with PGCPage 4219 Police Day Celebrationth48 AGM & CEO Networking LunchthPage 5SRS Update on Project LRT MutiaraPage 6 & 7Input from ConvernorsInfrastructureSecurityCustomsEHSIN THIS EDITION:SCAM Prevention Program will beshifted to a company-based format,with sessions held at individualorganisations.Detailed information will be sharedsoon.Biogas plant site visitPenang Green Council (PGC) forumUPCOMING IN THE NEXT QUARTER:
GRAND OPENING OF SYNTIANT MALAYSIA –A NEW MEMBER ABOARD!On 19th January, we were honoured to join Syntiant at the opening of their newmanufacturing and R&D campus in Penang, a major milestone that more thandoubles their footprint and will support up to 800 high-tech jobs in the region.Syntiant has achieved remarkable success in advancing edge AI and ultra-low-powerembodied intelligence technologies, from shipping billions of MEMS microphonesand millions of Neural Decision Processors to enabling always-on voice, sensor, andaudio applications across consumer, industrial and IoT devices worldwide. Theirsolutions continue to redefine how AI is delivered at the edge, making devicessmarter, more efficient, and more responsive.Thank you, Syntiant, for the invitation and for your continued commitment toinnovation, Malaysia’s tech ecosystem, and talent development. We’re excited to seethe impact this expanded facility will have on the semiconductor and AI landscape,and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
SCAM PREVENTIONPROGRAM 2026A strong start to 2026!FREPENCA kicked off the year with ahighly informative first two sessions ofour SCAM & Commercial CrimePrevention Program, held in Januaryand March, in collaboration with theRoyal Malaysia Police (CommercialCrime Department).The session saw strong participationfrom our member companies, withattendees gaining valuable, practicalinsights into the latest scam and fraudtactics affecting today’s workplaces,knowledge they can immediately applywithin their organisations.Our sincere appreciation to IPD BaratDaya for delivering an informative andimpactful session, and to all participantsfor your active engagement. Moresessions will be rolled out throughout2026, member companies areencouraged to register and continuebuilding stronger scam awarenessacross the industry.DRIVING ESG PROGRESS THROUGHINDUSTRY COLLABORATION WITHPENANG GREEN COUNCILAs ESG expectations and resource-efficiencydemands continue to rise, manufacturers arefacing a more complex sustainability landscape.Addressing these challenges requires innovationand strong industry collaboration.Through the partnership between the PenangGreen Industry Programme (PGIP) and FREPENCA,companies are coming together to tackle sharedESG priorities and explore practical pathwaystoward greener energy adoption. Key initiativesinclude the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) andemerging renewable solutions like biogas,supporting both sustainability goals and long-termindustrial resilience in Penang.“To drive wider adoption, green energy mustbecome more accessible and competitive withconventional energy.”— Elmar Friesnegger, FREPENCAWith a growing network of participatingcompanies, PGIP continues to build momentum,helping make sustainable practices the norm whilestrengthening Penang’s position as a leadinggreen manufacturing hub.Upcoming Event: Penang Green Industry Forum2026FREPENCA, together with Penang Green Counciland industry partners, invites members to join thiskey platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration,and advancing sustainable industry practices.Learn more: https://www.pgc.com.my/en/greenindustry/penang-green-industry-program/Join the PGIP LinkedIn Group:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14073878/
219TH POLICE DAYCELEBRATION 2026FREPENCA is deeply honoured toreceive an appreciation from the Barat DayaPolice Department in conjunction with the219th Police Day Celebration 2026.This recognition reflects the strength ofcollaboration between FREPENCA and thePolis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), built on mutualtrust, shared responsibility, and a common goal of fostering a safer and more resilient community.Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Anuwal, OCPD Barat Daya handed us the appreciation letter.We are sincerely grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to supporting initiatives thatstrengthen community engagement, enhance public safety, and drive meaningful partnershipsbetween the industrial sector and law enforcement.Our appreciation goes to the Barat Daya Police Department for their continued dedication and for thismeaningful recognition. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the years ahead!48 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF FREPENCA &THCEO NETWORKING LUNCHFREPENCA successfullyhosted its 48th AnnualGeneral Meeting (AGM) at B.Braun Medical Industries,Penang, bringing togetherindustry leaders for ameaningful and productivesession.The AGM served as an important platform to reflect on our progress, align on key priorities, andstrengthen collaboration within the industrial community. A special highlight was the insightful updateby the SRS LRT Team on the Penang LRT Project, offering valuable perspectives on the state’s evolvinginfrastructure landscape and what it means for industry stakeholders.The session concluded with a CEO Networking Lunch, fostering deeper connections and continueddialogue in a more informal setting. Thank you to all members and partners for your presence and activeparticipation in making this AGM a success. We look forward to building on this momentum together.
PROJEK LRT LALUAN MUTIARA:PROGRESS UPDATE ON TMP ALONG JSAS BY SRSUpdate as of 31 March 2026OverviewSignificant progress has been made on the TrafficManagement Plan (TMP) along Jalan Sultan AzlanShah (JSAS), supporting the LRT Mutiara Linedevelopment. The key objective is to enable free-flowtraffic conditions, targeted between:15 April – 30 April 2026 (subject to authorityapproval)Progress by ZoneZone A: U-Turn (OSRAM / B. Braun Area)Drainage Works: ~85% completedRoad Widening: ~10% completedDrainage expected to complete by 7 April 2026Roadworks scheduled from 7 April – 21 April 2026Additional works near B. Braun:Drainage completion by 30 April 2026Roadworks from 30 April – 15 May 2026Zone B: Jalan Tengah JunctionRoad widening works nearing completion:Zone B1 & B2: ~90% completedRemaining roadworks at T-junctions expected tofinish by 7 April 2026Zone C: Jalan Mahsuri U-Turn100% completedFully operational and supporting improved trafficflowSnake Temple Area (Zone 3)Road widening works ongoingTarget completion: 30 April 2026Upcoming Major WorksBored Piling Works (Snake Temple Median):Start: 15 May 2026Duration: 43 monthsExpected completion: December 2029B. Braun (FIZ South Station Works):Soil removal & roadworks ongoingCompletion targeted by August 2026Overall HighlightsMajority of road widening works arecompleted or nearing completionDrainage works progressing steadily in keyzonesCritical junctions (Jalan Tengah, JalanMahsuri) are largely operationalNext phase will transition into heavierinfrastructure works, including piling andstation-related constructionWhat This Means for Road UsersGradual improvement in traffic flowexpected from mid to end AprilTemporary disruptions may continue inactive work zonesLong-term improvements will supportsmoother connectivity between industrialzones, airport routes, and city access
INPUT FROM CONVENORSINFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEEAs part of the Q2'26 FREPENCA Infrastructure Committee Initiative, we are pleased to announce anexclusive technical engagement and site visit to the Mengkuang Dam, organized in collaboration withPerbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBA).This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Penang's industrial sector and our water utilityproviders. By understanding the state's water storage capabilities and infrastructure resiliencefirsthand, member companies can better align their business continuity plans with Penang's longterm water supply strategy.Event DetailsDate: Thursday, May 21st, 2026Location: Mengkuang Dam, Bukit MertajamTime: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Tentative)Focus Areas: Water infrastructure resilience, storage capacity, and industrial supply stabilitySECURITY CONVENORFREPENCA continues to enhance security collaboration across industries through proactiveengagement initiatives.On 11 March 2026, a key step forward was taken through a proposed dialogue session between theFREPENCA Security Convener and Persatuan Industri Keselamatan Malaysia (PIKM). This initiative aimsto foster stronger relationships, encourage knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for futurecollaboration. PIKM has expressed strong support and looks forward to the engagement.Earlier in the year, the FREPENCA Security Convener Meeting was successfully held on 28 January 2026at Sandisk, Batu Kawan. The session brought together security representatives to:Share insights on emerging security challengesExchange best practicesStrengthen coordination and information sharingAlign on common safety and preparedness goalsThe meeting also served as a valuable networking platform, reinforcing FREPENCA’s commitment tobuilding a safer and more secure industrial ecosystem.
CUSTOMS COVENORMembers are encouraged to exploreparticipation in the Authorized EconomicOperator (AEO) Programme, a voluntaryinitiative by the Royal Malaysian CustomsDepartment (RMCD).Benefits of AEO Certification:Simplified customs proceduresReduced inspection frequencyPriority clearance at bordersFaster customs declarations and tradefacilitationThis certification is particularly beneficialfor businesses involved in internationalsupply chains, including importers,exporters, and logistics providers.Important Updates:Malaysian Customs Duties Order 2025[P.U.(A)384] came into effect on 1November 2025, replacing the 2022order.The prohibition on the import ofelectronic waste (e-Waste) under theCustoms (Prohibition on Imports)Order 2023 takes effect from 1 April2026.Updated regulations under:Customs (Prohibition of Imports)Order 2023 [P.U.(A)117]Customs (Prohibition of Exports)Order 2023 [P.U.(A)122]have been circulated to members.Members are advised to review theseupdates and ensure compliance.ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY (EHS)Recent legislative updates introduce importantcompliance requirements for businesses:1. Fire Service Act 1988 (Amendment 2025)New Regulations: 6B, 6C, 6D & 6EA new requirement mandates the establishment of a FireSafety Organization (FSO) for designated premises.Key Highlights:Applicable Premises: Includes shopping malls, highrise offices, hospitals, hotels, factories, and airportsPersonnel Requirements:Minimum of 1 Fire Safety Manager (FSM)At least 3 Fire Safety Officers (FSOs)Responsibilities:Conduct regular inspections and fire drillsManage fire protection systemsEnsure valid Fire Certificates (FC) are maintainedTraining & Certification: FSMs must undergospecialized training and certificationPenalties: Non-compliance may result in fines of up toRM50,000 or imprisonmentExpected Enforcement: 20272. Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing(Amendment) Act 2025Anti-Littering Measures (Effective 1 January 2026):The introduction of Part VIIIA strengthens enforcementagainst improper waste disposal.Key Provisions:Strict prohibition against littering in public places androadsOffenders may face:Fines of up to RM2,000Mandatory community service (up to 12 hours),including public cleaning dutiesThese measures reinforce the importance ofenvironmental responsibility and public cleanliness.FREPENCA remains committed to supporting itsmembers through meaningful engagement, timelyregulatory updates, and collaborative initiatives. Weencourage all members to stay informed, participateactively, and align with evolving industry standards.