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PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) has affirmed its continued commitment to developing local vendors and contractors, acknowledging the contributions and support in ensuring smooth and efficient highway operations and services.

PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said the highway operator has awarded over RM900 million annually over the past five years to over 600 qualified vendors, made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) companies, encompassing contract awards and purchases.

He said contracts worth over RM1 billion were awarded annually to qualified vendors to sustain PLUS' highway operations before the pandemic.

"PLUS has also been selected as one of the 26 anchor companies by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) under the Ministry's Vendor Development Programme (VDP) in line with the Government's Bumiputera Economic Transformation Agenda, which is part of the 2030 Shared Prosperity Vision.

"Under the VDP, PLUS actively nurtures and provides strategic platforms for registered vendors to expand their businesses and develop their capabilities and expertise," Azman said during PLUS' first-ever procurement day held at its headquarters here earlier today.

The event was officiated by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development secretary-general Dato' Suriani Dato' Ahmad, with over 100 vendor representatives and PLUS management and employees.

"Event such as this will be held from time to time to ensure that our vendors and contractors receive the latest company directives, including highway technologies and customer expectations and requirements," Azman pointed out.

Suriani said PLUS' efforts that are evident today should be an example to other industry players among GLCs (government-linked companies), MNCs (multinational companies), and other big local companies to empower their respective vendors.

"I am also hoping that the participation rate among local vendors will increase in working together with big companies and conglomerates in sharing and expanding ideas and resources to realise worthwhile entrepreneurship development right here in Malaysia," she said.

"Therefore, I would like to express my confidence and that of the government towards PLUS' capabilities in helping to create more new generation entrepreneurs. 

"I would also like to extend our appreciation and congratulate PLUS and their procurement department, as well as the entire committee, for successfully organising today's event," said Suriani.

Currently, 1,200 local vendors, contractors, consultants, and suppliers, offer a wide range of products and services that cover maintenance, upgrading works, operations, highway technologies, information, communication and technology (ICT) and corporate services registered with PLUS.

Azman shared that PLUS' robust procurement activities have enabled local sub-contractors and suppliers to participate in the highway industry and ecosystem.

Thus offering wider business opportunities for SMEs with the aim of sustainable development for growth.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/10/840232/plus-awarded-rm45bil-worth-contracts-purchases-over-five-years-600-qualified