Tiong Nam Logistics is currently embarking on investment in efficiency-enhancing technologies in its
logistics business, namely the Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS) (currently only 98,000 sq ft
enabled with ASRS) to improve the cargo handling capability of its warehouses. While investment in
ASRS system would cost about three times more than general warehousing systems, it would enable
Tiong Nam to handle two to 2.5 times more goods utilising the same warehousing space. Significant
labour costs could also be saved in the process.
Aside from technology, the group also plans to expand its logistics capacity through increasing
warehousing spaces in several busy locations in Malaysia. Notable expansion by the group is a
multistorey warehouse to be built in Shah Alam with an expected capacity of one million square feet
targeted for completion in 2019. Total capital expenditure is RM158 million spanning three years but it is
not expected to exert huge strain on the group’s balance sheet as the expansion would be jointly funded
by other associate companies. The group is also taking delivery of a 17-axle-lines trailer to ready itself for
the bidding of project cargo contracts related to the refinery and petrochemical integrated development
project. Revenue contribution from this subsegment is expected to increase to about RM30 million per
annum.
