Kota Kinabalu (Mar 24) - Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Bhd has appointed Mohd Zuki Ali as its new independent non-executive chairman, marking a key leadership transition for the company.
The appointment, effective March 24, sees Mohd Zuki take over from Richard Malanjum, who stepped down due to overseas commitments.
Mohd Zuki, 64, brings extensive experience from Malaysia’s public sector. He began his career in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1992 and has since held various senior roles across government institutions. His past positions include director-general of the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister’s Department, Sarawak’s secretary for federal affairs, senior deputy secretary-general in the Prime Minister’s Department, and secretary-general of the Ministry of Defence. He later served as Malaysia’s 15th Chief Secretary to the Government from 2020 until his retirement in 2024.
The Sabah-based group, which operates in consumer packaged goods distribution and manufacturing, has recorded steady financial growth. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the company posted revenue of RM1.1 billion and a net profit of RM18.82 million, compared to RM946.34 million in revenue and RM16.4 million in net profit in the previous year.
However, for the first half of the financial year ending December 31, 2025, net profit declined by 20.2% to RM6.59 million, despite a 12.8% increase in revenue to RM597.23 million. The drop in earnings was attributed mainly to higher write-offs of expired and damaged inventory.
With Mohd Zuki assuming the chairman role, the company is expected to leverage his leadership experience and institutional knowledge to strengthen governance and guide its long-term strategic direction.
As a Sabah-based company, developments within Kim Teck Cheong have direct implications for the local economy. Changes at the leadership level may influence the company’s future direction, including expansion plans and operational strategies within East Malaysia.
For Sabahans involved in retail, distribution, and supply chain sectors, the company’s performance plays a role in supporting business activities and employment opportunities. Its operations in consumer goods distribution also contribute to the availability of everyday products across the state.
Overall, the appointment of an experienced figure like Mohd Zuki reflects an effort to strengthen the company’s leadership, which may support continued growth and economic activity in Sabah.