Profile

A brief history of Johor Hardware, Machinery & Building Material Merchants Association

The association was established on September 24, 1982, founded by a protem committee leaded by Mr Woo Yew Siong. The objectives of this association are to look after the plights of the traders in hardware, machinery & building material businesses and to promote goodwill and fellowship among our traders.

We believe when we are united, We can render good service to the community. We are proud to have more than 80 traders joining our association in the early stage and today we have more than 200 members. Our first general meeting was held at No.71-A, Jalan Harimau Tarun on November 13, 1982. Mr. Woo Yew Siong was elected as President.

In September 1983, the association purchase a three-story shop lot as our building, it cost RM330,000. The building was officially opened on August 31, 1984 by our Honorary president (patron) Mr. Teh Hup Pee. We thank him for his generous donation RM 65,000 for the new building.

The association carries out many activities, such as seminars on trade issues, business trips and golf tournaments and etc. In order to serve our members better, the association extended the term of committee members from one year a term to two years per term in 1987.

Ex-President Datuk Tan Liang Soong and his committee members led for two terms from 2005-2006 & 2007-2008. Our current Association President Mr Lim Chiang Ming taken over the responsibility from Datuk Tan from 2008 to this present day.

Memorandums

The association had submitted many memorandums to the government authorities, especially for the finance ministry, trade, and industry ministry. The following are the outlines for these memorandums.

1984
Memorandum for Deputy Finance Minister

The association asked for the government to establish a flexible tax system for cement and appealed for the government to withdraw lorry levy system, which cost RM100 per trip for Singapore.
1985
Memorandum for various government authorities

Asking the government that it should demolish AP and commission system for imported China products. The association also proposed the trade and industry ministry demolish the status of control items for cement and iron.
1987
Cement manufacturing plants had canceled its agents’ commission

The association asked the trade and industry ministry to look into this issue.
1989
Demolish permit application for measuring equipments

First, the association appealed to the government to demolish permit application for measuring equipments. Second, appealed for exemption of 5% sale tax building materials. Third, the association asked the government to demolish or reduce the import tax on cement.

Issues of MBJB had ordered all the workshops and factories around town area should evacuate within 18 months. The association was very concerned about this issue and submitted memorandum to Chief Minister of Johor.
1991
Memorandum for deputy finance minister

The association appealed for the government to withdraw lorry levy and van levy, tariff on import-export goods. Cement shortages, issues of supplier license for government equipments, and tender issues.
1993
Due to the nature of hardware goods

The association asked for exemption under tag pricing policy. Till now the association has submitted many memorandums on current issues, such as the shortages of cement and steel bars issues.

Merit Bursaries

The association set up Education fund in 1985, merit bursaries grant started in 1986.

The amount of the bursaries was RM35,870 from 2003 to 2007 and RM 49,580 from 2008 to 2012.

Donations

The association has representatives in Southern College and Foon Yew High School. This is to show our commitment on community education. The association has made various donations to the College and schools. For last year, the association has made various donations totalled RM 4,100 and flood donation RM 18,000 for 13 members.

Library

In 1986, the association has set up a library in our building to encourage reading activities and creating possibility for a vibrant and creative community. This library is an idea from our founder president Mr Woo Yew Siong.

Our Honorary president Teh Hup Pee had donated RM 3,000 for this library. There are about 1000 books with various contents such as literatures, science fiction, science, arts, medical and business books.

Official Website

We created an Official Hardware Association Website in 2003, listing all our Events and Latest News of our Association. In 2012, we enhance and upgrade our website to hold up a Business Portal for participating members. Our members can advertise their Products and Services through our website to increase their revenue and popularity in Johor Market.