Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow officiated the ground breaking ceremony for Shan Poornam Sdn Bhd’s Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) ceremony in Prai.
Chow was welcomed by Shan Poornam Sdn Bhd and Thirupathi Group’s managing director, Dato’ Seri S. Selvakumar and his management team.
Joining Chow was Penang Island City Council mayor Dato A. Rajendran, Datin Bararthi, general manager of Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) among others.
Over the years, Shan Poornam Sdn. Bhd has established its name as a pioneer in industrial waste management and sustainable E-waste recycling and refining.
Chow was also taken on a tour of the plant which showcased its advanced Integrated Environmental Sound Management (ESM) Plant and the release of its inaugural Sustainability and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reports for 2023.
Meanwhile, the setting up of the Centralized Labour Quarters reflects a commitment to workforce welfare and sustainable growth.
“In his address, Chow commended Shan Poornam’s innovations to help Penang and Malaysia gain an advantage in the recycled materials market, particularly amid global supply chain challenges.
“Shan Poornam has led the waste management sector since the 1960s, originally focused on scrap metal and timber recycling under its founder, Mr. Shanmugam Chettiar.
“The company began as a modest operation, meeting local recycling needs. In 1987, Mr. Chettiar’s son, Dato’ Seri S.Selvakumar, joined with a forward-thinking vision that would transform Shan Poornam’s trajectory”, he added.
Chow also emphasized the importance of CLQ accommodations as it emphasises the well-being of all workers who contribute to our economy, illustrating Penang’s commitment to high-quality CLQs.
Guests also had a chance to witness Shan Poornam’s Integrated ESM Plant: Leading Environmental Innovation and a firsthand experience at their advanced Integrated ESM Plant.
They are equipped with technology endorsed by UNEP (UNEP Recommended Technology Facility for E-waste as published in UNEP StEP (Sustainable Innovation and Technology Transfer Industrial Sector – Recycling – From E-waste To Resources – Final report Jul 2009).
This facility processes industrial waste into valuable materials, including precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and copper cathodes, addressing high-demand sectors like electronics and semiconductors.
Meanwhile, the release of Shan Poornam’s Sustainability and GHG Reports reflects its dedication to transparency and accountability in environmental impact. Complying with Bursa Malaysia’s standards and aligning with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), these reports detail the company’s actions to reduce its environmental footprint and drive sustainable industry practices.
“At Shan Poornam, sustainability is not just a strategy; it is a way of life embedded in every decision we make,” said Selvakumar
As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR), via their Krishnamal Education Fund (KEF), they have carried out various projects to benefit the community. One such programme was securing a land to build a new school for SK Juru Tamil School. This land will be developed into a self-sustaining school, bringing educational opportunities that will benefit generations of students there.
