Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan (YBU) has long entertained the idea of setting up its own enterprises, as part of a cost-reduction exercise and to improve its operations. This idea was realised with the recent opening of a collection, packaging and distribution centre at Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Ipoh.
The opening of YBU Healthcare and Nutrition Centre enables the foundation to better manage its collection, packaging and distribution responsibilities, as it has done away with middlemen. The opening ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Saarani Mohamed, Chairman of YBU.
“Engaging middlemen to do the work is expensive. It’s not cost effective. Thus resorting to a centre of our own makes sense,” said Dato’ Sarani to Ipoh Echo.
The foundation sends out 80 boxes of goodies a month to each of the 59 state constituencies. This works out to 55,000 boxes a year. “Imagine the cost if we’re to stick to a third party to do the work?” reasoned Saarani.
Plans are in the pipeline to open more of such centres throughout the state. “This is in anticipation of an increase in demand for our goody boxes,” Saarani added.
Present at the launch were Khairul Azwan, Deputy Chairman of YBU, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Omar, former CEO of YBU, Director of Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd, Khoo Chee Keong and Chief Operating Officer of YBU Healthcare and Nutrition Centre, Isfarina Mohd Bali.
Besides the healthcare and nutrition centre, the foundation operates a pawning business in partnership with Ar-Rahnu Bank with the cooperation of Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim).
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