Coca-Cola: 80 Years Strong in Malaysia

With a presence in more than 200 countries and territories and producing approximately 200 master brands, The Coca-Cola Company is one of the world’s leading household names.The company is proud of its heritage in Malaysia and to have been refreshing Malaysians since 1936.

During these 85 years, the company’s operations have changed significantly – from the original importation of drinks from Singapore to now Malaysia serving as a production hub for domestic consumption and export to = Singapore and Brunei. The business has expanded from a single brand, Coca-Cola, served in a single package to a much more diverse portfolio offering 10 other brands in more than 80 products including sparkling beverages (Fanta, A&W, Schweppes), low and zero-calorie sparkling beverages (Coca-Cola Light, Coca-Cola Tanpa Kalori), juice drinks (Minute Maid Pulpy, Minute Maid Refresh, Minute Maid Qoo), teas (Heaven and Earth, Authentic Tea House), and water (Glaceau Vitaminwater, Dasani).

Part of its growth includes the company’s establishment of the ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’ (LEED)-certified Bandar Enstek Plant in Negeri Sembilan. The Enstek plant is part of an overall RM1.3 billion (USD325 million) investment in building a state-of-the-art Halal certified bottling plant and supporting additional activities in the country.

The company has implemented technologies such as the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in its warehouse. In addition to these investments, the company also benefit from being in the growing and modern Halal Industrial Park at Bandar Enstek in Nilai with good infrastructure facilities and connectivity to major ports, highways, and close proximity to Malaysia’s administrative capital. With ASRS, Coca-Cola Malaysia is set to contribute to the country’s role as a regional hub and centre of excellence for advanced, automated intralogistics.

Prior to COVID-19, the Malaysian economy had outpaced most of its neighbours and its central, strategic location in ASEAN has made Malaysia an ideal investment hub. Today, more than 90% of the company’s workforce consists of local talent – employing more than 1,000 people while generating another 10,000+ indirect jobs in the economy. More than 90% of the ingredients and packaging used are sourced from within the country, and the company continues to explore additional opportunities for local sourcing.

In driving a culture of growth, The Coca-cola Company is focused on sourcing from a strong talent pool in Malaysia, and development of this talent for Malaysia or to enrich other markets.

“There is no doubt the last 18 months have been very challenging due to the restrictions imposed on movements and businesses to contain COVID- 19. We at Coca-Cola are fortunate that with the strong support of the Government we have been able to continue with our operations. The support of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), MIDA, local authorities and enforcement agencies in Negeri Sembilan has been crucial. Approvals were secured through constructive engagement to continue operations with the relevant, necessary COVID-19 safeguards in place,” remarked the company.

As a result of the support of the federal and local governments, Coca-Cola was able to meet its business obligations to supply to domestic and external customers, while importantly working to ensure the safety of Coca-Cola employees, its highest priority.

“We are continuing to play our part in containing the pandemic, and we commend the Malaysian

Government for its proactive stance during this period of uncertainty. Malaysia offers an exceptional level of support, proving to be a valuable business partner as the Government continuously engages with businesses and all stakeholders in regular dialogues to understand the issues companies are facing amidst the pandemic. We are also confident that the Malaysian Government is taking the steps necessary to assure Malaysia stays at the forefront of ASEAN’s investment hub,” they added.

Coca-Cola Malaysia remains optimistic about the long-term outlook of its business and the broader Malaysian economy. The company is keen to build a stronger brand presence, reinforcing their commitment to the communities they serve here. From recycling through partnerships with the Malaysian Nature Society, Global Environment Centre, Reef Check, MareCet, Waste Management Association of Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia; and working on water projects with Muslim Aid Malaysia and Raleigh International to provide access to clean water for more than 23,000 villagers in rural Sabah, to economically empowering women through the Coca-Cola KU entrepreneurship programmes – Coca-Cola is committed to building sustainable communities in Malaysia.