The PLUS Advantage

by Johana Hassan

Since the 90s, our network of highways has made travelling in Malaysia on par with many developed countries – thanks to PLUS Expressways. Johana Hassan has the story.

Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid Managing Director

When the North-South Expressway (NSE) became fully operational in 1994, Malaysians began to enjoy a higher level of motor travel.

Gone are the days of longdistance traffic crawls, which could sometimes take more than 12 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah during festive seasons. Using the NSE, we can now get from Bukit Kayu Hitam to Johor Baru in just nine hours! And that includes making pit-stops at the comfortable Rest and Service Area (RSA).

Convenience comes at a price, though.

Highways users have to pay tolls. But there’s no denying that the NSE has lived up to its aim – to be a catalyst for economic growth in Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast. This is evident in the growing number of new businesses, townships and tourist attractions located just off the NSE. Unfortunately, towns on the old Federal Highway have had to redefine themselves or fade into oblivion.

Indeed, transportation networks are the life-lines of commerce – from the ancient Silk Road which connected China to Europe, to the railroads of the US, and the maritime and air routes linking the world.

Roads are the business of PLUS Expressways Bhd, a government-linked company (GLC). Its subsidiary, Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Sdn Bhd, was given a 30-year concession, but was extended by 12 years in 1999 when the agreed toll rate structure was charged and another eight years in 2005 when PLUS had to embark on the 3rd lane extention on certain sections of the highway.

PLUS Expressways was listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia on 17 July 2002. It is the largest toll expressway operator in South- East Asia and currently the 7th biggest in the world in terms of market capitalisation.

HIGHWAY PATROL

PLUS Expressways is involved in investment holdings and highway operation services. Besides Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad (PLUS), it also owns Expressway Lingkaran Tengah Sdn Bhd (ELITE), Linkedua (Malaysia) Berhad and Konsortium Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim (KLBK) Sdn Bhd. ELITE operates the NSE’s Central Link that bypasses Kuala Lumpur from Nilai and connects to the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), while Linkedua Berhad owns and operates the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing. KLBK operates the BKE which connects Butterworth to Kulim.

PLUS Expressways also has operations overseas. It is the majority share owner of PLUS BKSP Toll Limited (94%) in India and PT Lintas Marga Sedaya (55%) in Indonesia.

TRACKING A CAREER “PLUS Expressways is a member of the UEM Group and employees have the opportunity to move not only within the organisation but also to sister companies,” says Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid, the Managing Director of PLUS Expressways Berhad.

She advises graduates to value experience more than position. “In this respect, PLUS and UEM have more to offer than smaller organisations. For those looking for long-term career progession, this is the place for you.” Noorizah says PLUS Expressways is a good employment opportunity for graduates as it has been in operation for 20 years and offers career stability – a key consideration in these difficult economic times.

She believes the expected slow-down of the economy will not have a significant impact on the company because, as the backbone of land transportation in Peninsular Malaysia, its highways will always be used. However, the volume of traffic may fluctuate depending on several factors, including toll charges and fuel prices. “But for now, the economic situation has not affected our recruitment,” she assures.

THE PLUS POINTS

Career opportunities at PLUS range from marketing to customer relations to engineering. “We need graduates from different academic backgrounds, but due to the nature of our business, we need more engineers, particularly civil and electrical. Project managers, quantity surveyors and architects are also important,” says Noorizah.

The key benefit of working with PLUS Expressways is the range of opportunities that come with being in the UEM Group. The sheer size of the group allows for career progression in various companies and the chance to wear many hats.

Noorizah herself joined the group in 1991 and her first job was at Renong Berhad as Manager of Group Corporate Affairs. In January 1992, she joined HBN Management Sdn Bhd (HBN) and was later transferred to Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad (PLUS) as Senior Manager in the Treasury Department.

She was transferred back to HBN in January 1996 as Senior Manager of Group Corporate Affairs. She returned to PLUS as Senior General Manager, Finance, in 1997. Noorizah was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Faber Group in 1999. During her tenure with the Faber Group, she was appointed as Director in a number of Faber subsidiaries and was promoted as Managing Director of Faber in March 2004.

She was appointed Managing Director of PLUS Expressways in April 2007. She also sits on the Board of Commissioners of PT Lintas Marga Sedaya, and on the Board of Directors of PLUS BKSP Toll Limited, Projek Lebuhraya Utara- Selatan Berhad and Konsortium Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim (KLBK) Sdn Bhd. She is also Executive Director of Expressway Lingkaran Tengah Sdn Bhd and Linkedua (Malaysia) Berhad.

OVERSEAS EXPOSURE

PLUS Expressways’ projects in India and Indonesia are another attraction for graduates looking for working experience abroad. “Staff who have proven themselves in Malaysia will have the opportunity to be transferred abroad because we feel they can bring their skills and experience to our overseas projects, ” Noorizah emphasises.

However, she assures that progress up the corporate ladder is based on performance and not seniority. “We look at deliverables. If an employee is able to handle responsibilities and produces results, he or she will move up, regardless of the number of years spent with the company and gender.”

PLUS Expressways is also continuously evaluating opportunities abroad. Thus, even if a person is not based abroad, the company will continue to provide opportunities for staff especially good performers to work on negotiations overseas. “Our track record in developing the transportation network in Malaysia has placed us on the world map. Many developing countries appreciate the road network we have and want to learn from us.” Noorizah stresses that only the tough will survive in a big group of companies. And if you’re focused on following the right directions, there’s no reason why you can’t succeed.