Kawan Food adapts to new norm

Despite the difficulties arising from the implementation of the Movement Control Order (CPP), Kawan Food Bhd was able to adjust its operations to the new norms in enduring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Managing director Timothy Tan said this is because frozen food manufacturers and exporters around the world were familiar with stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) imposed on the food sector during the movement restrictions.

“We got off to a choatic state at the start of the MCO, but after two weeks we adapted to the new norm.

“We are operating a food factory, so are familiar with the food industry safety SOP and so on and made some improvements to the SOP, but not much has changed,” he said in a programme theme “An Evening with Kawan Food” on MITI TV.

From a humble beginning in producing and selling popiah rolls in late 70s, Kawan Food went on to produce paratha dough for exports to 40 countries.

Tan said food products, especially paratha dough, were in high demand from abroad due to the company’s ability to produce products to cater to different tastes and demands.

In addition, the frozen food products produced by Kawan Food also received demand due to its halal status.

Today, the company also produces ready-made food, pastries and bakeries.

“About 60 per cent of our revenue is generated from the export market,” he said.

The export value of local halal products will reach RM40.2 billion in 2019, with RM22 billion contributed by the food and beverage segment, making it the largest segment of halal exports from Malaysia.

Source: Bernama