KUCHING, May 23: Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) continued to deliver strong results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Q1 2023) as its pre-tax profit increased from RM178.7 million to RM408.9 million compared to the corresponding quarter.
PDB has declared an interim dividend of 15 sen per ordinary share for the period.
This increase, according to PDB in a media release today, is in tandem with the surge in demand following the reopening of international borders, festive seasons and school holidays during the quarter compared to relaxation of restrictions during Phase 4 of National Recovery Period in the corresponding quarter last year.
PDB managing director and chief executive officer, Azrul Osman Rani emphasised that PDB’s strong performance early in the year reflected its continued efforts to improve cost and operational efficiencies while meeting customers’ evolving needs.
“As a result, we have effectively navigated challenges and seized growth opportunities.
“As a progressive company, we will continue to harness every opportunity to meet our customers’ demands in keeping with our promise to make their everyday lives simpler and better,” he said in the statement.
As part of its commitment to continuously delight its customers, PDB continued to expand its food and beverage venture, Café Mesra, by successfully launching seven new outlets.
During this quarter, Café Mesra achieved two significant milestones, including the debut of its standalone dining menu at The Gardens North Tower, Mid Valley and the opening of its first outlet in the Eastern region at Petronas Chemical Ethylene Polyethylene Sdn Bhd in Kerteh.
During Petronas Malaysia Open 2023 (PMO 2023) held in January 2023, PDB organised an activation campaign, aimed at promoting brand awareness and fostering a deeper engagement with the sports enthusiasts.
Throughout the tournament, Café Mesra served refreshments and Malaysians’ favourite delicacies, whilst Petronas Shop offered a wide range of high-quality active lifestyle apparel and merchandise including its new badminton segment selections that attendees could purchase to commemorate their experience. This initiative reflects PDB’s pursuit in engaging its customers, as well as its commitment to promote active lifestyle in Malaysia.
In March 2023, Setel joined the DuitNow QR ecosystem, allowing customers to easily scan and pay with Setel app at over 1.6 million stores nationwide. The advantage of this partnership also stretches to existing DuitNow QR merchants, providing them access to active Setel users.
The integration with DuitNow QR is a clear demonstration of Setel’s commitment to better serve its core customer demographic today—the motorist—while also making Setel more inclusive and accessible to a wider customer base across their retail purchases and other needs.
PDB also continues to make headway on the sustainability front through collaborations with its partners including Gentari Sdn Bhd by installing solar panels and direct current (DC) fast chargers at Petronas stations.
As of March 31, 2023, 23 Petronas stations have been equipped with solar panels, increasing the count of solar-equipped stations to 37. In addition, three new DC fast chargers were installed at Petronas stations within the Klang Valley in the same quarter, bringing the total count of DC charger units to 24. These chargers are located at various Petronas stations within Klang Valley and along major highways in Peninsular Malaysia.
“As we continue to navigate a challenging environment, we remain committed to enhancing our offerings while balancing the triple bottom line. This means delivering value to our stakeholders, and at the same time, striving to fulfil our responsibility to social and environmental issues. Our continued focus on these areas will ensure our long-term success and make a positive impact to the communities in which we operate,” Azrul added. — DayakDaily
