METRO GLIDE EMERGES AS LOCAL CONTRACTOR WINNING MULTIPLE AWARDS

By Zaphne Philip

KUCHING, May 8 (Bernama) -- Although Metro Glide Sdn Bhd’s journey has spanned more than 20 years and is marked by various awards, it was not easy to reach its current level.

Founded by Chamles Jack in 2001, the Bumiputera-owned company has emerged as a leading engineering contractor in the land of the hornbill.

Chamles, affectionately known as Leng Jack, said Metro Glide started as a commercial partnership with only 10 employees and faced many financial challenges, especially securing capital for large-scale projects.

“I started from the bottom. After working six years with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and learning the ins and outs of business, I finally made the bold decision to start my own company.

“At that time, I answered the government’s call for more Bumiputeras to become entrepreneurs. Previously, if we secured a RM10 million project, we had to provide up to RM6 million in capital to purchase materials and equipment. However, the available funds were insufficient,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Metro Glide was among the Bumiputera companies that secured funding under the guarantee of the Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP).

SJPP was established to manage government guarantees, including the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme (WCGS), aimed at assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access financing from financial institutions.

Prior to reaching its current established position, Leng Jack said the company struggled to obtain financing from banks.

“Our financial record at that time was not sufficiently strong to convince the banks. We were forced to visit the banks repeatedly, yet our applications were continuously rejected.

“This changed when Bank Islam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Energy to introduce a special financing scheme for local contractors,” he said.

To boost the company’s credibility, Leng Jack said Metro Glide worked hard to complete all projects on time, increasing the confidence of banks towards its capabilities.

“The banks begin to offer more financing facilities, allowing the company more opportunities to expand operations and take on more projects,” he added.

To strengthen operations, Leng Jack said Metro Glide made early investments in digitalising its work system to secure its project data and documents online.

“We also added various heavy machinery such as excavators, lorry cranes, and other essential equipment needed for daily operations.

“These investments served as proof to Bank Islam regarding our capabilities, strategic forward-thinking and readiness to grow into a larger, more efficient, and competitive company,” he said.

As the machinery required high maintenance, Leng Jack said the bank also increased the company’s financing facilities as the machinery required high maintenance, providing the company with more flexibility in terms of cash flow.

“The financing gave us breathing room. With their (the bank and SJPP’s) support, we are now able to bid for projects worth RM30 million to RM50 million, something I never imagined before,” he explained.

Among Metro Glide’s early achievements was becoming a permanent subcontractor for rural electrification projects in Sarawak.

Leng Jack said the most challenging and unforgettable period was during the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed during the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“At that time, more than 50 per cent of our workers were classified as essential services, especially those maintaining Sarawak Energy’s facilities. They were allowed to travel for work, but many were on project sites with no work due to MCO orders. No progress on sites meant no payment claims could be made,” he elaborated.

Nevertheless, he said the company never considered cutting its workforce or reducing employee salaries to cover operating costs.

“We took care of everyone’s welfare. Alhamdulillah, no one was laid off. All salaries were paid in full so they could continue supporting their families,” he said.

Today, Leng said Metro Glide holds a G7 status from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), allowing the company to handle construction projects without any maximum limit.

“Our proudest moment was when Metro Glide received the ‘Best Bumiputera Contractor Award’ from Sarawak Energy in 2024, recognising the company’s commitment and consistent performance in delivering high-quality projects.

“The company now employs over 150 staff and has been involved in major projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and, most recently, the LED street lighting project from Rambungan to Telok Melano, which also received financing from Bank Islam,” he said.

For Leng Jack, the company’s success is not only measured by project value or profits but also by building a legacy and training the next generation. Now, it is time for his daughter, Darleen Athila Leng, to be trained to manage the company he has built over more than two decades.

“I always emphasise to her to be brave, knowledgeable, and honest. Don’t be afraid of losses, and don’t rush to get easy success. To succeed, you must learn to manage risks and remember to save for difficult times,” he said.

“As long as we keep trying, Allah will always provide sustenance. That philosophy is the foundation of every step taken to continue Metro Glide’s business, especially when facing economic storms,” said Leng Jack.

Metro Glide is a Bumiputera company involved in constructing electrical infrastructure and related construction works, including installation, maintenance, and substation facilities.

Under the 2025 Budget, Focus Area 2: Revitalising the Economy for Success, Initiative 34 references the transformation of the Bumiputera economy.

This effort, a key agenda in the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan, includes allocating RM1.3 billion for G1-G4 contractors to carry out small and medium projects, and RM200 million under the CAKNA 2 Scheme to support cash flow for G1-G4 contractors to complete small-scale government projects valued up to RM1.5 million.

Under the MADANI Economic Framework, aimed at raising the ceiling, the government supports expanding local companies at all levels, including Bumiputera vendor development and increased access to financing.

-- BERNAMA