KUALA LUMPUR: Progressive Impact Corporation Bhd's (PICORP) unit Saudi ASMA Environmental Solutions LLC (SAES), has received a contract from Makkah Municipality (MM) for the operation and maintenance of public health pest laboratory services in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
SAES, a company specialising in public health and environmental management services, has been collaborating with MM, the responsible developer for the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, since 2009 on various public health management initiatives.
The public health pest lab services contract awarded, valued at SAR6.88 million Saudi dinar (RM8.14 million), is a continuation of the existing business that SAES has with MM, and is a part of latter's Public Health Enhancement Programme undertaken to maintain the quality of life of the general public in the city of Makkah.
The contract will span 60 months starting on Dec 31 2024.
The scope of work includes manpower recruitment, procurement of vehicles and laboratory equipment, insurance, and the operation and maintenance of public health pest laboratory services.
In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, PICORP said the award reflects the growth potential of SAES in the public health sector and demonstrates the confidence of government agencies - in this case MM - in SAES's capabilities and experience in delivering high-quality public health management services.
PICORP Group executive director Datuk Dr. Lukman Ibrahim highlighted that the contract reflects SAES's ongoing commitment to enhancing public health and environmental quality.
"We are ready to support the Makkah Municipality's efforts in mobilising its Public Health Enhancement Programme, particularly in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), backed by 17 years of experience in the field," Lukman said.
He noted that with Makkah hosting millions of pilgrims and visitors each year, the city is ramping up its efforts to enhance the quality of public health and healthcare services in the region.
"Given that Makkah is a pilgrimage destination, the increased influx of pilgrims and visitors heightens the risk of public health concerns, prompting initiatives such as maintaining public cleanliness, waste disposal, and pest control," he said.
"As an integrated pest management (IPM) services provider, our goal is to help the city manage public health risks."
He added that through the contract, PICORP will focus on controlling vector-borne diseases via public health pest lab services, which primarily monitor and identify pests, acting as the first line of defence against infectious diseases.
"We hope that this proactive approach will strengthen Makkah's public health efforts and foster a healthier environment for pilgrims, residents, and visitors," he added.
The contract is expected to have a positive financial effect on the net assets per share of PICORP for the financial year 2025 onwards.