Datasonic optimistic of higher earnings in FY2020

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 -- Datasonic Group Bhd is optimistic of obtaining higher revenue and earnings for financial year 2020 (FY2020) backed by continuous government-backed contracts obtained by the company.

Datasonic chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali said currently, the group has a total outstanding order book of approximately RM772 million, which will provide sturdy revenue and earnings for the next few years.

“We are optimistic that FY2020 revenue and profit after tax will be significantly positive, following the resumption of orders for MyKad, as well as new business opportunities that the Group are pursuing, especially via our proven products such as the Datasonic Autogates (eGates), Digital Identity Solutions and official ICAO-compliant identification documents (passports),” he said in a statement today.

He also added the company is currently looking forward to submitting its proposition to help provide world-class solutions for its passport system, enforcement system, visa, pass and permit system, foreign worker system and border control system, before mid-August 2019.

“The company has also secured a two-year contract for maintenance services of 56 card personalisation centres at the National Registration Department worth RM28.78 million.

“The award of this contract demonstrates the government’s confidence and trust in Datasonic,” he said.

Mohamed Hashim added that in July, Datasonic assisted the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department of Malaysia in installing dedicated Datasonic eGates to complement Saudi Arabian immigration authorities with innovative solutions to expedite immigration pre-clearance of Haj pilgrims departing for Makkah and Madinah.

“As part of the Makkah route effort, this was a global first where the Saudi authorities had the opportunity to witness for themselves the impressive sub-10 second clearance time recorded for each pilgrim via the eGates.

“Following their observations, they are enthusiastically pursuing adoption of the technology for deployment in Saudi Arabia, as well as other countries with large Muslim populations, with talks set to resume post-Haj 2019,” he said.

He added that to date, Datasonic has already installed 20 eGates in KLIA, and has received positive feedback from Malaysian travellers.

“Through our strategic partner in Indonesia, we have also supplied Batam’s first installation of eGates in mid-July 2019, as the Indonesian authorities were impressed by the proven facial recognition technology that will provide them with more effective border control and alleviate identity fraud.

“We are also actively pursuing opportunities in the Middle East and Northern Africa, where our products and services are being strongly considered to revolutionise their immigration control needs,” he added.

For its FY2019 ended March 31, 2019, the group’s net profit was reduced by 45.7 per cent to RM36.53 million with total revenue at RM219.59 million, compared with RM67.24 million and revenue of RM258.60 million in the previous financial year.

-- BERNAMA