DK Composites recorded RM12m from yacht sale

Local boat maker, DK Composites Sdn Bhd, recorded close to RM12 million in profits this year, proving that local makers of yachts are capable of penetrating the international market.

Its Chief Executive Datuk Khalilur Rahman Ebrahim attributed the profits to
the Royal Malaysian Naval Force as well, which newly ordered two 15-meter
vessels from the Melaka-based company.

"Since the set-up in 1998, we have sold more than 2,500 boats and yachts but
had never received any orders from within the country," he told reporters after

the handover of a boat "Utarid" to the TLDM's yacht team at the Awana Porto
Malai jetty today on the sideline of the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA '11) here.

TLDM is the sole local agency which has ordered for a product from DK
Composites which is more known among yacht lovers in Europe.

Khalilur Rahman said this could be due to the fact that yachting is not
really a favourite pastime among Malaysians.

He said with the company's clients coming more from Europe it had been
affected by the economic slowdown in the region.

"In 2009, we received no orders at all. Things improved in 2010 where we saw
a profit of RM6 million," he said.

As a boat maker that uses the best of composite materials, DK Composites has
succeeded in proving that locals are capable of making quality boats for the
European market which is particular about quality, he added. -- Bernama