Founding Koperasi Pekerja Jaya
A Vision Realized
Welcome to the history page of Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad (KPJ), a cooperative society with a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 1970s. Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad‘s journey began as a visionary initiative to empower its members through affordable housing schemes and community development. In this section, we will delve into the remarkable story of how Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad was founded and its evolution over the years.
The Early Years (1970s)
In the early 1970s, during a time when MIC Kajang branch was the sole branch in the Ulu Langat division, a remarkable endeavor took shape. Our founder, who served as the secretary for the MIC Kajang branch, initiated the formation of an Economic Committee called “Perulathar Membadu Economic Committee.” Under this committee’s leadership, the idea to purchase land for the benefit of its members was born.
The Opportunity Emerges: A committee member, who happened to be a part-time broker, informed us of available land for sale. Priced at an astonishingly reasonable rate, 15 acres of land in Kajang beckoned as a potential investment. With around 1,500 branch members, the idea to collectively purchase the land gained momentum.
Forming the Cooperative Society: Members enthusiastically contributed towards the land purchase, with an initial payment of RM500 each. The late Tun Dr Samy Vellu, a Member of Parliament at the time, extended his support to our endeavor. As funds accumulated, the idea to establish a cooperative society emerged.
Koperasi Pekerja Jaya is Born: The land was purchased in the name of Tun Dr Samy Vellu before the formal formation of the cooperative. The journey to register Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad as a cooperative society began in 1975 and culminated in 1977 with official approval. This marked the birth of Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad.
The Board of Directors 1977
Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad‘s early leadership consisted of prominent figures from various states, all sharing the vision of community development. The inaugural board members included:
S.Samy Vellu
Y.B.Encik. Senator K.Kumaran
Y.B.Encik. Azharul Abidin b.H.A. Rahim
Y.B.Encik. V.Govindaraj
Y.B. Dr. S.Subramaniam
Y.B Encik. K.Vijayananthan
Y.B Encik. S.K. Sivapunniam
Y.B Encik. T. R. Govindan
Y.B Encik. Alias b. Matt Lotan
Y.B Encik. Low Swee Fook
Y.B Encik. S. S. Velusamy
Y.B Encik. Jaffar Bin Hamzah
Expansion Beyond Kajang (1980s)
Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad‘s commitment to affordable housing expanded to other regions. In Sungai Siput, a 100-acre land was acquired in 1978, and a significant development project began in 1983, eventually becoming Taman Tun Sambanthan.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned: The early years were not without challenges. Infrastructure development in Kajang faced hurdles due to the lack of access roads. Creative solutions, such as collaborating with neighboring cooperatives, were employed to overcome these obstacles. Over time, Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad refined its approach to development, emphasizing joint ventures with experienced developers for efficiency and success.
Continuing the Legacy:Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad remains dedicated to its mission of providing affordable housing and community development to its members. As we look back on our history, we are inspired by the dedication and vision of our founders. Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad continues to thrive, serving as a beacon of empowerment and progress for its members and the community at large.
KPJ's Evolution
(1990s and Beyond)
As the years passed, Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of cooperative housing and community development. In the 1990s, the cooperative adopted a more collaborative approach by entering into joint venture projects with seasoned developers. This shift in strategy allowed Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad to efficiently develop lands it owned while mitigating challenges faced during earlier projects.
Sungai Siput and Seremban Projects: In Sungai Siput and Seremban, KPJ embarked on similar journeys. The Sungai Siput project commenced in 1983, providing homes and opportunities for its members. Meanwhile, in Seremban’s Rasah area, a land acquisition in 1978 laid the foundation for another successful cooperative endeavor.
Kajang’s Success and Legacy: One notable achievement was the development of Taman Bukit Mutiara in Kajang, where a joint venture project with a developer led to the successful completion of affordable housing units. Today, this thriving community stands as a testament to KPJ’s commitment to its members and their housing needs.
Building Communities, Bridging Gaps: KPJ’s primary goal has always been to provide affordable housing and community development opportunities to its members. These initiatives have not only contributed to the growth of vibrant communities but also served as a bridge between various communities and cooperatives, fostering unity and cooperation among diverse groups.
Looking Ahead
Today, Koperasi Pekerja Jaya Berhad (KPJ) stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. As we reflect on our remarkable journey from a small branch in the 1970s to a nationwide cooperative, we are reminded of the collective effort, dedication, and vision that have fueled our success.