Sime Darby chairman in hospital for Covid-19 care

PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Bhd chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad (pic) has been preliminarily tested positive with Covid-19 and is now in a healthcare facility.

The company said Abdul Rahman has not visited any of Sime Darby’s premises in the past 18 days, adding that the group is currently working with the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of its employees.

“We are proactively identifying those who have been in close contact with our chairman, ” it said in a press statement yesterday.

Abdul Rahman assumed the role of Sime Darby chairman on Oct 31 last year. He was also appointed as non-independent non-executive director of the conglomerate last year.

Prior to joining Sime Darby, Abdul Rahman helmed several leadership roles including president and group chief executive officer of Permodalan Nasional Bhd.

He is also formerly a director and chief executive officer of Ekuiti Nasional Bhd, a government-linked private equity firm.

In view of the Malaysian government’s movement control order, Sime Darby noted that its employees in Malaysia will be working remotely and its premises will be closed from today to March 31.

“Sime Darby Bhd is committed to doing its part in mitigating the spread of Covid-19. We will make further announcements as and when there are new developments, ” it said.

Sime Darby shares closed at RM1.71, up 3 sen or 1.79%, with a market capitalisation of RM11.63bil.