By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Quarries Association (JQA) received high praise for its decades of service to development and society during its annual gathering last night, with guest of honour Dato’ David Wong commending the association’s dual commitment to nation-building and community welfare.

Speaking at the event, Dato’ David Wong who is also the chairman of Yayasan Sultanah Fatimah acknowledged the pivotal role JQA has played in Johor’s progress for more than 30 years.

“For over 30 years, the Johor Quarries Association has played an important role in Johor’s development. Your work has helped build the roads, buildings, and infrastructure that support our communities and industries.

You’ve laid the foundation—literally—for progress across the state and the country,” he said.

Dato’ David stressed that JQA’s contributions extend far beyond the quarrying industry. He highlighted the association’s active involvement in social initiatives, particularly its support for the JQA Dialysis Foundation and other charitable causes.

“Tonight is not just about your work in the industry. It’s also about your generosity and care for others. Your support for community projects like the JQA Dialysis Foundation shows your commitment to helping those in need,” he remarked.

The 31st Annual Dinner of the Johor Quarries Association and 2nd Quarrying Exhibition was held at the Grand Bayview Seafood Restaurantat Danga Bay.

He also expressed gratitude for JQA’s donation to Yayasan Sultanah Fatimah, noting that the contribution would enhance education, healthcare, and welfare for the people of Johor.

Under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Toh, the JQA has continued to grow from strength to strength, combining technical excellence with social responsibility. Dato’ David congratulated the association on another successful year, lauding its teamwork and dedication.

“Your teamwork and dedication over the past three decades are truly inspiring. I wish you continued success in your work and in your efforts to give back to society. May the JQA continue to grow and make a difference for many years to come,” he said, concluding his address.

During the dinner, the JQA donated RM50,000 to Yayasan Sultanah Fatimah and RM20,000 to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Bahru Branch from the proceeds from the dinner event.

Present for the dinner were Tunku Abdul Jalil, the association’s advisor, Mejar Cina Dato’ David Wong Khong Soo, chairman of Yayasan Sultanah Fatimah, Dato’ Sri Toh Keng Tiong, JQA chairman and Malaysian Quarry Association (MQA) chairman, Chong Ah Ng of the MRCS Johor Bahru, State Assemblywoman for Johor Jaya YB Low Cai Tung, State Assemblyman for Stulang Andrew Chen and MRCS Johor Bahru chairman Chua Liak Ching.

Also present were representatives from the government departments, the Johor Police, quarry operators, business associates, invited guests and members of the press.

Formed in 1994, the Johor Quarries Association (JQA) has long been the united voice of quarry operators in Johor, bridging industry players with local authorities. But JQA’s impact goes far beyond the quarry gates.

Over the years, its members have championed community causes, raising funds through charity dinners, golf tournaments, and blood donation drives. Many organisations — from Yayasan Sultanah Fatimah to the Red Crescent, Care Heart Association, and local schools — have benefited from their generosity.

In 2005, moved by the struggles of kidney failure patients, JQA members decided to take action. Pooling resources with business partners, they established the JQA Dialysis Foundation, opening their first centre in Johor Jaya on 3 July 2006.

The centre, occupying 150 square metres on JQA’s premises, started with seven dialysis machines, serving about 24 patients monthly at subsidised rates. Guided by the belief that care should remain personal and sustainable, the Foundation has kept operations modest yet impactful, ensuring every donation directly benefits patients.

Now in its 19th year of service, the centre continues to provide affordable treatment, upgrading machines and facilities with the support of kind donors. Its Board of Directors oversees operations with one clear mission: to uphold quality, compassion, and compliance while giving patients the dignity of a better quality of life.

Beyond dialysis, JQA remains active in charitable collaborations, often working with the Red Crescent Malaysia, Johor Bahru Branch, on blood and organ donation campaigns. True to its roots, JQA continues to prove that an industry built on stone can also build lasting care and hope for the community.

The Johor Quarries Association (JQA) has not only advanced the quarrying industry over the past three decades but also stood firm in its commitment to community service, said its honorary secretary, Song Fook Hin in his speech.

Reflecting on the association’s journey, Song highlighted how JQA has consistently worked with dedicated members to raise industry standards.

“We continue to focus on upgrading our members’ knowledge of the quarry trade to a level of sophistication that complements the nation’s economic growth and development,” he said.

But Song stressed that JQA’s role extends beyond business. “Our love and compassion for the community must not be passive. It must be active, demonstrated through acts and commitment,” he told members and guests.

A key milestone of that vision was the establishment of the JQA Dialysis Centre in 2006, which now treats 24 patients weekly.

“Our social commitment to the dialysis centre remains one of the core objectives of the Association,” Song affirmed.

He credited the success of JQA’s initiatives to the unwavering support of its members, their business associates, families, and friends.

“Tonight, your presence is an endorsement for us. Your kind support and generous contributions to the Dialysis Centre and our two selected charity bodies are beyond words can describe,” he said, expressing heartfelt gratitude.

Song also extended special thanks to the dinner committee led by chairman Dato’ Sri Toh Keng Tiong and his team for ensuring the evening’s success.

The evening celebrated not only the association’s industrial achievements but also its long-standing tradition of giving back to the community, reinforcing its reputation as a key partner in Johor’s development and welfare.