KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 7): Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd, a printer for major newspapers in the Klang Valley, has entered into a deal with Türkiye's state owned firm to establish a high-security printing hub in Malaysia.

The venture, expected to require an investment of RM60 million to RM80 million, will utilise the advanced security printing technologies and expertise of Darphane, also known as the Turkish State Mint, developed over the past two years.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Darphane will provide expertise and technology transfer to Ultimate Print, which has already been involved in security document printing for government agencies such as The Royal Malaysian Police, Inland Revenue Board, and the Road Transport Department for the past four years.

The target timeline for establishing the hub is within the next two years at an undisclosed location.

Darphane is a state-owned entity under Türkiye’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance, which manages high-security production from its headquarters in Istanbul, including coins, banknotes, official seals, medals, revenue stamps, and other government documents.

Ultimate Print chief executive officer Azizi Fickry noted that the MOU signifies the company’s commitment to advancing the printing industry in Malaysia and establishing Selangor as a regional hub for technology and security printing.

“For us, this is a blue ocean,” Azizi added, explaining that the shift towards high-security printing is part of a broader strategy to expand beyond the commercial print market, which he described as entering a "sunset" phase.

In addition to the Malaysian market, Ultimate Print also envisions potential expansion into Southeast Asia, leveraging Darphane’s established reputation in Europe.

“With Darphane’s guidance, technology, and partnership, we aim to extend our reach beyond Malaysia and tap into regional markets,” Azizi added.

Coupled with the above, Darphane will also introduce its next-generation passport technology that incorporates advanced security features developed over the past two years. 

This move aims to enable Malaysia to produce passports that are not only more secure but also cost-effective.

Ultimate Print is known for printing major publications like Sinar Harian, Karangkraf magazines, and newspapers such as New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Kosmo.