Yaohan Malaysia lives alone

Yaohan Malaysia lives alone

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Yaohan Holdings (M) Bhd. announced yesterday that it would be known as Aktif Lifestyle Corporation Bhd. from January to reflect a change in shareholding and management.

Director Johari Low Abdullah said the new name would allow the Malaysian company to be separated from the operations of Yaohan Japan Corporation which had collapsed earlier this year.

"We have to move with time. The new name is necessary in view of the changing circumstances and will also change the perception that Yaohan is very Japanese," Johari told a news conference.

The exercise was also vital to avoid confusion and let the public know that "Yaohan's problems in Japan and worldwide do not affect Aktif Lifestyle whatsoever," he said.

Although the campaign may cost up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit, he said it would be offset by savings in royalty.