From humble beginnings to global reach
From humble beginnings in 1940 to a global food and confectionery group today, we continue to grow with our people, our brands, and our communities.
Kumpulan Barkath traces its origin back to 1940 when the late Haji Abu Backer Bin Mohd Hussain founded a sundry shop called Barkath Stores in Union Street, Penang. “Barkath” means “Blessed” in Arabic. Later the sundry shop expanded to retail Super Stores in 6 cities. Once the shop was established, Haji Abu Backer expanded the business to manufacture Hacks, a brand which has a special place in the history of the Group.
In the mid 1960s, Haji Abu Backer obtained manufacturing rights from the original makers of Hacks sweets from England and set up a manufacturing base in Mak Mandin, Penang. In 1965, he negotiated with Denmark for license to produce locally.
The Group is currently under the leadership of Dato Seri Barkath Ali, the eldest son of Haji Abu Backer, who shares his father’s vision and service-oriented attitude. Together with CEO, Dato Haji Anwar Kabir, they have brought the company to greater heights. Today, Kumpulan Barkath has 22 companies around the world involved in manufacturing, import-export, distribution, property development, investment, plantation, hospitals, and communications.
Today, HACKS Malaysia Sdn Bhd, being a local company with global prospective and is one of the oldest sweets brands in Malaysia, took on a new horizon. We embark into this millennium in building our plant at Bukit Minyak, Seberang Prai. The construction of the building commenced in mid-2014 in 6 acres of land.
Today, with great anticipation and excitement that we announce new high-tech HACKS building. The board and administration of Barkath Group of Companies have been working diligently with local government entities to complete the necessary steps to make this dream a reality.
We are proud to celebrate our next milestone, the groundbreaking ceremony! The new building consists of the HACKS plant, Barkath Foods, Barkath Store (Pg), and the corporate office, along with world-class facilities such as a training classroom, a multi-purpose space, a cafeteria, and a practice gymnasium. Additionally, the top floors accommodate functions and gatherings for events.
The new building opened in January 2018, providing much-needed space and infrastructure for all business entities to operate efficiently and effectively, enabling them to be the best and most competitive in the market. This vision of having all entities under ‘one roof’ as BARKATH BEST was initiated and led by the leadership of Dato’ Seri Barkath Ali, CEO & Chairman of Barkath Group of Companies. God bless and guide us always.
The Group’s key brands – Hacks, Sunquick, Kings, Classfoods and Sarina and etc – are household names in Malaysia and are positioned as market leaders in their respective categories.
The Group’s slogan “Barkath for Foods” upholds its vision and mission of delivering the best quality food ranges while understanding customers’ needs at the same time.
A major milestone for the Group was the establishment of Barkath Co-Ro Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. – a joint venture company with Co-Ro Food A/S, Denmark to produce Sunquick fruit juice for the Malaysian market and has 12 range of flavours.
At Kumpulan Barkath, we craft high-quality food and confectionery products that bring joy and value to everyday life. Guided by our commitment to quality and care, we believe in linked prosperity — creating shared value for our people, partners, communities, and the planet we live on.
To craft and share quality food and beverage products made with care — using wholesome, natural ingredients that bring joy and goodness to everyday life. We’re committed to practices that respect nature and nurture a sustainable future.
To grow with purpose and integrity. We aim for sustainable profitability that creates lasting value for our stakeholders while supporting learning, innovation, and career growth for every member of our team.
To make a positive difference through what we do. We believe business has the power to uplift lives — and we actively seek ways to contribute to our communities, both locally and globally.
True prosperity happens when all three parts — Product, Economic, and Social — thrive together in harmony. That balance is what guides everything we do at Kumpulan Barkath.
