Through the selfless service and foresight of nine Jaffnese, Jaffnese Cooperative Society (JCS) was registered on 31st July 1924. Four days later, the Society commenced functioning with 28 members and total monthly subscription of $172.00. Since 1924, JCS stands out as a symbol of survival and achievement. It holds an honoured place among the pioneers of the cooperative movement in Malaysia. It has not only survived World War 2 and the recession that followed, it went on to grow into the successful service oriented organisation that it is today. Its membership has grown steadily and it is today the one and only Financial Institution of the Jaffnese in Malaysia.
Nine gentlemen of Jaffnese origin met and decided to form a Co-operative society. The Jaffnese Co-operative Society Ltd. (JCS) was officially registered as a co-operative Society on July 31. JCS commenced functioning with 28 members in the register and a total monthly subscription of $172.00 on August 4. Membership at the end of 1924, stood at 864 with a subscription credit of $ 3,163.00. To facilitate the collection of subscriptions, treasurers were appointed in various districts.
District committees were set up throughout the country. Membership was open to ladies and by the end of the year, 38 ladies had registered as members. JCS commenced investing in gilt-edged securities. Fulltime staff were employed for the first time in the place of volunteer workers who had been assisting. JCS commenced contributing to the Sir W George Maxwell Co-operative Scholarship Fund administered by the Midlands Urban Co-operative Union Ltd. The purpose of this fund was to award scholarships to children of members. JCS still continues to contribute to this fund and our members' children in STPM classes in Malaysia have received such awards. Now the awards are made based on the SPM results. JCS created a Scholarship Fund, which up to 1936, sponsored six children of members to the School of Agriculture and two to the Trade School. (This Scholarship was discontinued in 1936). JCS purchased its first property No 10, Old Market Square (now No 17, Medan Pasar) in 1929.
JCS established the Common Good Fund for the general benefit of members. With special sanctions, this fund was used during the economic recession for relief in the form of repatriation, in medical care, support and maintenance of destitute children and also for education and other purposes.
The Common Good Fund was soon followed with the establishment of the Community Service Fund. Its purpose was to propagate co-operation and self-help and promote other forms of social and economic advancement among the Jaffnese community. Both these funds are still in existence. Since 1984 they have become more active, however, recently they have not been fully utilised.
Deposit (Specific) Accounts were established. This enabled members to save regularly towards the purchase of houses, payment of insurance premiums, marriages and for other purposes. The President, R.N.Thamby Thurai called upon every member of JCS to open a Specific Deposit Account and by the end of 1938, 66 members had opened accounts. JCS also established a Provident Fund for the staff.
"Pathfinder" the official organ of the JCS, was published. Among its main objective was to inculcate in the minds of the community the ideals of co-operation, self-help, community service and simple living.In October 1939, The "Pathfinder" ceased publication. The annual report stated, ".....the committee regrets that the journal had to be discontinued because an Honorary Editor who could conveniently find the time for the purpose was not available." The following year the annual report records `:. the cessation of the Pathfinder which served as a contact and help to bind together members of the Society has produced a gap difficult to bridge otherwise than by resuscitation "fits publication.It is urged that members give this matter serious "Pathfinder" - a monthly journal consideration and make arrangement to have the publication revived." Land and Building loans were adopted.
The Society continued to function in Selangor during the years of the Second World War. Complications that arose as a result of war time transactions were sorted out by applying the Debtor and Creditor legislation. Records during the war years were kept intact by the enterprising Committee members and, in particular, by the then President, Mr. R.N. Thamby Thurai. This made it easy for the society to get back on its track immediately after the war. Then, in 1947, JCS purchased its second property No. 25, Mountbatten Road, now known as No. 10, Jalan Tun Perak.
In 1953, JCS celebrated its Silver Jubilee after surviving the turbulent years of the Second World War. A souvenir magazine was published to commemorate this achievement.
In 1954, JCS sponsored the establishment of the Jaffnese Co-operative Housing Society (JCHS). The President and Vice-President of JCS were elected President and Vice-President of JCHS at its inaugural meeting. JCS loaned one million dollars to JCHS for the construction of houses in Taman Kanagapuram. Then JCS purchased its 3rd property, building at No. 25, Jalan Chantek, Petaling Jaya in 1955.
In 1957, JCS sponsored the establishment of the Jaffnese Co-operative Stores Society and let out its Silver Jublee Souvenir premises, No. 25, Jalan Chantek, to the Co-operative Stores for a nominal rent.
In 1964, JCS purchased its 4th property, No. 37, Cameron Street, Seremban. Then in 1966, JCS commenced diversification of its investments from gilt-edged securities. An amount of one and a half million dollars was allocated for purchasing shares in the Chemical Company of Malaysia. A year later, JCS invested in other co-operative institutions such as the Malayan Co-operative Insurance Society and the Co-operative Central Bank.
In 1971, A policy of gradually reducing investments in gilt-edged securities was commenced and investments were diversified to include publiclisted companies such as Sime Darby. Then in 1974, JCS managed to sustain itself for 50 years to be able to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.
In 1981, JCS purchased its 5th property, a holiday bungalow in Port Dickson, at a cost of RM 225,000. A year later, JCS moves its office to No. 17, Medan Pasar as No. 10 Tun Perak was damaged due to construction work in the adjacent area. Then in 1983, JCS registered its by-laws affecting quantum of loans and interest payable on these loans.
In 1984, JCS launched its sponsorship programme for skill and leadership training of members' children. Purchased its 6th property, the present premises No. 40, Jalan 1/87E, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur (now known as Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3) and moved into its modern office in November 1984. The total cost of the premises was RM 1.203 million. Launched a series of "Meet the Community Sessions" throughout the country.
In 1985, JCS Launched the quarterly publication of JCS Newsletter in January. Then in April, JCS celebrated its 60 years of existence Diamond Jublee Souvenir with a Diamond Jubilee Souvenir booklet,tracing the history and growth. in August, Mr. Caesar A. Wellington sets up a fund known as the Jar Wellington & Welna Wellington Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of his beloved parents. What began with an initial donation of RM 22,000.00 currently stands at RM 51,000.00.
In 1986, the Group insurance scheme was started with 82 members subscribing to the policy. In addition JCS also entered into an agreement with MCIS to become a Corporate Agent for General Insurance which included motor vehicle and building insurance coverage. In September , N.Thamotharam Pillay Education Fund was established.
In 1992, A symposium on "Vision 2020 and the Community" was jointly organised by the Malaysian Ceylonese Congress and the JCS at Maktab Kerjasama Malaysia, Petaling Jaya. Members of the community participated in the symposium.
The main objective of the symposium was to address the issue and challenges of Vision 2020 in order to prepare the community to play a more meaningful role in achieving the targets through:
Then in December, JCS purchased its 7th property, No. 36, Cameron Street, Seremban.
In 1993, A Strategic planning session was held for all the Board Members. At the end of the session it formulated the JCS Mission statement - "WE ARE MORE THAN A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY DEDICATED TO PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES TO MEET THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF OUR MEMBERS IN PARTICULAR AND MALAYSIANS OF JAFFNESE ORIGIN IN GENERAL. in November the same year, A Travel & Tour facility was launched to facilitate members who wish to go on tour and pilgrimage on a group basis. The first group left for Sri Lanka and India on Nov 8. On November 27th, Pathfinder was given a new lease of life. At a cultural show-cum dinner, organised by the Brickfields District the elder countryman N. Thamotharam Pillay, launched the new look Pathfinder. JCS purchased its 8th property, two industrial lots at Subang Airport North Industrial Park.
In 1994, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato Sri Utama Tan Sri Haji Mohd. Isa Dato Haji Abdul Samad, Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus laid the foundation stone for JCS multi-storey building in Seremban. The first "A Day with JCS" was held at SRJK (T) Vivekananda, Petaling Jaya and was attended by more than 1,000 members. Art competition for children, fancy dress contest, kolam and flower demonstrations were held on May 1.
A 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner was held at the Subang Merlin and was attended by well over 800 members. The highlight of the dinner was the crowning of the "Saree Queen". Raghini Yogaraj, of Klang, was crowned JCS Saree Queen was held on June 4th.
On September 18 Dato' N.T.Rajah and Mr. Suhan Panchacharam both of JCS received the first ever JCS Achievers Award from the President K.Thillainathan at an award presentation ceremony at the Hyatt Saujana, Subang, Selangor attended by 300 members. Cik Sofia Jane Hisham, a popular artiste, who had worked together with Suhan in the film "Perempuan, Isteri..." was awarded a Certificate of Merit.
On November 13, Madam Nagasundram Nadarajah Education Fund was established. November 26/27, JCS seminar on co-operative laws was held at the Co-operative College, Petaling Jaya. It was attended by 80 participants consisting of Board members, district officials, internal auditors and some interested JCS members.
In 1995, JOY JCS's Organisation for Youths was inaugurated at the Dewan Serbaguna, Maktab Kerjasama Malaysia, Petaling Jaya by the President K.Thillainathan. Thirty-two youth members of JCS and seven Board members attended the inauguration. JCS purchased its 9th property, 48 & 50 Jalan Padang Belia, Kuala Lumpur. JCS purchased its 10th property, Lot 2746 in the Mukim of Klang.
In 1996, First Parents Day celebration attended by more than 600 members was held at Thean Hou Temple Hall, Kuala Lumpur. Mrs. Annamah Retnam and Mr M.Senathipathy were bestowed the Mother of the Year and Father of the Year awards respectively. On September 7, JCS National Day Dinner and Saree Queen Contest was held at Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
In 1997, Eeswara Year Cultural Night and Dinner was held at Dewan Ashoka, Brickfields. It was organised jointly by the Brickfields, Petaling Jaya, Pudu/Imbi/Cheras and Sentul Districts . In April, A National seminar at Co-operative College, Petaling Jaya, was attended by two representatives from each district making a total of 66. Participants were familiarised with the Co-operative Societies Act 1993, the Co-operative Societies Regulations and the proposed amendments to the by- laws and regulations of JCS. In May, there was a dinner to Dinner to honour three JCS members who were conferred awards by HRH Sultan of Pahang. Those honoured were Y Bhg. Dato' Seri N.T. Rajah (SSAP), Y Bhg Datuk IR.C. Sivasubramaniam(DIMP), Y Bhg Datuk IR. V Ambilcapathy (DIMP). In December, The EGM adopted the amendments to the By Laws pursuant to the Co-operative Societies Act 1993.
In 1998, The Jaffnese Co-operative Society changed its name to Koperasi Jaffnese Berhad (KJB) in compliance with the directive by the Registrar of Co-operatives. 67th AGM and First Delegates Conference of KJB. It was a historical occasion as it was the first meeting of delegates.Deepavali Cultural Night organised at Kalamandapam, Kuala Lumpur by the KJB Districts of Brickfields, Sentul, Pudu/Imbi/Cheras and Petaling Jaya together with the Selangor/Wilayah Ceylon Saivites Association.
In July, 1999, 75th Anniversary Celebration. Later, in August, In conjunction with the JCS 75th Anniversary the following events were held
The Saravanamuthu Saundaripillai Scholarship Fund with RM 100,000 was launched in Bukit Mertajam. This fund was set up by Mr S. Theyaga Rajah Chairman of Bukit Mertajam District in memory of his parents
Mr Logeswaran Rajasvaran a KJB member from Klang District was awarded the KJB 75th Anniversary commemorative Scholarship.He received RM 10,000 which was funded by Klang District.
A 1.2141 ha piece of land in Klang bought in 1994 for property development was sold at a profit.
KJB Educational Incentive Awards ceremony was held at the Kalamandapam, Lrg Scott, Kuala Lumpur for recipients from KJB Districts of Brickfields, Cheras, Kajang, Klang, Kuala Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Rawang, Sentul and Seremban.
A residential Youth Seminar was held at the Co-operative College of Malaysia entitled Empower Yourself Towards Excellence. A total of 47 members aged between 18 to 35 years participated in this 3 day seminar.
JCS awarded 3rd placing for the Anugerah Kualiti Koperasi 2003
JCS becomes 80 years old and it culminates with the Anniversary Dinner and Awards Presentatation on 1st August 2004. JCS Youth Committee celebrated the 80th Anniversary of JCS with a futsal session held on 17.07.2004.
The Ladies Committee of JCS organised a Parents Day function on 19.06.2005 at Hotel Singgasana.
A one day Seminar entitled "Thinking Tools for Children" was held on 04.02.2005 at the Malaysian Association for the Blind. A total 40 boys and 24 girls participated in the seminar.
Postive Action Leadership (PAL) Camp for children of JCS members was organised and held on 8th to 10th December 2006. It was held at the 3K Complex, Jalan Kemajuan, Subang Jaya. A Total of 24 students between the ages of 14 and 17 participated in the Pal Camp.
A one day training Seminar entitled "Motivation for Academic Excellence" was orgainsed and held on 15.10.2006. It was held at the Self Analysis Centre, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur and attended by 24 students of Form 4 and Form 5.
The 4 ½ storey KJB Head Quarters Building located at No. 40 Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3 was upgraded to 5 storey building providing increased floor space. The work was completed on 31.10.2007, JCS office and the Board Room occupies two floors. The floor above which was formerly a Board Room and office of the Exco Officers, has been rented out thereby yielding a rental income.KJB fully sponsored a 3D/2N motivational camp for members' children aged from 14-18yrs. It was held from 7th – 9thDecember 2007 at the Eagle Ranch Resort Port Dickson. A total of 32 children from the various Districts participated in this camp.
On 27th September 2008, KJB sponsored a ½ day "Study Smart" Training Programme which was held at Grand Crescent Hotel, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur and was attended by a total of 24 students from Form 1 to Form 6.
A "Smart Development Programme" was organised for children aged 10 to 13. It was held on 29.11.2008 at the Malaysian association for the Blind, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 31 students participated in the training programme.
A 'Youth Leadership Camp' was held from 12th to 14th December 2008 at the Kem Sri Raudah, Batu 12 ½ Gombak, Selangor. Members' children who participated were in the age group of 12 to 18 years totaling 26 students attended the camp.
The new Cooperative Commission Act known as 'Malaysian Cooperative Commission Act (Amendments 2007) was passed in Parliament in April 2007 and came into force with effect from 1st January 2008.
KJB purchased a unit of 3 storey shop office premises costing RM 1,069,988/-. It is located in Segambut in M Avenue. KJB took delivery of the newly completed building on 14th October 2009
On 6th September 2009, KJB organised a 1 Day 'Study Smart' Training programme. It was held at the KL Indian Entrepreneurs association Headquarters and was attended by 13 Students.
'Building High Performance Team" workshop was held on 10th October 2009. It was held at Hotel Sentral, Brickfields and participated by a total of 21 students between the ages of 17 to 21.
A 3 day 2 nights Proactive Adventure Training Camp was held from 11th to 13th December 2009. The venue was Kelana Resort Hotel, Seremban and was attended by 30 participants.
A Half Day workshop "Who Am I" for lady members was held on 20.12.2009 at Hotel Sentral, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur and attended by 26 lady members.
KJB / JCS sponsored a One-day ( (9am - 5pm) STUDY SMART PROGRAMME for Students sitting for UPSR & PMR Examinations in 2010. The programme was held on 23 May 2010 at Hotel Sentral, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 42 students from the various districts (including Johor Baru and Seremban) attended the one day programme.
