AKS Nivaas CEO Conferred Dato’ Seri Title

PENANG, 15 July 2026 — AKS Nivaas Sdn Bhd CEO Dato’ Seri R. Muralitharan was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN) in conjunction with the 85th birthday celebrations of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak on Monday (13 July 2026).

Muralitharan received the state’s highest honour which carries Dato' Seri in recognition of his contributions to business, education, and community service.

The prominent businessman has previously been conferred the Darjah Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN), Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN), Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT), and Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK).

In a statement, he said the award reflected a commitment to “truth, hard work and integrity”.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Beyond business, Muralitharan is active in social, educational and religious initiatives. 

His efforts include providing financial aid to underprivileged students, upgrading facilities at Tamil schools, and supporting temple renovation and consecration ceremonies in and around Penang. 

Muralitharan has also channelled assistance to low-income families and provided aid during disasters. His wife, Datin Seri Padmini Pappu Pillai, works alongside him in these initiatives.

AKS Nivaas and Dynuricom

Founded in Butterworth in 1948 as a family business producing sesame oil, AKS Nivaas Sdn Bhd has grown into one of Malaysia’s leading food manufacturers. 

Based in Mak Mandin Butterworth, the company now produces spices, curry powders and instant food mixes for both domestic and export markets.

Muralitharan is also managing director of Dynuricom Sdn Bhd, a contractor registered with Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd. 

The company is involved in utility solutions, infrastructure works and underground cable projects nationwide.

Tributes have poured in from Tamil organisations, business groups and the public following the conferment.