1AZAM scheme helps food stall operator expand business
KUALA LUMPUR:The government’s 1AZAM programme has transformed the lives of many poverty-stricken Malaysians since its inception in 2010.
One such person is Sharifah Dun, a 44-year-old entrepreneur who ran a small food stall before signing up for the programme in 2013.
Less than 10 years ago, Sharifah was earning only RM70 a day. Today, she owns a restaurant in Desa Pandan here and earns RM150 a day.
This was after one of her regular customers suggested that she join the 1AZAM programme, an anti-poverty programme spearheaded by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
Sharifah said the programme had helped her and her family escape poverty.
“I started a food business after quitting my previous job at a factory. It was very difficult running a small business in the big city.
“But after joining 1AZAM, I saw a brighter future for myself, my husband and six children.
“I spent the RM3,000 cash aid wisely and I now own bigger premises for my expanding business. I also sell a lot more dishes to my customers,” she told the New Straits Times here yesterday.
Sharifah, however, admitted that she had considered quitting 1AZAM after several of her peers in the programme decided to close their businesses.
“After failing to improve their business, they even sold their equipment because they had lost hope.
“But I kept my spirits up and made some changes. I added variety to my menu and started to take food orders from nearby offices. I also started providing food catering.
“Now I have more than what I had ever imagined. I cannot imagine what I would do today had I turned down my customer’s suggestion 10 years ago,” she said.