Bumiputra hawkers told to upgrade themselves, be more competitive
BINTULU: The small and medium entrepreneurs especially Bumiputera hawkers must continue to upgrade themselves and utilise all the facilities and the latest technology in order to be more competitive.
Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai said there is no point doing business if there is no progress especially when they have been in the business for many years.
“You can’t be doing small business all the time, there is a need to have improvement, the key to success is you must continue to expand your business activities, you have to be good in marketing as well for example using the e- trade platform,” said the Kakus assemblyman at the consumerism awareness programme for the 1Malaysia hawkers and small traders at a hotel here on Wednesday.
During the programme he also witnessed the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between the 1Malaysia Hawkers and Small Traders Association ( PPK1MS) represented by its president Simba Entili and Pengiran Merais Pengiran Ismail representing Bintulu Bumiputera Small Entrepreneurs Association ( PUKB).
The MoU will lead to greater partnership and cooperation between the two associations particularly in development programmes that can benefit their respective members.
Sikie said setting up their own association was a good move to unite all members and with more members they would become stronger to move forward.
“We need more members to strengthen our association and from there you can help one another on how you can expand your businesses. There is a need for you to have a clear direction where you really want to go, your primary objective in business,” he added.
Also present at the event were Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari, and Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism chief enforcement officer Abdul Hafidz Ab Rahim.
At the event, Sikie announced RM15,000 grant for PPK1MS ( Tatau, Balingian, Selangau, Jepak) which was donated by the three assemblymen.
Meanwhile, Simba said to- date they have a total of 81 registered members.
“Initially we received more than 100 application forms but for now we only can approve 81 members.
“This is a platform for us to move forward regardless of our races as we are sharing one objective which is to improve our socio economy,” said Simba.