Re-Kayu out to empower B40, PPR youths
KUALA LUMPUR: Who would have thought that repurposing wooden trash could have such a positive impact on the lives of the B40 (low-income) group and People’s Housing Project (PPR) residents, providing them with a viable means to generate income?
Mohd Faizal Ayob leads the way with Re-Kayu, a social enterprise (PSA) dedicated to teaching carpentry and furniture-making skills through the use of recycled pallets and pine wood.
Over the past three years of PSA implementation, Mohd Faizal has not only assisted those who lost their jobs in rebuilding their careers, but also in enabling them to earn a minimum monthly income of RM1,500.
Moreover, some have become successful entrepreneurs, skilfully handling furniture orders reaching tens of thousands of ringgit.
According to Mohd Faizal, 40, the programme, which provides free carpentry training, has drawn in the participation of 50 youths from PPR and B40 backgrounds in the Klang Valley.
“Throughout the two-day course, participants will gain hands-on experience with the functions and applications of carpentry and power tools, designed to save both energy and time.
“They can also learn about carpentry techniques and skills, encompassing material selection, design drawing, lamination, and finishing, while honing their creativity and innovation,” he told Bernama, adding that among the items produced are beds, study tables, benches and shoe racks.
According to the former lecturer at a university in the federal capital, the furniture is produced from wood sourced from warehouses and factories, and it is not only marketed outside the Klang Valley but also available for rent for various occasions.
“In addition to the training provided, we stay connected with participants, monitoring each carpentry task they undertake at home and offering ongoing guidance on equipment usage.
“Our goal is to empower the B40 group, giving them opportunities to reach greater heights,” said Mohd Faizal, who is currently pursuing the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) Level 4 in furniture technology.
Among the PPRs involved in the initiative are PPR Kampung Baru HICOM Shah Alam, PPR Pantai Ria, PPR Lembah Subang, Flat Gasing Indah, Flat Puchong Permai, and Pangsapuri Angkat Angsana USJ 1.
The programme is also implemented with cooperation from various agencies and parties, such as Rakan Muda, local authorities and Persatuan Penempatan dan Pemulihan Penjara (PEMAAF).
It also aims to actively involve former prisoners, troubled youths, and the jobless folks through the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovative Community Cultivation Programme, offering them a second chance to build a be er life.
The PSA initiative has also launched the ‘Return to Work Programme’ in partnership with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and the Malaysian Innovation Foundation, focusing on the cabinet maker module for the same purpose.
Mohd Faizal said Re-Kayu would also collaborate with skills-training centres like the Wood Industry Skills Development Centre (WISDEC), to assist participants in acquiring the Malaysian Skills Certificate and enhance their competitiveness.
When asked about his future plans, Mohd Faizal said his aspiration would be to set up a social enterprise factory specialising in furniture manufacturing for both domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, 42-year-old participant Rahayu Zabani said the programme provided her a platform to nurture her interest in carpentry and assist her in generating additional income.
“The facilities and equipment provided by Re-Kayu are exceptionally comprehensive, making carpentry work much easier,” said the mother of five, who accepts orders for cra ing a range of furniture, including tables, chairs, and kitchen shelves.
Another participant Mohd Helmi Mohd Sulaiman, 34, from PPR Pantai Permai, said he quit his job as an electrician to pursue a career in carpentry that would provide a be er future for his family.
“A er a ending the workshop in March last year, I have built kitchen cabinets for five houses that bring me a satisfying income,” he said.