Youth eager to expand businesses with motorcycle, cash aid

BERA: Graphic designer R. Kalaichelvi, who received a motorcycle via the “Mobilepreneur” programme, said the vehicle will help her service her customers better as she can travel to meet them and deliver their orders.

The 27-year-old from Triang here said she now waited for customers at her premises in town.

“With the motorcycle, I can go and meet my customers.

“Sometimes, those who place orders for wedding cards are busy to drop by my shop and check the samples. Now, I can meet my customers and show them the designs, which is easier.

“There are several new graphic designing software and I hope the programme’s training sessions will help me improve my skills.

“I am relieved that the ministry is helping young entrepreneurs like me expand our businesses,” she said, adding that she operated from her home for four years before renting a premises here in 2015.

Tailor Elinaton Misrani, 34, who also received aid under the “Mobilepreneur ” programme, said her services would soon be just a phone call away.

“Customers come to my place for measurement or to choose materials. However, soon, they can contact me and I will go and serve them.

“Once orders are made, I will send them to my customers and they no longer need to fix an appointment to meet me.”

Elinaton and Kalaichelvi were among the programme’s 73 participants, who each received a motorcycle and a luggage box from Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at Karnival Usahawan Desa here yesterday.

Rural entrepreneur Sazuhaina @ Azlinda Harun said she was happy that she could buy an electrical sauce stirrer machine.

The 36-year-old entrepreneur yesterday received RM250,000 under the Business Improvement Loan Scheme from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to boost her business.

Sazuhaina, who has been operating a sauce factory for 12 years, said she had been hoping to buy the machine as it would help her meet customers’ demands.

“My product, Sos Azimah, is being sold in Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. I am planning to export it overseas.

“However, once I start exporting the sauce, I need to boost my production for local and foreign markets. I hope to buy the electrical machine by June this year.

“The machine will be a longterm solution and I am glad for the assistance,” she said.

Ismail Sabri said the aid would help entrepreneurs expand their businesses.

He hoped other races, including the Orang Asli community, would participate in the programme.