PI1M helps rural entrepreneurs expand businesses
KOTA BHARU: A saloon and spa operator, Yusmaria Zawawi, 31, fully utilises the high- speed broadband Internet access facility to boost her business in attracting between 10 and 15 customers daily.
Despite operating her business, catered for Muslim women in Bukit Bunga, Tanah Merah which is regarded a rural area, it did not hamper her efforts to find customers using digital business facilities. She took advantage of high- speed broadband Internet and WiFi services available at the 1Malaysia Internet Centre ( PI1M) in Bukit Bunga to market her business since she started her business in January.
“I obtained a RM10,000 grant from the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC) through the eUsahawan programme to kick- start my business in early January and now, I have between 10 to 15 customers a day,” she told Bernama recently.
Yusmaria, from Ayer Lanas in Jeli said PI1M provided the latest information and communications technology ( ICT) facilities such as computers and software, fax services, printers, ICT training programmes as well as human capital development.
“My premises is located next to PI1M in Bukit Bunga. I use this centre which provides fast Internet access to promote my business online and it is very effective,” she said, adding she currently planned to expand her business in beauty products.
Yusmaria is among thousands of users who benefited from 69 PI1M centres in the state.
The Gua Musang district has the most number of PI1M at 12, followed by eight each in Tanah Merah and Bachok; seven each in Kuala Krai, Jeli and Kota Bharu; Pasir Puteh ( six); five each in Tumpat and Pasir Mas; and Machang (four). During the launch of PI1M Kampung Kalai, Jeli, recently, Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari hoped the people would fully utilise the existence of 600 PI1M centres nationwide to facilitate day- today operations and generate extra income through digital businesses. — Bernama