1AZAM helping women entrepreneurs generate income

KUALA LUMPUR: The 1AZAM programme is creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the country, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Heng Seai Kie.

Close to 3,500 women who participated in the programme have earned approximately RM3,500 a month for three consecutive months under the 1AZAM initiative since it was launched in 2010 until Aug 31.

“The target under the Low-Income Households (LIH) National Key Results Area (NKRA) is 4,000 women entrepreneurs earning RM3,500 a month by December, but the Government is hopeful the target will be exceeded,” she said.

A total of 21,724 participants who earn between RM 200 and RM1,000 monthly also had the chance to gain an additional RM200 monthly through the 1AZAM programme up to the month of April.

Besides that, 14,577 individuals earned more than RM1,000 in additional income by being a part of this programme, she added.

The 1AZAM programme was established to improve the economic well-being of the low-income group especially those who were registered under the e-Kasih system by participating in small business models.

Among the efforts are training and skills building to gain employment opportunities, small business funding, service industry training and business opportunities as well as funding for agriculture projects.