Government promotional initiatives are crucial for small businesses to grow.
MORE comprehensive entrepreneurship programmes are needed by small business owners throughout Johor.
These initiatives are crucial for business growth, innovation and income generation among the state’s diverse entrepreneurial community, not just in Johor Baru.
Maslinda wants to see state support extended to small businesses in other districts like Muar and Batu Pahat.
So says Maslinda Ahmad, 38, a promotion and road tour manager for Haos Ek, a beverage company.
“In my opinion, we focus too much on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Johor Baru,” she said.
“There are also small businesses in other districts like Muar and Batu Pahat.
“Issues faced by MSMEs are inadequate business skills, insufficient market exposure and lack of access to capital.
“With the state’s help, we can help grow local businesses outside of the city centre,” she said during the One District, One Industry (SDSI 2.0) Southern Region Showcase at Angsana Mall Johor Baru.
Maslinda said such programmes could also help MSMEs expand their businesses beyond Johor.
Production manager Muhammad Qutham Khairuddin, 30, of Rabbisyfina Food Industry, said monthly entrepreneurship programmes helped to keep small businesses sustainable until they could stand on their own.
“We are part of the Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) entrepreneurship tour in Johor Baru,” he said.
“Johor Baru is ideal for new startups as they can gain exposure from local and Singaporean customers.
“But without such platforms and promotions from the state government, it will be hard.”
Muhammad Qutham said his company’s main product was noodles made from vegetables, and the brand had just entered the Singapore market.
Muhammad Qutham(left) says government-aided promotional programmes are a lifeline for small businesses.
BP Skyfood Sdn Bhd director Alan Christopher Vaz, 39, said good market exposure would help not only the business owner but also everyone involved in production.
He said the company’s smoked banana chips product, were made from produce generated by farmers under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) scheme.
“If our business succeeds, these farmers can generate passive income,” he said.
“Most of them have small plots of land and sell their produce to Fama.”
Vaz said the company was working closely with Fama to grow the business in Batu Pahat.
Vaz says his company sources produce from farmers in Batu Pahat.
“Our main market is Kuala Lumpur but everything is processed at our factory in Batu Pahat. We hope to expand our business next year,” he said.
Azfarina Enterprise manager Siti Sarinah Mad Amin, 44, said good exposure helped businesses understand the needs and demands of foreign markets, giving them a chance to compete and grow.
Siti Sarinah says good exposure helps businesses compete and grow.
“We specialise in pet food and have trained in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines on how to make these products and adapt them to local demand.
“Every business needs exposure, whether through programmes or social media.
“It helps entrepreneurs understand their market better and learn from competitors,” she said.
Lekker Food Enterprise founder Rafidah Samsubaha, 40, said she turned what she had learned from living in the Netherlands into a cookie business.
Rafidah (left) promoting products at the One District, One Industry showcase in Johor Baru.
“Having a platform like this programme is important as it creates brand awareness, which is fundamental to building a successful business.
“It also fosters consumer trust and loyalty, differentiates the brand in the marketplace, drives sales and enhances marketing efforts.
“By investing in strategies to increase brand awareness, small businesses can create a solid foundation for sustained growth and long-term success.”
Rafidah said she used to sell her products in Singapore but after the pandemic, she shifted her business focus back to Malaysia and expanded the downstream product into door gifts and hampers to be less dependent on demand during festive seasons.
“We just opened our shop in Bandar Baru Uda last year and hope to be able to send our products to every state in the country,” she said.
SDSI visitor Chai Yeen King, 53, said comprehensive entrepreneurship programmes were important as they helped explain how to apply for government funding.
Chai says government funding with its low interest rate helps businesses increase sales and expand.
“Government funding is good because of the low interest rate, which small businesses can afford.
“It can help improve sales and ease business expansion,” said Chai, who is the managing director of a mould fabrication company that exports its products to Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.
Factory bus driver K. Sritharan, 52, said he had just applied for a RM20,000 loan from the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) through the programme.
“Last year, I applied for RM10,000, which I received, and this year I am applying again to expand my business.
“I lost my job during the pandemic and only resumed working in 2022.
“The pandemic had a huge impact on me and my family, which is why I am using this chance to rebuild what I lost,” Sritharan said.
Administrative assistant T. Vignesvary, 35, said such platforms also provided clear direction and instructions for entrepreneurs on expanding their businesses.
Rabbisyfina Food Industry’s noodles made from vegetables is now available in Singapore.
“Thanks to programmes like these, business owners can ask questions directly to government agencies and be directed to those that can help.
“They can also learn what type of business loans they can apply for.
“It is easier and better this way, especially for those who do not know how to fill out online applications.
“There are many small businesses out there that need help and are looking for ways to increase their income, especially in rural areas,” Vignesvary said.
