SIBU: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting persons with disabilities (OKU) in entrepreneurship, with Duri Cendol in Sibu standing as a successful testament to this effort.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Datuk Rubiah Wang, during a walkabout on Friday evening, commended the accomplishments of the proprietor, Mohamad Hazemi Mat, noting that his journey should serve as an inspiration for more OKU individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
Hazemi, a 31-year-old deaf entrepreneur, established Duri Cendol under Amnies F\&B Enterprise in December 2023.
With financing of RM50,000 provided under MARA’s special OKU financing scheme, coupled with mentorship through the MERIT (Digitalise Your Restaurant) programme, his business recorded a 30 per cent increase in revenue within just three months.
Today, he employs seven OKU staff members, comprising both full-time and part-time workers.
“Hazemi’s journey is proof that success is not reserved for those with ideal circumstances, but for those who possess the courage to persevere and overcome challenges,” Datuk Rubiah remarked.
She further highlighted that MARA currently supports more than 60,000 active entrepreneurs nationwide through 14 structured entrepreneurship programmes, covering various sectors such as food and beverage, pharmacy, and dentistry.
Under the scheme, OKU entrepreneurs are eligible for interest-free financing of up to RM50,000, alongside access to training and management guidance.
To date, over 20 OKU entrepreneurs across the country have benefited, including two in Sarawak.
Datuk Rubiah expressed her hope that Hazemi’s resilience and achievements would motivate more OKU individuals to seize the opportunities made available and improve their livelihoods.
Also present at the event were Katibas Assemblyman, Lidam Assan, MARA Sarawak Director, A. Razu Abdul Razak, MARA Deputy Director-General (Entrepreneurship), Zahari Aziz and MARA Council Member, Siti Ajar Yasin. -UKASnews
