KRT Initiative Helps Rural Entrepreneur Rake In Big Bucks

BALING, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- A traditional snack entrepreneur under the Kampung Charuk Kelian Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) here has proven that the role of KRT goes beyond maintaining security and unity, and can also serve as a catalyst for boosting the local community’s economy.

Kuih loyang entrepreneur Siti Nasroya Hashim, 51, said she managed to generate income of up to RM30,000 during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season with continuous support from economic programmes driven by the Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT.

She said her involvement began in 2015 when she started a small-scale traditional snack business from her home, earning a gross income of about RM1,000 a month.

“I started with my own capital and produced the snacks in limited quantities, but participation in mentoring programmes and exhibitions organised by the KRT opened up wider market opportunities,” she told Bernama when met at Kampung Charuk Kelian today.

According to Siti Nasroya, although the KRT is located in a rural area, opportunities to take part in exhibitions at various locations, including during National Unity Week celebrations, helped introduce her products to the public.

She said the response has become increasingly encouraging as the traditional snacks produced gained recognition and began receiving orders from customers within and outside the district.

In addition to sweet and spicy kuih loyang, she also produces kuih peneram and muruku to meet growing market demand.

Siti Nasroya said the success of her business has also benefited the local community, as she employs five full-time workers comprising single mothers and housewives.

“During festive seasons, more local residents come to help, giving them opportunities to earn additional income,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT chairman Mohd Yusof Yahaya said the KRT was established at the end of 2011 before being tasked to develop an economic project based on traditional snacks a year later.

He said the economic project began at residents’ homes using their own capital, before the KRT played a role in bringing the entrepreneurs involved to participate in various programmes and exhibitions to promote their respective products.

Mohd Yusof said last year, Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT received an allocation of RM30,000 from the Ministry of National Unity through the Progressive KRT Programme.

According to him, the allocation was used to purchase equipment to speed up the production process, thereby increasing the production capacity of small entrepreneurs.

He said as the products became better known and demand increased, food entrepreneurs also created job opportunities for single mothers, housewives and senior citizens in the surrounding area.

Apart from Siti Nasroya’s products, Mohd Yusof said Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT also brings together various other traditional food entrepreneurs producing bahulu, putu kacang, mazola, coconut biscuits, kuih karas and banana chips.

He added that the KRT also plans to produce new food products such as yellow noodles, which are currently at an early stage and are expected to further stimulate the local community’s economy in the future.

-- BERNAMA