Pernas Channels Over RM3.4 Mln In Financing To Franchise Entrepreneurs In Kelantan

KOTA BHARU, June 21 (Bernama) -- Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) has, since last year, channelled more than RM3.4 million in financing to franchise entrepreneurs in Kelantan, including participants of the Business In Transformation (BIT) programme.

Pernas chairman Datuk Mohamed Rozhan Mohd Ghazalli said the agency remained committed to guiding and empowering franchise entrepreneurs nationwide, in line with the mandate given to him to elevate Malaysia’s franchise industry to the global stage.

“Pernas is tasked with spearheading the development of the franchise industry in Malaysia and empowering the local entrepreneurial community to become more competitive and sustainable.

“This commitment reflects Pernas’ determination to empower franchise entrepreneurs from the grassroots up, enabling them to expand to both national and international levels,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the launch of the BizFrancais Programme Tour Series held here today, which was also attended by Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib.

Elaborating, Mohamed Rozhan said the Kelantan BizFrancais Programme 2025 brought together nearly 30 exhibitors, including government agencies, franchisors, pre-franchisors, and entrepreneurs under Pernas’ Xcelerator and BIT programmes.

“The BizFrancais 2025 tour series kicks off in Kelantan and will continue in other states such as Sarawak, Sabah and Johor later this year.

“Pernas has guided over 50 franchise and pre-franchise entrepreneurs from the East Coast through various initiatives, including business development and financing programmes,” he said.

One of the recipients, Nik Aloesniha Nik Mohd Alwi, 46, who operates the women’s fitness centre franchise ‘Curves’, said she was thankful for the RM330,000 in financing, which helped her establish the business and expand access to fitness facilities for women on the East Coast.

Inspired by a visit to a Curves branch in Selangor, after struggling with weight issues as well as diabetes and high cholesterol, she decided to open the franchise’s first outlet in Pahang to help other women facing similar challenges.

“I am grateful, as I will be opening a branch in Indera Mahkota 7, Kuantan, Pahang, this August to offer guidance and motivation to women who want to lose weight and stay healthy and confident,” she said.

--BERNAMA