Dapur Digital Initiative Generates RM2.5 Million In 18 Months

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Dapur Digital initiative, implemented across 15 locations in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, has successfully generated over RM2.5 million in economic returns over 18 months, proving the effectiveness of the community empowerment model based on digital entrepreneurship.

Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said this achievement is not just a statistic, but a testament to the hard work of participants, particularly women from the B40 group, who have become key drivers of the nation's new economy.

"I am extremely proud of all of you because this RM2.5 million is not a mere number, but a very significant amount. You have proven that with the right support, skills, and spirit of cooperation, communities can generate sustainable income and create better opportunities," he said during his speech at the Dapur Digital Appreciation Dinner here tonight.

He also congratulated participants from the Kerinchi People's Housing Project (PPR) and Kampung Limau PPR for securing four shop lots at Bazaria Pantai.

Fahmi emphasised that Dapur Digital, a social experiment by Pepper Labs, has shown impressive success and should be replicated in other areas.

Fahmi further expressed his full support for Pepper Labs' plan to expand Dapur Digital to 15 more locations across the country.

He hopes that successful participants will become mentors to new groups, demonstrating that with dedication, the right skills, and tools, lives can be transformed.

One of the participants from Kerinchi PPR, Normah Hamzah, 48, shared how Dapur Digital has helped her increase her daily income from around RM60-80 from selling nasi lemak by the roadside to a more stable and better income.

"Thanks to this initiative, I now have a clean and conducive kitchen to generate a good income. I only operate from 6.30 to 8.30 in the morning and no longer need to worry about the weather," said the single mother, who supports seven children.

Similarly, Suhailah Sharip shared how Dapur Digital helped her and her friends grow their business in line with current technology trends.

"Through Dapur Digital, we learned to use social media, introduce ourselves, expand our business, and interact with customers. Alhamdulillah, we have seen improvements in our business with what we have learned," she said.

During the event, Fahmi witnessed the presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records award for the 'Most Community Digital Kitchens by a Social Enterprise' to Dapur Digital, in addition to presenting participation certificates.

The Dapur Digital project is an empowerment initiative for the B40 community, especially single mothers and youth, through the digital economy, carried out through strategic cooperation between government agencies and corporate partners.

Dapur Digital functions as an economic hub, enabling micro-entrepreneurs to generate income by utilising digital food delivery platforms to expand their market and boost sales.

-- BERNAMA