From Passionate Hobby To Career: Logeswaran To Continue Growing Ornamental Fish Business

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- A passion for keeping ornamental fish, which began at the age of 10, served as the starting point for the success of Logeswaran Arumugam, 38, who now runs a modern and exclusive aquarium under his company, SLF Pearl Capital Sdn Bhd.

Logeswaran founded his aquarium in Jalan Reko, Kajang, Selangor, in 2021, which was born out of his love for aquatic life and a desire to share that passion with the community.

“The idea to open this fish store came from a hobby. All the company’s shareholders share an interest in ornamental fish, which inspired us to turn our hobby into a business.

“We want to provide a wide range of aquarium product options for enthusiasts out there,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Logeswaran co-manages the business with his two brothers, Perakash Arumugam and Sakthi Vel Arumugam, with an initial capital of between RM250,000 and RM300,000 that was raised independently.

The entrepreneur said that since the store’s establishment, customer response has been very encouraging, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, with sales reaching around 40 large aquarium tanks per month, measuring three to eight feet, priced between RM1,500 and RM13,500.

Originally from Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Logeswaran said that effective marketing strategies have enabled the company to achieve rapid growth year after year.

“In 2024, the company’s sales doubled compared to the previous year, reaching total revenue of RM1.8 million. This year, we aim to double that achievement again,” he said optimistically.

SLF Pearl Capital plans to move its operations to larger premises that will combine the aquarium store with a cafe.

Logeswaran said the new store is expected to open in June to meet the growing demand of customers.

In addition to selling ornamental fish, SLF Pearl Capital also offers services for building and maintaining fish ponds, aquarium rentals, and professional maintenance for existing aquariums.

To date, the company has served 9,215 customers, sold 14,711 fish and 376 aquarium tanks, maintained 706 aquariums and 279 fish ponds, as well as built or renovated 32 fish ponds.

Among the popular ornamental fish species at his store are tetras, koi, goldfish, ‘super red’ arowanas, and freshwater stingrays, with prices starting as low as RM3 up to RM16,000 each.

Logeswaran holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Control and Instrumentation) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and has over 13 years of experience in engineering and real estate.

He also secured business financing from several local banks, guaranteed by Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP), to further strengthen operations.

“When we received RM150,000 financing from Agrobank in April last year, we were able to increase inventory, expand research and development, and introduce new products like hardscape,” he said.

Additionally, new financing from RHB and Maybank will be utilised to fund the move to the new premises, which is expected to cost approximately RM450,000 for renovation and new inventory purchases.

Furthermore, the company will expand its construction and fish pond services team to meet the growing demand for its products.

Logeswaran is targeting a net profit of RM3 million annually, thereby strengthening the company’s position in the local aquarium industry.

“My advice for those wanting to start a business is to plan first, have a solid business foundation, and not rush to expand.

“Always be ready to implement plans and strategies, but only expand when it’s proven to be suitable.

“Financially, organise all documents and records well so banks can easily accept them. Look for banks supported by SJPP to easily access funds without needing collateral,” he said.

Logeswaran also encourages other entrepreneurs not to give up easily in growing their businesses and to take advantage of all opportunities provided by the government.

“With support through various financing initiatives and assistance, as outlined in Budget 2025, I am confident entrepreneurs will continue to grow and succeed,” he said.

Logeswaran’s efforts align with the government’s focus on developing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which now contribute nearly 40 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Under the MADANI Economic Framework, which aims to raise the ceiling, the government supports the growth of local companies at all levels, as evidenced by Budget 2025, which includes an allocation of RM20 billion for guarantees under SJPP for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In February, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah said over 14,000 SMEs received financing approvals worth RM18.5 billion through the SJPP initiative in 2024.

He added that these SMEs are part of more than 75,000 SMEs that have benefited from SJPP since its introduction in April 2009 until December last year, involving financing of over RM102 billion.

Additionally, on May 5, the government agreed to increase guarantees by RM1 billion under the SJPP, specifically to assist exporting SMEs seeking loans due to the impact of the US tariffs announcement.

-- BERNAMA