KRT Taman Puteri Gunung Food Project: A Model Of Community-Driven Success

By Siti Azila Alias

NIBONG TEBAL, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The snack and traditional food project run by the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Taman Puteri Gunung has become a model of success, showing how community-driven initiatives can boost local entrepreneurship while fostering cooperation and skills development.

Noor Jahan Shamsudeen, project head of RT Progresif Taman Puteri Gunung, said the project, which started in November 2024, now focuses on five main food products: fried bitter gourd, kuih kapit, mini popiah, kuih siput and muruku, produced by five local women entrepreneurs.

She noted that fried bitter gourd is the best-selling product, while kuih kapit and muruku are also popular among customers. The products were chosen for their broad appeal across age groups and steady market demand.

The initiative received RM6,900 in grants from the Ministry of National Unity via the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) Penang, which covered ingredients, equipment, and training, including marketing guidance.

“As there are no facilities at the KRT centre, all production is done at home according to orders, with packaging handled through communal effort by committee members and 20 women,” Noor Jahan told Bernama recently.

On marketing, she said the snacks are promoted through social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as through various programmes and sales organised by government departments and agencies.

She added that the products have received strong support, with steady orders from friends and government offices, and have even reached markets outside Penang, including Kuala Lumpur, increasing the visibility of the KRT on a wider scale.

Positive customer feedback has also encouraged the KRT to plan for more product variations in the future, offering greater choice to consumers.

“Therefore, we hope the Department of National Unity can provide additional grants to purchase equipment, boost production, improve packaging, and carry out more intensive promotion to expand the market for our products,” she said.

Meanwhile, Seberang Perai Selatan Unity officer Mohd Fahmi Ibrahim said JPNIN plays a key role by providing financial support, training, and continuous monitoring to ensure the successful implementation of the RT Progresif programme.

He explained that the assistance is designed to ensure community projects deliver optimal returns economically, as well as in terms of social well-being, with funds allocated according to the needs and type of project.

“For KRT Taman Puteri Gunung, we initially approved RM5,000 for product development, followed by an additional RM1,900. 

“We have an evaluation and monitoring committee, as well as supervising officers at the district level, who review the progress of projects through monthly presentations to track performance against programme benchmarks,” he said.

He also noted that three other KRTs in Seberang Perai Selatan received grants under the RT Progresif programme: KRT Changkat/Ladang Changkat, which manages kelulut honey production; KRT Taman Desa Jawi, focusing on pastries; and KRT Jalan Bukit Panchor, which provides catering services.

The RT Progresif programme was established to empower community economies across eight focus areas: livelihoods, community safety and resilience, leadership, social well-being, lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, heritage and culture, and innovation.

-- BERNAMA