The Mini Carnival of Rural Entrepreneurs (KUD)@Sungai Besar, here held for three days starting Friday, helps Orang Asli entrepreneurs to interact with the multi-racial community in developing business.
An Orang Asli trader from the Semai tribe from Tapah, Perak, Nasir Abdul, 32, said the programme helped him to be more confident in dealing with the public in addition to increasing his understanding of the business world.
"This is the first time we (the cooperative) have sold products grown outside the area since the Orang Asli Cooperative Pos Musuh Tapah Berhad was established last year and the petai (stinky bean) we have sold so far have been very well received.
“Today alone we have collected RM1,200 from the sale of products from the forest including petai, tapioca, turmeric, galangal and lemongrass. We also sell woven craft items from the Orang Asli Pos Musuh," he said when met by Bernama at KUD@Sungai Besar on Saturday.
Nasir added that through the three-day programme that started yesterday, he was also taught how to promote goods, especially online, with the help of agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
Earlier, KKDW deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the products and handicrafts of Orang Asli entrepreneurs are expected to become the main attraction at the Mini Carnival of Rural Entrepreneurs (KUD)@Sungai Besar at the Sungai Besar Stadium, involving more than 100 rural entrepreneurs including 50 Orang Asli entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) entrepreneur Haryati Mamat, 50, said the programme is also one of her platforms to see and find inspiration for working on new products.
Haryati who has been running a business selling washing soap since joining AIM about five years ago said the programme that brings together entrepreneurs from various backgrounds should continue because it helps rural traders to build a bigger network.
Mini KUD@Sungai Besar was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this morning. It is expected to attract 10,000 visitors.
It also offers the sale of various products including food and beverages, fashion, beauty and health, handicrafts and agricultural products with various interesting activities also planned including traditional cooking demonstrations, e-sports, performances by local artistes and traditional games activities.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
