By Mohd Zahid Ahmad Zaki
SARIKEI: Bazar MARA here gives entrepreneurs more opportunity to generate income to improve the economy of their families.
In addition to the attractive design of the building and being a new landmark for residents here, it is also located in a strategic area.
It is expected to be a fully halal premises by the end of this year, making it the first halal zone for the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector here, and the third in Sarawak after Kuching and Sibu.
The building was left empty for about four years and officially opened to visitors on May 20.
Suara Sarawak interviewed some entrepreneurs here on the response received since the opening of the premises.
Noridah Abdullah Chee, 40, said it had been encouraging encouragement since its opening.
“The bazar is located in the heart of Sarikei, hence, it has become a converging point for the people here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mufthahul Ikhsan Drahman, 37, also expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to open the second branch of his hairdressing outlet.
In addition he said the opening of this branch also helps provide employment opportunities to locals.
“With the position of the premises in the heart of Sarikei, it gives an added value to those of us who do business here,” he said.
Towards this end he said the Mara initiative to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs was a very good move.
“MARA has approved a business financing of RM10,000 which I use to improve the equipment in this outlet to ensure customer convenience,” he said.
Sukaimi Sazali, 34, an entrepreneur in the field of photographic services is happy that he can also ply his trade at the premises.
“The presence of customers here is very encouraging and I can generate quite a lucrative income every month.
“I would also like to thank the government agencies involved like MARA for giving traders the opportunity.
“Not only financial assistance but also in terms of traders’ development by conducting courses and imposing low rental rates and others,” he said.
