Selangor UMNO Youth Helps Youths Expand Business
By Siti Aisyah Harun
SHAH ALAM, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Chili and coconut-based food producer Mohd Hizwan Hamdan, 40, thanked the Selangor UMNO Youth, through which he was able to expand his seven-year-old business.
It was over a chat with the Selangor UMNO Youth a few years ago that he learned about the various financial assistance available for entrepreneurs.
Mohd Hizwan said he applied for fund under one of the programmes and received RM15,000 for purchase of an automatic cooking machine.
"I was given the fund under the 1 District 1 Product programme, as recommended by the Selangor UMNO Youth, which also helped me with the application.
"With the new equipment, I'm able to increase production to up to 40 per cent, as well as income of almost RM20,000 a month," he told Bernama.
Mohd Hizwan suggested the Selangor UMNO Youth to continue to disseminate information on business opportunities and assistance to young entrepreneurs provided by the federal government as many still do not know the facilities,including financial assistance, as well as procedures to apply for it.
The concern by the Selangor UMNO Youth also helped to reduce the burden of single mother Hafizah Zainuddin, 26, when the movement provided assistance in the form of school uniform and stationery set for her eldest child, when he wanted to begin his primary schooling last year.
"The assistance was of great help to me as I also have another child to support," said Hafizah, who could not work as she is suffering from systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hyper tension.
Che Mansor Che Amat, 40, who is also a recipient of aid from the Selangor UMNO Youth hoped the movement would continue to help the needy.
The man, who has three children and operates a food stall at Padang Jawa here, said there were still many people in need of assistance from the government and praised the Selangor UMNO Youth for its efforts.
"An average of RM200 is required for a child to enter school, and the amount does not include daily expenses. With the meagre income we get, we are grateful for the assistance provided," he said.
Meanwhile, Selangor UMNO Youth secretary Datuk Ahmad Mua'adzam Shah Yaakop said the movement would continue to intensify efforts and to help improve the living standard of the target group.
He said 2,500 families had benefited under the school-aid programme carried out since four years ago.
Another 700 families will receive the aid next month for the 2018 school session, he said.
As for youths intending to venture into entrepreneurship, he said, there were various programme available and advised them to approach the movement for assistance.
-- BERNAMA
