Mara approves RM500,000 OKU financing scheme, two entrepreneurs in Sarawak among recipients
SIBU (Aug 16): Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has approved more than 20 applications nationwide under its special financing scheme for persons with disabilities (OKU) this year, with an allocation exceeding RM500,000.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said among the recipients were two OKU entrepreneurs from Sarawak – one in Matang, Kuching, and another in Sibu.
'The maximum financing provided under this scheme is RM50,000 and it is interest-free. For example, if one borrows RM50,000, they repay RM50,000. If they borrow RM20,000, they repay RM20,000,' she told reporters after a walkabout at the DuriCendol premises here last night.
Rubiah explained that like other Mara financing schemes, recipients are also given training in business skills and supported through specialised programmes to strengthen their ventures.
In Sibu, one of the recipients is 31-year-old Mohamad Hazemi Mat, the owner of Amnies F&B Enterprise, which operates DuriCendol.
Rubiah signs the plaque at DuriCendol, while (behind her) Mohamad Hazemi and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
Mohamad Hazemi, who has a hearing disability, is a graduate of Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic with a special skills certificate in hotel and catering. He previously worked at RH Hotel here, Hilton Hotel and Secret Recipe in Kuching.
Rubiah highlighted that what makes DuriCendol unique is that seven of Mohamad Hazemi's staff members are also OKU.
In contrast, she said, the OKU entrepreneur in Matang employs staff without disabilities.
DuriCendol has been operating since December 2023 and has shown strong performance, generating over RM35,000 in monthly income.
'And based on the record, his business is profitable where the monthly income exceeds RM35,000 – perhaps due to its strategic location,' she said.
'His signature dish is durian cendol, with durians such as Musang King, Black Thorn, and D24 sourced from Kuala Lumpur to leave a lasting impression on customers,' Rubiah said.
She added that Mara would consider extending further assistance to Mohamad Hazemi should he wish to expand his business in the future.
Beyond OKU assistance, Rubiah said Mara has spent over RM30 million to support 250 entrepreneurs in Sarawak this year.
Nationally, some 60,000 active entrepreneurs are benefiting from Mara facilities.
'Mara has produced entrepreneurs across micro, small and medium categories. Notably, 60 per cent fall under the micro category with annual earnings below RM300,000. Mara provides not just funding through grants and loans, but also training to create a complete ecosystem for entrepreneurs,' she said.
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan was also present. Financing majlis amanah rakyat persons with disabilities Rubiah Wang
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