MARA allocates RM8 million to boost Bumiputera optometry entrepreneurship
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has allocated RM8 million to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities in the optometry industry for Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman said the funds are channelled through the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme. It aims to support about 30 participants in opening businesses in shopping complexes, with a maximum financing limit of RM400,000.
'We know that out of 6,700 optometry shops in Malaysia, only 10 per cent are Bumiputera-owned. We hope the involvement of Bumiputera entrepreneurs can be increased beyond this 10 per cent.
'As such, MARA, in collaboration with La Calisto, will provide support in the form of training, exposure to the latest optometry technology, clinical training, and effective marketing and business management strategies,' he said at the launch of the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme here today.
Also present were La Calisto general manager Wong Ching Fook and MARA Commercial Infrastructure Division director Lailatul Asmah Mohd Tahir.
The collaboration between MARA and La Calisto is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call at the Bumiputera Economic Congress, which encouraged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to collaborate with their non-Bumiputera counterparts to move forward under the Madani government.
Zulfikri said the programme aims to raise public awareness on the importance of eye care while creating more job opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship across the country.
He said the initiative also aims to cultivate more entrepreneurs in the optometry sector by providing skills training, financial support, and comprehensive business mentorship.
He added that La Calisto is also working with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia to identify potential entrepreneurs among optometry graduates to participate in the programme.
'To ensure participants succeed, they must possess knowledge in optometry and marketing, and their outlets must be located within shopping complexes,' he said.
He said that based on records, 90 per cent of special programmes under MARA's initiatives have been successful over the past 10 years, and expressed confidence that this entrepreneur development initiative will achieve similar success.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Security tight at Tan Sri's residence as sukuk probe deepens
KUALA LUMPUR: The residence of a businessman bearing the title "Tan Sri", who has been linked to the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds amounting to millions of ringgit for the construction of a highway in the Klang Valley, was heavily guarded by auxiliary police this morning. Checks by the New Straits Times revealed that several members of the media attempted to enter the gated compound where the highway concessionaire resides, but were turned away. Auxiliary police stationed at the location also instructed members of the press to leave the vicinity. This comes a day after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said that it would be recording the statement of the individual in question regarding the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of sukuk proceeds. According to sources, the businessman was initially scheduled to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya. "Yes, it has been confirmed that he will be present tomorrow (today) at 9am. He has been discharged from hospital after completing medical treatment," a source said. The investigation concerns sukuk funds that were raised for the development of a major highway project in the Klang Valley. Further details are expected following the MACC's questioning. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had confirmed that the highway concessionaire was the key witness in the investigation. Previously, it was reported that 45 witnesses who had earlier provided statements were called in again to assist with the case by furnishing additional information. On June 3, the MACC disclosed that assets worth approximately RM143 million had been seized in connection with the sukuk fund misappropriation involving the Tan Sri. Investigators are also tracing several luxury vehicles and properties belonging to the businessman, both in Malaysia and abroad — including assets located in London and Switzerland. The Tan Sri is believed to be the central figure in the MACC's probe involving the seizure of high-value assets, which include RM37.5 million in cash from personal and company accounts; properties worth RM24.5 million; nine luxury cars valued at RM7.65 million; exclusive watches (RM25 million); jewellery and diamonds (RM6 million); branded handbags (RM3 million); alcoholic beverages (RM3 million); and four horses valued at RM400,000. Authorities have also traced foreign assets exceeding RM15 million, in addition to suspected gambling activities linked to the Tan Sri totalling RM20 million.
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Graft: Ex-Ports boss fined
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The charges stated that, while serving as JPDS director, Abel had accepted bribes ranging between RM33,098.62 and RM59,724.30 from two companies connected to his official duties between 2017 and 2018. Kota Kinabalu: A Former Sabah Ports and Harbour Department (JPDS) director was fined a total of RM700,000 for 15 counts of bribery involving towing services. Session Court judge Jason Juga meted out the sentence to Abel Ongkunik, 52, when the case was brought up for facts and sentencing as he had pleaded guilty to the 15 alternative charges on March 14 this year. Advertisement The alternative charges were offered by the prosecution following the acceptance of Abel's representation letter and the total amount involved in the 15 charges was RM632,296.03. The court had imposed the fines ranging from RM38,000 to RM58,000 for each charge and it was learnt that Abel had paid the RM700,000 fines. The charges stated that, while serving as JPDS director, Abel had accepted bribes ranging between RM33,098.62 and RM59,724.30 from two companies connected to his official duties between 2017 and 2018. The money was deposited into the accounts of three companies at several bank branches in Kota Kinabalu, Lido and Kota Belud. The offences were related to granting permission to a company for towing services in the Kimanis port limit area and approving towing work licences for another company. The alternatives charges fall under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction. The court heard that Abel had the authority to grant approvals for towing services provided by JPDS. He met with the owners of the two companies and arranged for the approvals to be granted by JPDS to both companies for providing towing services. Investigations also revealed that Abel received money from the company owners, with funds transferred from the accounts of both companies into the accounts of three other companies. The accounts and financial dealings of these three companies were under Abel's control. In mitigation, counsel Dominic Chew who represented Abel, requested the court to impose a fine between RM650,000 and RM690,000 for all 15 charges. Chew informed the court that Abel, who has three children, is the sole breadwinner of the family and that it was his first offence. 'In addition, our client has expressed genuine remorse and wished to move forward with his life through his new employment in Terengganu, while providing for his family through lawful means,' he said. However, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Izzati Sapifee proposed at least RM50,000 fine per charge, taking into account the facts of the case, serving public interest and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders. She said Abel, as a director in JPDS at the material time, held the highest position in the department. As such, he should have upheld a high moral standard when dealing with businesses involving JPDS, and in maintaining the image of the public service in the eyes of the public. 'The fact that when he performed such offence, he as a public officer holding the highest position in JPDS, might as well prevent other companies from being granted the same permit for work from JPDS. 'As a director also he should not have personal side dealings with any person or company which are known to him being connected to his official duty,' she said. Abel was originally facing 29 charges involving RM1.29 million of bribes under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24 (1) of the same act. He claimed trial to the charges on March 15, 2022. The 15 original charges were withdrawn, while the remaining 14 main charges were taken into consideration by the court in accordance with Section 171A of the Criminal Procedure Code. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Post-pandemic boom fuels demand for smart, walkable living
KUALA LUMPUR: In the post-pandemic landscape, the property market is experiencing a marked shift toward integrated, walkable communities that harmoniously blend residential, commercial, and lifestyle components. According to independent property consultant Jeremy Tan, this evolving demand is redefining investor priorities. He noted that today's discerning investors are increasingly drawn to developments with inherent growth drivers, including planned infrastructure upgrades, internationally recognised brands, cutting-edge technology integration, and favourable demographic trends. "These elements consistently create upward pressure on both property values and rental yields, providing a foundation for sustained returns." According to him, rare investment opportunities typically offer strong risk-adjusted returns and multiple exit strategies, whether through rental income, resale potential, or asset repositioning. "A rare investment opportunity usually stands out due to a unique mix of hard-to-replicate factors. These are often time-sensitive and offer asymmetric upside potential. They're the kinds of opportunities investors look back on and say, 'I wish I had invested then,' he told NST Property. Tan added that such opportunities often involve scarce assets, including limited-edition properties, exclusive land parcels, or early-stage investments in high-potential developments and prime locations. "Timing is crucial. Entering the market just before major infrastructure announcements, like an LRT station or a large-scale urban renewal initiative, can yield substantial capital appreciation. Very few freehold branded residences in Greater Kuala Lumpur offer such a combination. "We see Shah Alam emerging as a growing hotspot for branded residences. Wyndham Suites i-City is one standout example." He added that the involvement of reputable global brands, institutional investors, or established developers brings a high level of trust and long-term confidence to the investment. Developed by I-Berhad, Wyndham Suites i-City is a landmark 55-storey integrated development located within the i-City Finance Avenue. It comprises a 5-star, 200-room Wyndham Hotel and 312 signature residential suites available for private ownership. The suites, sized between 550 and 865 square feet, are priced at RM441,000, or an average of RM800 psf. Designed for optimal rental performance and low maintenance, they offer an ideal solution for investors interested in short-term stays or hybrid rental models. "We've already seen this model succeed at Hill10 Residences, which shares a building with DoubleTree by Hilton i-City," he said. "Units there have achieved gross yields of up to 7 per cent, with short-stay options delivering even higher returns, thanks to the strong brand association and high-traffic location." A senior property analyst from a local research firm echoed these sentiments, saying that developments aligned with macro trends such as smart cities, sustainable design, branded living, and digital infrastructure are increasingly viewed as future-proof investments. "Branded residences continue to attract discerning investors due to their ability to generate superior returns, regardless of market volatility," she said. She emphasised the importance of location in fully unlocking the value of such properties. Commenting on Wyndham Suites i-City, she said projects situated in mature, strategic hubs tend to appeal to a more affluent buyer and tenant profile, making them highly desirable from an investment standpoint. Wyndham Suites i-City is a smart, tech-enabled lifestyle destination with a strong focus on automation and future-readiness. It is linked to Central i-City, Malaysia's first Thai-owned lifestyle mall, and is just steps from Mercu Maybank, a Grade-A corporate office. The analyst said that these commercial and lifestyle landmarks, paired with i-City's Tier-3 data centre infrastructure, have made the area a magnet for multinational corporations, many of which now prefer setting up operations in Shah Alam over central Kuala Lumpur.
