Championing Economic Justice: CDC Strikes Gold For Breaking Barriers In Public Procurement
At a time when economic inequality continues to limit progress, CDC's award-winning initiative stands out as a force for change — empowering over 700 entrepreneurs from rural, remote, and marginalised communities in 2024 alone to participate directly in government tenders through the national ePerolehan platform.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
39 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Carving a new life: Kelantan man's Quranic wall art finds fans across South-east Asia
KOTA BHARU, July 26 — What began as a small idea using leftover plywood has now grown into a thriving wood-carving business with customers from across South-east Asia. That is the story of Muhammad Ali Che Pa, 31, who turned to his artistic talent after being laid off as a health product sales representative during the Movement Control Order in 2020. 'I was desperate for income. That's when I got the idea to create decorative wall pieces featuring Quranic verses using wood I already had at home,' he told Bernama at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas, recently. Muhammad Ali Che Pa works on a piece of laser-engraved woodcraft ordered by a customer at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic Relying on self-taught skills from Facebook and YouTube, he spent six months crafting his first piece, which unexpectedly sold for RM150 after being posted online. Today, the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Islamic Management graduate produces a range of Islamic-themed woodcrafts, including framed calligraphy, wall clocks and home décor items, popular among buyers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore. 'Plywood is ideal because it's easy to cut and shape. I sketch the design on paper, transfer it to the wood, then carve and sand it,' he said. Initially, manual carving took up to four days per piece, limiting him to 15 items a month. Muhammad Ali Che Pa inspects the laser engraving process on a woodcraft piece at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic To improve efficiency, Muhammad Ali adopted laser cutting technology two years ago, which significantly sped up production and improved precision, enabling him to meet rising demand. He also received a RM10,000 CNC wood router under Kelantan Risda 's entrepreneur mentorship programme, and expects to receive another laser cutter soon. With upgraded tools, Muhammad Ali now produces over 300 items monthly, priced between RM3 and RM800. His monthly income has since soared to five figures, driven by strong demand for Quranic verse carvings in modern home décor. Some of the laser-engraved woodcrafts made by Muhammad Ali Che Pa at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic 'Each design has its own value. I'm grateful that through this craft, I can share the beauty of Quranic verses while earning a halal, blessed livelihood,' said the artisan, who is assisted by his wife, Nur Hanisah Mohd Zulkifli, 27. Through his brand, Art Lie Craft, Muhammad Ali has proven that wood carving is not just an artistic pursuit. It can also be a rewarding livelihood when fuelled by dedication and sincerity. — Bernama
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Barnama
TNB Evaluating Legal Options After Receiving RM840 Mln Tax Notice
TNB Evaluating Legal Options After Receiving RM840 Mln Tax Notice KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has received a Notice of Additional Assessment for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2022 amounting to RM840.12 million, dated July 24, 2025, from the Inland Revenue Board. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, TNB said that in light of the Federal Court's decision relating to a similar Notice of Additional Assessment issued for YA 2018, it is currently evaluating its available legal options to address the matter. "This evaluation takes into consideration that TNB has already submitted an application for Investment Allowance under Schedule 7B of the Income Tax Act 1967 (including those for YA 2022) to the Minister of Finance," it added. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Gov't Committed To Expanding 5G Coverage To Rural Areas
GENERAL ALOR SETAR, July 25 (Bernama) – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding 5G coverage to rural areas, as part of efforts to ensure local leaders are empowered to use social media for communication with residents. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said his ministry will work alongside the Ministry of Digital and the Ministry of Communications to realise the effort. '... 5G coverage must not be limited to densely populated areas, but extended to KEDA (Kedah Regional Development Authority) zones, FELCRA settlements and other villages. the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), in collaboration with the Digital Ministry and the Communications Ministry, is determined to bring 5G to rural areas,' he said. He was speaking at the opening of the 2025 KEDA Rural Youth and Programme Implementation Planning Committee (4P) Convention here tonight. Also present was KEDA Chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid. Ahmad Zahid added that rural leaders must embrace and be proficient in technology, especially in using social media as a tool to connect and engage with their communities. He also urged them to enhance their leadership knowledge in today's modern era by balancing traditional and contemporary telecommunications systems. He noted that grassroots leaders should engage directly with the people instead of relying solely on reports, stressing that true leadership requires integrity. 'A leader without integrity is like a house without pillars — it will collapse when tested,' he said. Meanwhile, he announced that RM40.7 million has been allocated to KEDA this year to benefit targeted groups, including rural youth throughout Kedah.
