Kapit's first woman-owned laundry, homestay opens thanks to Mara
KAPIT (Aug 17): The soft opening of Bunggas Laundry and Bunggas Homestay here yesterday marked a significant milestone for women entrepreneurs in the region, with the business hailed as a shining example of local enterprise success backed by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).
Officiated by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, the event celebrated the achievements of Bumiputera entrepreneur Lucy Jah Iba, who owns and manages the establishment.
'Women like Lucy are living proof that with proper support and determination, rural-based businesses can thrive and even lead in markets often dominated by others,' said Rubiah in her speech earlier.
She praised Mara's role in enabling women entrepreneurs to move forward through financial assistance, training, and development programmes under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
Lucy, who began her entrepreneurial journey in the early 1990s, now runs multiple ventures under Syarikat Bunggas, including a cafe, construction and supply business, controlled goods distribution, and now, the latest additions of a laundry and homestay in Kapit town.
'Opening Bunggas Laundry and Bunggas Homestay has been a dream come true.
'This isn't just a business, it's about creating jobs, empowering locals, and showing that Bumiputera women can be pioneers in any industry,' said Lucy when met after the ceremony.
According to Mara, Bunggas is the first Bumiputera woman-owned laundry and homestay in Kapit, a space typically dominated by non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Her business now employs over 30 staff and records annual sales exceeding RM1 million.
With eyes set on future expansions, Lucy plans to open a 'Mini Mart' and even franchise a Petros petrol station, with the aim of offering more Rahmah Sales outlets and increasing Bumiputera participation in retail and service sectors in Kapit.
'Mara's financial support and training really helped shape our business journey,' Lucy added, citing the RM350,000 business loan, halal certification grants, and digitalisation assistance, including a Point Of Sales (POS) system for Bunggas Cafe and a booking system for the homestay.
As of July 2025, 1,298 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have benefitted from Mara's support, with 56 per cent being women, underscoring the agency's role in promoting gender-inclusive economic development.
The soft launch event was attended by over 50 guests, including Mara officials, local entrepreneurs, and community members.
It ended with hopes of inspiring more women to pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to the rural economy. Bunggas Homestay Bunggas Laundry Kapit lead Lucy Jah Iba mara
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