2 days ago
UPLIFTING BUMI ENTREPRENEURS
THE 'Raise the Floor' initiative, under the government-linked enterprises activation and reform programme (GEAR-uP), is a pertinent effort in fostering inclusive economic progress to drive the growth of bumiputera communities and businesses.
In line with this framework, UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), via its subsidiary PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS), has demonstrated commitment to this initiative by creating greater access to economic opportunities for bumiputera vendors.
Aligned with the recently launched 13th Malaysia Plan, this initiative emphasises the participation and empowerment of all communities, particularly in bumiputera development and small and medium enterprise (SME) upliftment.
One such effort involves provisioning retail and business opportunities at PLUS rest and service areas (RSA), which serve as high-traffic commercial hubs across the expressway network.
Pandak Ngah (right) and his team at their kiosk located at the Sg Perak RSA (southbound). — Photo courtesy of PLUS
As the country's largest toll expressway operator, PLUS has partnered with more than 500 local entrepreneurs across its 29 RSAs, 50 lay-bys and four overhead bridge restaurants.
Through its ongoing PLUS Business Partner Incentive Programme (BPIP), the company continues to empower 600 business partners across its highway network.
Under the programme, entrepreneurs receive structured training in regulatory compliance, including halal and BeSS (Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat) certifications, as well as exposure to initiatives for entrepreneurship development and technology adoption, particularly in cashless transaction readiness.
These partnerships reflect a sustained commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing the range of goods available to highway users.
'Not only does this (PLUS) endorsement help to increase sales and awareness, but it also enhances consumer trust in our products,' said Muiz Hot Chicken (Seremban RSA) manager Mohamad Fahazri Mohd Nasir. — Photos by LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Thriving local entrepreneurs
Among PLUS' bumiputera partners are individuals who have brought their own distinct stories and offerings to the RSA retail scene, such as Pandak Ngah.
Pandak is one of eight Orang Asli entrepreneurs showcasing handcrafted goods and traditional forest-sourced products at PLUS RSAs, under the purview of the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) in Kuala Kangsar.
Amran believes initiatives like BPIP build more than just retail spaces; they equip local bumiputera entrepreneurs with the skills to succeed.
These entrepreneurs offer products such as Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah, wild honey and various traditional herbs.
Pandak operates a kiosk at the Sg Perak RSA (southbound) and has been a vendor partner with PLUS for 26 years.
Beginning his journey with PLUS in 1999, Pandak's stall continues to operate to this day, reflecting a deep-rooted resilience in promoting the Orang Asli community's craftsmanship skills and knowledge of our forests.
He said that he is grateful to the company for all the support both he and his community have received over the past two decades.
'They've given us so many opportunities – providing kiosks for us at RSAs and various entrepreneur training programmes to help us run our businesses,' said Pandak.
Diba Cafe (Seremban RSA) manager Hanif Abdul Wahid.
'This has provided our community with jobs and has helped us keep our traditions alive.
'Our goal has never been to become rich, but to help the public by giving them access to these traditional herbs and remedies. Most people wouldn't know how to source these products on their own, so we gather them from the forest and offer them to the public at our kiosks.'
Displaying the same dedication, Diba Cafe, located at Seremban RSA (southbound), has steadily built a strong reputation since partnering with PLUS in 2023.
Specialising in locally sourced products and beverages, such as teh tarik and kopi tarik, the cafe is known for its freshly brewed coffee, crafted using high-quality locally sourced beans.
Diba Cafe (Seremban RSA) manager Hanif Abdul Wahid said that in just one year of operation, the cafe has maintained consistent sales.
'Since we opened here, we have observed a 40-60% increase in sales.
Nik Airina said the establishment of RSAs has created over 3,000 jobs and empowered 520 entrepreneurs, who saw a remarkable growth in profits.
'The footfall here is very encouraging as it is one of the focal points for highway users to make stops.'
Hanif added that through PLUS BPIP, the team has also improved their business standard operating procedures (SOPs), with numerous programmes available for them to build competencies in cleanliness and customer service.
Additionally, the Muiz Hot Chicken fast-food chain, under Muiz Food Industries Sdn Bhd, has grown into a notable local brand with the help of PLUS.
Currently, the brand operates at Dengkil RSA, Tapah RSA and Tanjung Malim RSA, with another kiosk set to open at Ayer Keroh RSA.
Having started with just an RM800 seed fund and a rice cooker, founder Muhamad Muizzuddin Remle initiated the business by frying chicken at a humble roadside stall, before slowly expanding to over 280 kiosks and food trucks nationwide today.
Muiz Hot Chicken (Seremban RSA) manager Mohamad Fahazri Mohd Nasir said support from the community has been instrumental in the brand's success, especially after becoming a PLUS strategic partner.
'After becoming a strategic partner, our sales and brand awareness have boomed,' said Mohamad.
'RSAs are high-traffic areas and the response from customers has been very positive, which has empowered our team to continue to upgrade and improve the quality of our products and services.'
He added that PLUS even runs campaigns to promote their strategic partners to the public, further driving sales growth.
'Being promoted by PLUS has also been very beneficial for our business. Not only does this endorsement help to increase sales and awareness, but it also enhances consumer trust in our products.'
Empowering communities
UEM Group managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin said that initiatives like BPIP go beyond providing mere retail spaces, as they strategically invest in local entrepreneur capacity building.
'By offering comprehensive training programmes and high-traffic commercial environments, we equip bumiputera entrepreneurs with the practical skills and market visibility necessary for their businesses,' he said.
'Through these efforts, we aim to transform emerging small ventures into robust enterprises that drive substantial economic progress within their communities and the nation at large.'
Reflecting the same vision, PLUS managing director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar shared that the establishment of RSAs has created over 3,000 job opportunities for local communities along its operated highways, which collectively serve over 1.8 million users every day.
'Over 520 entrepreneurs have received structured capacity-building and support through PLUS' BPIP,' she said.
'The programme ensures consumer confidence in the operational standards.'
Nik Airina explained that the effects of this incentive are evident based on the performance of participating business partners, which have observed a revenue growth of 35% in 2024.
'This reflects our continuous commitment to uplifting the socio-economic status of bumiputera communities along the PLUS highway network,' she added.
