Latest news with #SejatiMadaniAward
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
From small timers to big players, villagers take pride in success of snack business
IPOH: What started as a modest community project in a village workshop has now turned into an inspiring success story, earning a group of Kampung Jaya Setia villagers in Kuala Kangsar the coveted Sejati Madani Award. Armed with little more than determination and traditional recipes, the team behind JS Licious turned their humble pumpkin chips into a thriving business and a symbol of rural innovation in the country. Kampung Jaya Setia headman Ebby Shaifullah Yusoff, 54, said the award marked a turning point for JS Licious, a homegrown snack brand known for its innovative twist on traditional Malaysian crisps. "With a team of 15 participants mostly from low-income households and single mothers, we began operations in Nov 2024, launching our first product which is pumpkin-based chips. "This award is more than just recognition and it's proof that we're on the right path. We started with almost nothing. "Now, we're aiming to upgrade our equipment, expand production and apply for halal certification to reach a wider market," he said when met after receiving the award from Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad today. They took home RM100,000 as the grand prize and also won the Social and Economic Progress category under the Perak 2024 Sejati Madani Awards, earning an additional RM5,000. JS Licious currently offers a vibrant mix of local snacks, including pumpkin chips, ginger chips, green pea crisps and sambal glutinous rice crackers. Their newest creation, crispy serunding, is set to hit the market soon. He said the products had already gained online traction via TikTok and Shopee, helping the brand break into markets beyond Perak. "Our sales jumped from RM5,000 to over RM11,000 during the festive season, with deliveries reaching as far as Johor and Kelantan. "We plan to use the prize money to invest in better machinery and involve more villagers. We want JS Licious to be a true example of rural empowerment and innovation," he said. Ebby Shaifullah also extended his gratitude to the district office, local leaders and volunteers who supported the initiative since its inception. "This recognition belongs to everyone in the village who worked tirelessly. It hasn't been easy, but with determination and unity, we've come this far. "What began as a small community effort is fast becoming a model for sustainable rural entrepreneurship in Malaysia," he added.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Health, fitness key criteria in appointment of new village chiefs in Perak
IPOH: Health and physical fitness will be key considerations in the appointment of new village chiefs across Perak, beginning June 1. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said candidates for leadership roles within the Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) must be capable of effectively serving their communities over the next two years. He said a comprehensive evaluation process is currently being conducted by State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun and his team, to assess the performance of all current JPKK chairmen. "Today is May 20, and I want to make it clear that the terms of all 829 village chiefs will end simultaneously on May 31. "A new cycle of appointments begins on June 1, and this time, we are applying stricter selection criteria. "One of the key components of the evaluation is a performance scoring system, in which each candidate must meet a minimum benchmark to qualify for reappointment. "Age, health, and physical fitness will also be considered informally, although no official medical examination is required," he said. Saarani was speaking at the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award and Sejati Madani Award ceremony at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan, here, today. Addressing the leadership transition, Saarani called on outgoing village chiefs to act with integrity, particularly concerning land use and financial management. "If, during your term, you generously offered your land for government use, such as for a hall or community facility, please do not withdraw that offer simply because you are no longer in office. "We have encountered cases where former chiefs demanded the removal of buildings from land they had previously offered. Think of the long-term benefits, and the blessings that come from serving your community," he said. Saarani also issued a stern reminder regarding the proper handling of JPKK funds. "Some chiefs have kept committee funds in personal accounts. That money does not belong to you, it belongs to the JPKK. It must be properly handed over to your successor. "Even if you are not reappointed, do not be discouraged. Continue to serve your community by sharing ideas and guiding your successor. This is not about positions, it is about building our state together," he added. For the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award, Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) was named the winner, taking home RM10,000, while Kampung Sungai Protan (Kerian) and Kampung Ulu Kuang (Kinta) secured second and third place, winning RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively. In the Sejati Madani Award category, Kampung Jaya Setia (Kuala Kangsar) took top honours with a prize of RM100,000, while Kampung Sempeneh (Larut Matang Selama) and Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) claimed second and third place, receiving RM70,000 and RM50,000 respectively.
