BELADIN, Betong: The Malay community in the new town of Beladin is taking up the challenge to earn more income for their families.
ENTERPRISING WOMAN: Hashimah (fourth right ) with her staff and family at her cafe in the new Beladin town.
The once fishing village has now been transformed into a town with many economic activities and will enjoy more growth with the allocation of RM500 million from the federal government as announced recently.
The Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) spoke to 33-year-old cafe owner Hashimah Sahari who took the challenge to open the only eating outlet in the new town when no other women in town wanted to do due to risk and fear factor.
“In every business we must be able to take the risk and I am willing to take the challenge,” said Hashimah, who is better known as Nur.
Hashimah said most women make salted fish, local cakes and biscuit but do not dare to venture into food or other business.
Starting in July last year, she said she is supported by her family members who help her in the shop while her husband is an administrative staff at a nearby secondary school.
“Beladin has seen much development in the last 10 years. We are no more in darkness and the good road brings more people. But we need clean water and we hope the government will provide it soon”, she said.
A story like Hashimah’s may be common and often told but for the Malay womenfolk of Kpg Hilir Beladin she might be an eye opener for them to take
up challenges and help improve the income of their families.