Single mothers, local entrepreneurs urged to be pro-active in looking for businesses

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NICE WORK: Fatimah receives a souvenir of an embroidery work from Julie (right), witnessed by (from left) Salbiah, Jali and Albar at PPKS Mukah branch.

MUKAH: Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah yesterday called on skillful single mothers and local entrepreneurs to be pro-active in sourcing out for jobs and services from big companies operating in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) to improve their income and living standard.

Fatimah made the remarks in her speech at the opening ceremony of Beards, Ribbon and Embroidery Workshop for Single Mothers (I-Kit) held at Sarawak Youth Development Centre (PPKS) Mukah branch and attended by Julie Hussain (representing director of Woman Bureau in the Chief Minister’s Department), PPKS Mukah branch director Albar Abdul Rahman, Pemanca Mohd Jali Kawi, chief facilitator Salbiah Taib from Malacca and programme supplier Kuspa Arina Bohari.

“There are good business potential in supply of food and rations, laundry and cleaning services and tailoring of corporate uniforms,” she told the 30 participants attending the workshop, citing successful Malay couple in Terengganu who quit their jobs to venture into food catering business at Kertih Industrial Development Park.

The Dalat assemblywoman and chairman of Woman and Family Development Council (MPWK) Sarawak was happy to note that some skilful and enterprising single mothers were able to earn an average income of RM500 per month on normal days and increase to about RM2,000 during festive seasons.

Pointing out the positive development brought about by I-Kit workshops, she disclosed that about 10 I-Kit participants had successfully opened and operated businesses from their own house last year while some were involved in partnerships due to capital constraint and limitation.

Fatimah also called on PPKS Mukah branch to organise skill enhancement courses on sewing, tailoring and embroidery for local woman and interested individuals from Mukah, Dalat, Balingian, Igan and nearby areas during weekends and public holidays, using its manpower and facilities at its premises near the old Mukah ferry point here.

She added: “Woman, Family and Community Development Ministry has allocated RM1.5 million for skill enhancing programme for women throughout the country since 2008, mainly on sewing, tailoring, embroidery making and other craftsmanship.”

She also commended Sarawak Single Mothers Association (PITSA) Kuching, Carnation Club Kuching, PITSA Central Region (PITWITS) and related associations in Bintulu and Miri for their efforts in helping single mothers and women equipped with skills and ability to be independent.