Dr Sim (front, centre) beats the drum prior to the start of the anniversary event.
KUCHING: Local merchants should dare to get out of their comfort zones by venturing out, possibly into markets outside Malaysia.
SUPP president Senator Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said they should be more daring and strive to enhance their knowledge in economy in order to become successful businessmen.
“Most of us doing business here never dare to venture out because we have no self-confidence. So I am urging you to enhance your knowledge in economy and be self-confident because the world is your oyster. Merchants should not just focus in Kuching – you should venture out,” he said during the Kuching and Kota Samarahan Divisions Hardware and Machinery Merchants Association’s 50th anniversary dinner at Thian Court Crown Square here Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Hardware, Machinery and Building Materials Dealers Association president Datuk Loh Foo urged local dealers and merchants not to be discouraged by the drop in ringgit.
“Our currency has dropped to an alarming level – the worst in 12 years. This is a very large impression, especially for those dealing with foreign businesses.
“However, do not get discouraged. Get back up and do something about it.”
The anniversary dinner was also attended by Kuching and Kota Samarahan Divisions Hardware and Machinery Merchants Association chairman Law Nai Chiok, event organising chairman Henry Hii and Temenggong Lu Kim Yong.