KANGAR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has set aside RM1.7 million for the implementation of the Rural Entrepreneur Digitalisation Programme (PPU) this year in an effort to provide direct and practical exposure to rural entrepreneurs transitioning to digital technology.
KKDW in a media statement today said that 1,200 rural entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from the programme with a 10 to 30 percent increase in income after a year of marketing their products online.
“The PPU under the Desamall Programme is an additional initiative implemented by the ministry to bridge the digital gap by helping rural entrepreneurs increase productivity and product marketing efficiency,” it said.
The statement was issued in conjunction with the launch of Northern Zone PPU by KKDW Community Economic Development Division Secretary Mohd Sabri Ramly on behalf of KKDW secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar here today.
The statement said PPU facilitates entrepreneurs to adapt and venture into business online through 12 modules in collaboration with 26 strategic partners of the ministry including Bank Islam, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Maybank, Rural Capital Berhad, Mesinkira, Bayarlah, Fasspay, Boost Biz and CelcomDigi
Other strategic partners are Maxis, Troopers, Ohsem Ads, ShopeeFood, Maybank Sama-sama Lokal, Lazada, Shopee, Peasy, MyMall, Petron Malaysia, Halal Development Corporation (HDC), IPVolusi, TikTok Shop Malaysia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDeC), Dattel Sdn Bhd, Lalamove and MyNIC.
“The ministry has lined up six series of PPU this year, covering Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah. The first and second series in February and June in Kota Damansara and Melaka saw the total participation of 361 rural entrepreneurs,” it said.
Meanwhile, the statement said that in line with the rapid digital transformation, the KKDW has also taken the initiative to introduce the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Consumer Intelligence (CI) technologies in the implementation of the programme.
“These technologies are used to analyse the needs of every participating rural entrepreneur, as well as to identify and propose appropriate digital solutions in their business management and operations,” it said.
An entrepreneur Kristina a/p Bah Uda, 52, who is an Orang Asli of the Semai Tribe from Tapah, Perak, said the PPU greatly helped her expand her product market nationwide by using several online platforms such as Tiktok and Shopee in addition to Facebook.
"I started my business last year by selling homemade products such as body scrubs, facemasks, and perfumes made of basic ingredients such as sugar, turmeric and coffee beans,” she said.
Sharing her sentiment was Muslina Mat Isa, 42, from Pendang, Kedah, who said that she started off by selling crackers and chips which she placed in retail shops, but after participating in the PPU, she is now able to market her own product online.
“I have been selling crackers and chips since 2011, I have 10 types of chips now. With the help from the Kedah Regional Development Board (KEDA), I also have chip-making equipment.
“And after joining the PPU, I am more confident to market my products online more effectively,” she added.
-- BERNAMA
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