FLOOD DISASTER A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR TRADER TO EARN INCOME UNDER IPR

By Mohd Khairi Idham Amran

SEGAMAT, April 26 (Bernama) -- The flood disaster that struck Johor in March last year turned out to be a blessing in disguise for a food trader, Haida Abdul Rahman, 48, as it opened up an opportunity for her to participate in the People's Income Initiative (IPR) and generate a net income of RM5,000 per month.

The mother of four said she was browsing the internet to pass the time at the temporary flood relief centre that she and her family were evacuated to and came across the Ministry of Economy's website promoting participation in the IPR.

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"I immediately filled out the online form and received feedback from the ministry a week later," she told Bernama in an interview at Universiti Teknologi Mara, Segamat Campus here today.

According to her, she was shortlisted in July last year and, following an interview and house inspection, selected as one of the two participants under the Food Entrepreneur Initiative (INSAN) category for the Segamat district in September of the same year.

The Segamat native said that after taking a course, she was allotted a vending machine placed on campus in October.

Haida, who has been a food trader for 24 years, said previously she could only earn a net income of around RM1,500 per month, but under IPR, she could now generate up to RM2,000 per week.

She said the vending machine is easy to handle and comes with a mobile application for remote monitoring, adding that it also offers a cashless payment method for the convenience of customers.

Haida said she would restock the vending machine with nasi lemak, sandwiches and kuih during the day and replenish the machine with spaghetti, baby John (mini Roti John), oblong burgers, as well as Korean food such as bibimbap and ramen for variety.

"We offer food items that are a hit with customers, especially students, at Rahmah prices, which are below RM5, and half of our food items are below RM2," she said.

IPR, launched by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli in February last year, aims to assist the poor, hardcore poor and those in the B40 group to generate sustainable income.

The initiative involves cooperation between the government, people, and strategic partners, which aligns with the national approach outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan and the MADANI policy framework's compassion (Ihsan) principle.

Under INSAN, the beneficiary is provided with a vending machine at a dedicated location, and the government will fully cover the monthly rental of between RM600 and RM800 for two years.

In addition to INSAN, the IPR offers assistance under the Agro-Entrepreneur Initiative (INTAN) and Services Operator Initiative (IKHSAN) categories.

-- BERNAMA