Mini KUD@Festival D'Bendang Could Evolve Into Southern Zone Annual Event - KKDW Sec-Gen

JASIN, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Mini Rural Entrepreneur Carnival (KUD) @ D'Bendang Festival 2024 can serve as a platform for rural entrepreneurs, to boost the economy and expand their market reach, said Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, secretary-general of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). 

He said that the programme also has the potential to be an annual event for the southern zone, similar to Pesta Angin Timur (East Wind Festival) in Perlis.

“Local entrepreneurs in Melaka, and along the Johor-Melaka border, should seize this opportunity to gain insights and connect with KKDW and other agencies, to advance their businesses,” he told the media, during his visit to the mini carnival site at Benteng Negara Camp, Parit Penghulu, Sungai Rambai.

The three-day programme, which began today, has drawn over 150 rural entrepreneurs, including 57 from KKDW and affiliated agencies, and 104 petty traders, particularly, those who are associated with the State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee Offices (JAPERUN), under the Melaka government.

The programme also aims to engage potential rural entrepreneurs, and features the winner of the Rural Business Challenge (RBC), as a source of inspiration for other participants.

“The uniqueness of this programme lies in its fusion of entrepreneurial elements, through the Mini KUD, and rural elements, through the D'Bendang Festival,” he said.

He also announced that the national-level KUD will be held in July next year, in conjunction with the Settlers' Day Celebration, at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Selangor, to bring together rural entrepreneurs from across the country.

Commenting on the mini carnival, oyster mushroom entrepreneur Mohd Syukor Ahmad, 45, noted that the programme provides entrepreneurs like himself with valuable knowledge, exposure, and guidelines related to business, from participating agencies.

“The support and guidance provided by KKDW, and agencies such as FAMA, MARDI and NAFAS, have been crucial for my survival in the oyster mushroom business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mohd Syukor, who was named the 2013 Rural Business Challenge award recipient.

Rozana Musa, 42, who runs Bendang Studio and specialises in ceramic products, said that KKDW-organised programmes, like the Mini KUD, have significantly aided in developing her business over the past 14 years, particularly in terms of marketing to diverse target groups

“We not only identify diverse target groups, but the programme also provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to educate the community on starting a business, and expanding the market for their potential products,” said Rozana, who has produced over 10,000 units of tableware, including ceramic plates, bowls, cups, and decorations.

A total of 25 exhibitors, including various agencies under KKDW, are participating, focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and advisory services.

The mini carnival will be officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister and KKDW Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, this Sunday.

-- BERNAMA