Diversify services, be creative in marketing: Ismail Sabri

TANGKAK: Entrepreneurs from rural areas who participated in the mobile entrepreneur or "Mobilepreneur@KKLW2017" programme should diversify their services and be creative in marketing, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the participants needed to come out with smart moves and be more creative in strategising their businesses by using social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others, as this could help increase their monthly income by at least RM2,000.
"Despite the uncertain global economic scenario, the government is aware that many young people, who are interested and have ideas on business, do not have the initial capital to start one.
"The 'Mobilepreneur@KKLW2017' programme is one of the platforms to help the youngsters to start their businesses via the capital provided by the government," he told reporters after launching the programme for the southern zone at the Ledang Giat Mara Centre here today.
Also present was Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri.
Ismail Sabri said each participant of the scheme would receive a complete "mobilepreneurship" package of RM10,000 including a motorcycle, rear box, individualised toolkit and preparation course for business.
He said the government decided to add another RM30 million in allocation following the programme's success last year, in order to attract more participation this year.
"We are targeting 3,000 participants nationwide this year by introducing several new services, compared to only 500 people last year," he said, adding that the participants were also encouraged to propose new services instead of relying on the 14 areas previously offered.
The minister said among the services being offered were automotive, electrical, air-conditioning, beauty and spa, tailoring, computer stores and barber services.
"The programme is open to all Malaysians, aged below 45, who possess at least the Malaysian Skills Certificate Level One (SKM 1) or other skills certificates recognised by the Malaysian government," he added. — Bernama