Gutsy single mum perseveres as deepsea fishing entrepreneur

SERDANG: Biby Aisya Assiah Kutty takes being the only woman deepsea fishing entrepreneur in Kelantan as a personal challenge to continue expanding her business.
As a single mother, she said it was not easy for a woman like her to venture into deepsea fishing activities but she had to persevere to continue to succeed.
Biby Aisya, 36, said she ventured into deepsea fishing in 2005 with her former husband, starting with seven boats.
"My former husband allowed me to work with him. Our business grew and, until to date, I have 18 deepsea fishing boats based in Tok Bali, Kelantan," she told Bernama after the opening of the 2017 National Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) here today.
The mother of two was showered accolades and was picked as an exemplary farming entrepreneur, in fact, her name was mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in his speech when launching 2017 HPPNK.
Biby Aisya, who could make more than RM2 million a year from deepsea fishing, selling her catch locally and abroad, was also into cultivating seaweed and selling cosmetics.
"The challenges are numerous because not every woman can board a deepsea fishing vessel and go out to sea. Sometimes, I have to do it and select the catch to be marketed. I also have to handle matters pertaining to the boats," she said.
"My message to women is not to give up. We must always continue to strive, we use all the opportunities given by the government to continue to succeed in whatever sector we venture into," said Biby Aisya, who idolised 'Iron Lady' Datuk Dr Maznah Hamid.
2017 HPPNK has numerous attractions including sales of fresh agriculture produce, fisheries products, food, farming technologies and a tourism exhibition.
A total 500,000 visitors are expected to attend 2017 HPPNK, which is being held for four days from today, with a targeted sale of RM30 million. — Bernama