KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 100 entrepreneurs among the asnaf (needy) in the Federal Territories were introduced to e-commerce marketing techniques through the Pembangunan Premis Digital programme.
The programme, implemented by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) in collaboration with MyNic Berhad under the Digital Affairs Ministry, involved zakat fund expenditure totalling RM472,800.
The aim of the programme is to create asnaf entrepreneurs who are aware of technological developments and able to apply digital marketing techniques to grow their businesses.
Through the programme, some entrepreneurs were able to increase their income by 30 per cent, with some earning between RM10,000 and RM30,000 a month.
One of the participants, Ahmad Izzat Amir Ahmad Bahiki, 30, said that his plastic keychain and pin ordering business, which he has been running since 2019, saw positive growth after developing a website for marketing purposes.
"My small business, which operates from home, has thankfully shown improvement through orders received via digital marketing.
"MAIWP has greatly helped asnaf entrepreneurs expand their businesses. With an initial capital assistance of RM1,000, I am now earning RM3,500 a month, depending on the demand," he said at the closing ceremony of the Pembangunan Premis Digital Usahawan MAIWP at the MAIWP Tower seminar hall on Thursday.
The event was officiated by the Minister of the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
At the event, 10 of the top asnaf entrepreneurs were awarded consolation prizes after successfully developing their business websites.
Izzat was crowned the winner for the best website, receiving a certificate of appreciation, a trophy, and a cash prize of RM700.
The second-place winner, Nur Nadiah Anuar, 34, said that the establishment of a website for her prawn fritter business allowed her to also market her catering services and dipping sauce products.
"My business has been gaining more attention because customers can now access more detailed information about the services offered, including prices, quantities, and the ability to make bookings.
"In addition to having a store operating in Segambut, the prawn fritter catering service is offered in the Klang Valley, while the dipping sauces are marketed nationwide.
"Alhamdulillah, I am able to generate an income of up to RM6,000 a month, and I have also been paying zakat in stages to help other asnaf who are in need," she said.
Meanwhile, Na'im said that the asnaf entrepreneurs involved are continuously monitored and mentored and are provided with suitable entrepreneurship training.
He added that the initiative aligns with technological advancements and innovations, ensuring that MAIWP entrepreneurs take advantage of available facilities to grow their businesses.
"This will not only improve the effectiveness of their business operations but will also help our entrepreneurs expand their businesses both locally and internationally.
"I hope entrepreneurs remain committed to learning and growing their businesses. Insha-Allah, when they succeed, they will be able to pay zakat and contribute to others in need," he said.