Kuala lumpur: What began as an initiative to help urban poor communities generate income by selling home-cooked meals online is steadily evolving into vibrant community economic hubs. Launched in 2024, Dapur Digital is now set to expand nationwide while broadening its role beyond food-based businesses to become multi-purpose digital economy centres. Pepper Labs managing director R. Thanaselan said the transformation reflects how the centres have organically grown into spaces serving a variety of community needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, since September 2024, a total of 15 Dapur Digital centres established in People's Housing Project (PPR) areas around the capital have generated more than RM2.5 million in revenue, surpassing the initial target of RM1.2 million within 18 months. Beyond business activities, the centres have also become gathering spaces for residents, hosting events such as wedding ceremonies, Thanksgiving gatherings, and even kindergarten graduations.
Thanaselan stated that Pepper Labs is now working to establish another 15 hubs, expected to be operational by the end of this year, with three planned in Kuala Lumpur, four in Selangor, and the rest likely in Kedah, Penang, Johor, Sabah, and Labuan. He emphasized that Dapur Digital focuses on providing shared, fully equipped kitchens and business facilities that allow low-income entrepreneurs to start businesses using digital platforms.
Moving forward, the initiative remains committed to economic empowerment and expanding beyond food and beverage businesses. All income generated belongs to the entrepreneurs, as each centre manages its own accounts, pays its workers, and retains its profits, while Pepper Labs provides guidance when needed. Locations are selected based on areas with a high concentration of urban poor residents, the availability of suitable unused spaces, and strong support from local stakeholders, with each centre required to serve at least 500 users.
Activities at the centres range from F and B operations to community activities, tuition classes, and AI classes, contributing to community well-being. In just over a year since the first Dapur Digital's launch, the ecosystem's indirect beneficiaries have exceeded 150,000 people. Participants undergo structured incubation programmes lasting up to a year, covering food handling certification, SOP training, onboarding to food delivery platforms like Grab and Foodpanda, and coaching in branding, packaging, and digital marketing.
Thanaselan highlighted that the initiative is supported by government funding, with RM2.5 million allocated in 2024 for the first five centres and an additional RM5 million announced for 25 more, bringing the total allocation to RM7.5 million for the planned 30 Dapur Digitals by the end of 2026.