Selising: Spice entrepreneur Norhazimah Ab Rahman, 40, never imagined that stepping in to help her mother-in-law run a spice factory during the COVID-19 pandemic would open a new chapter in her life. Today, the mother of two has not only succeeded in continuing her family’s legacy, but is also generating a monthly income exceeding five figures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the journey began in 2020 when her mother-in-law, Siti Mariam Ab Aziz, 75, fell ill. With no prior experience, Norhazimah had to take charge of Kari Selising, a spice brand established in 1975. She faced challenges during the Movement Control Order, as she had no experience managing a factory and the staff were unable to work as usual. However, with her mother-in-law’s guidance, she learned everything from selecting raw spices to packaging and marketing.
Norhazimah has successfully expanded Kari Selising beyond local markets, reaching international territories such as Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, England, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. A graduate in Business, Information Technology, and Accounting from MARA Polytechnic College, she credits the Halal MeSTI certification obtained last year as a key factor in expanding her market reach and enhancing the brand’s credibility.
Starting with just 150 kg of spices per day, her factory in Selising, Pasir Puteh, now produces over 300 kg daily. The factory produces 11 types of cooking spices with the help of five full-time employees. Despite relying entirely on imported spices from countries like India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Guatemala, Norhazimah has managed to overcome supply challenges, supported by her husband, Mohd Rais Mat Jusoh.
Her entrepreneurial efforts have been recognized, as she was named Best Entrepreneur in Bachok district in the IDEAS Malaysia Entrepreneur Programme organized by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund last year. Through this program, Norhazimah aims to introduce her heritage spices to the ASEAN market, preserving the authentic flavors passed down through generations.