Kampung charuk kelian: A traditional snack entrepreneur under the Kampung Charuk Kelian Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) has demonstrated that the KRT's role extends beyond maintaining security and unity, serving as a catalyst for boosting the local economy. Kuih loyang entrepreneur Siti Nasroya Hashim, 51, reported generating an income of up to RM30,000 during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, thanks to economic programs driven by the KRT.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Siti Nasroya began her venture in 2015, starting a small-scale traditional snack business from her home with a gross income of about RM1,000 a month. She initially used her own capital and produced snacks in limited quantities. However, participation in mentoring programs and exhibitions organized by the KRT provided wider market opportunities.
Siti Nasroya noted that although the KRT operates in a rural area, opportunities to participate in exhibitions at various locations, including during National Unity Week celebrations, helped introduce her products to the public. The response has been encouraging, with her traditional snacks gaining recognition and receiving orders from customers both within and outside the district.
In addition to sweet and spicy kuih loyang, she also produces kuih peneram and muruku to meet growing market demand. The success of her business has benefited the local community as well, as she employs five full-time workers, including single mothers and housewives. During festive seasons, more local residents join to help, providing them with opportunities to earn additional income.
Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT chairman Mohd Yusof Yahaya explained that the KRT was established at the end of 2011, and a year later, it was tasked to develop an economic project based on traditional snacks. The project began at residents' homes using their own capital, with the KRT helping entrepreneurs participate in various programs and exhibitions to promote their products.
Mohd Yusof revealed that last year, Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT received an allocation of RM30,000 from the Ministry of National Unity through the Progressive KRT Programme. The funds were used to purchase equipment to speed up production, increasing the production capacity of small entrepreneurs. As the products became better known and demand increased, food entrepreneurs created job opportunities for single mothers, housewives, and senior citizens in the area.
Apart from Siti Nasroya's products, Mohd Yusof mentioned that Kampung Charuk Kelian KRT supports other traditional food entrepreneurs producing bahulu, putu kacang, mazola, coconut biscuits, kuih karas, and banana chips. The KRT also plans to produce new food products such as yellow noodles, which are in early development stages and are expected to further stimulate the local economy.