By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 12: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to emulate the story of a noodle shop in Shanghai, China.
He said the total population of the foreign country has increased up to 1.3 billion.
“During my trip to Shanghai, I observed a noodle shop with people queuing up for the noodles. Let’s say the operator makes a profit of RM1 per customer and earns about RM2,000 daily. In a month, he earns about RM60,000. This happens in China.
“So in Asean countries, we have over 600 million population. If we sell our ‘Songket Sarawak’ to over 200 million people alone, with each songket =ranging from RM800 to RM1,500, jiak beh liao (Hokkien for ‘unending wealth’),” he said when officiating at the Malaysian Products Carnival 2022 held at Kuching Waterfront here earlier tonight.
He also mentioned that Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 14.2 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of this year had given the impression that the economy is already recovering.
On the franchise industry, he noted that the number of outlets opened in the country in 2021 is 13,779, an increase of 47 per cent from 2020.
Following this, he said the national franchise industry is targeted to increase sales value from RM14.65 billion in 2020 to RM22.66 billion by 2025.
“To date, there are as many as 11 franchise companies with various brands originating from Sarawak covering various categories such as food and beverage, health, beauty, and services.
“I hope more franchise industry players from Sarawak will enliven the country’s franchise industry together,” he added.
He also shared that during his walkabout at the carnival, he had the opportunity to see the products produced by local SMEs.
“When I visited one of the stalls, the operator who produced kek lapis and other food told me about ‘dieting’ ingredients that he used in the products.
“In other words, the producer is also health conscious. He takes care of our diet. Not too sweet, but not too little, and the ingredients are thoroughly researched. I congratulated the operator who requested me to taste their product. It is really delicious,” he emphasised.
Amongst those present were caretaker Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; KPDNHEP deputy secretary-general Datin Roszanina Wahab; KPDNHEP Trade, Distribution and Business Sector director Datuk Rohaizi Bahari; and KPDNHEP Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin. — DayakDaily
