norhasyimah-daud — The chocolate business managed by Norhasyimah Daud.

KUALA LUMPUR:

A small-scale home-based chocolate business started by a woman entrepreneur a decade ago has now become a key economic activity for an entire community, thanks to a grant from the national unity ministry.

The grant, offered under the RT Progresif initiative two months ago, has not only enabled the entrepreneur Norhasyimah Daud to expand the business beyond her home but also include members of the Perumahan Awam Seri Perlis 2 Rukun Tetangga (RT) as partners.

With the money from the grant, Norhasyimah, 50, has acquired chocolate-making equipment such as melting and grinding machines, molds, stainless steel cutting boards and freezers.

The expansion has paid off. Norhasyimah said profits have risen from just RM1,500 to RM1,800 per month previously to over RM2,000 now.

coklat — Profits from the sale of chocolates are shared by members of the Perumahan Awam Seri Perlis 2 Rukun Tetangga while a portion of it is allocated to the community fund.

Just last month, they turned in a profit of RM15,000, their best ever.

“What excites me most is that this business provides an opportunity for the community here to earn extra income,” Norhasyimah told FMT.

In May, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang revealed that more than 150 RT groups across the country were already engaged in business under the RT Progresif initiative.

They are into urban farming, food and beverage production, manufacturing health products, handicraft and catering services.

Besides the chocolate business that involves 33 active participants, others in Perumahan Awam Seri Perlis 2, including single mothers and retirees, are also managing a community garden.

RT chairman Latiff Abu Hassan said proceeds from the sale of vegetables from the garden amounted to RM2,500 per month.

The money is used to pay wages, as revolving capital and to help some residents meet their living expenses.

“Previously, RT focused primarily on neighbourhood security but now it also helps residents earn additional income,” he said.

kutip sayur — The sale of vegetables from the community garden at Perumahan Awam Seri Perlis 2 generates about RM2,500 for its 33 participants monthly.

Aaron said the dual benefits of economic empowerment and fostering unity was a cornerstone of national progress.

“Apart from serving as a platform for integration and a symbol of unity, RT also plays a crucial role in addressing the rising cost of living and improving household income,” he told FMT in an interview.

Apart from Perumahan Awam Seri Perlis 2, 151 other RT communities are also reaping the benefits of similar success.

They include Kampung Satey Pantai in Batu Pahat, which generates a yearly net profit of RM12,140; RT Kampung Sinar Budi Lama in Kuching, earning RM68,920 over 15 months; and RT Jalan K, Precinct 11, Putrajaya, with an estimated annual gross profit of RM36,000.

Aaron also expressed confidence that the programme will be featured in the 13th Malaysia Plan, citing its proven positive impact.

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Govt grant gives community chocolate enterprise a big boost

Money given by the national unity ministry under the RT Progresif initiative has helped more than 150 communities raise their income through various enterprises.