KLANG, Oct 29 — The Selangor Madani Entrepreneur Fund (DUMS) continues to prove its effectiveness in helping small entrepreneurs in the state expand their businesses and enhance their competitiveness.
For Dengkil-based gym owner S. Malar Vili, 40, the assistance marked a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey.
Having run the gym for over three years, she first learned about the programme through her village head before deciding to apply, and was eventually selected as a recipient.
“I am grateful to have received three new gym equipment items through DUMS. Since getting the new machines, sales have increased by more than 30 per cent. It has reignited my motivation to keep moving forward.
“Previously, the equipment was insufficient, and customer numbers were low. Thankfully, this state government assistance has really helped,” Malar said.
She was among 118 entrepreneurs who attended the DUMS Plaque Presentation Ceremony, officiated by state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi at the Wyndham Acmar Klang Hotel last night.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Aminuddin Syubli Mahmud, 33, who runs a Western food business under Dapur Kak Mala in Sabak Bernam, also acknowledged the many benefits gained from the state government’s initiatives.
He previously took part in the Selangor Platform (PLATS) programme, which equipped him with valuable knowledge of entrepreneurship and business management.
“PLATS helped me in terms of business knowledge and strategy. Now, through DUMS, I have received business equipment.
"I am very thankful and determined to improve quality and expand the business further,” Aminuddin said.
For laksa seller Noor Jannah Rahim, 39, from Petaling Jaya, the assistance also opened new opportunities to venture into producing value-added products.
“I received equipment like a blender and a freezer, which have made daily operations much easier. Next, I plan to expand by selling laksa gravy in retort packaging.
"The DUMS application process was also very simple and fast,” she said.
Initially introduced in 2015 as the Selangor Micro-Entrepreneur Fund, DUMS was rebranded to better reflect its mission of helping small traders improve operational productivity while easing the financial burden of purchasing business equipment.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government has allocated more than RM20.06 million to assist thousands of micro-entrepreneurs since the initiative was first launched.
