Media & Events

Going digital with business pays off for seaweed collector

25 Aug 2013, The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Kabilah Hassan (pic) used to earn only RM450 a month to put food on the table for eight children.

 

Kabilah and her husband Nordin Lakunnu’s sole income is from collecting seaweed. “My family has been collecting seaweed for generations. If getting a few hundred ringgit was enough then, it is hardly enough for my family now,” she said.

In 2010, someone suggested that the 53-year-old from Kampung Pangi in Kunak, Sabah, set up a website to promote her product.

Going digital became the gamechanger for her business.

Kabilah now earns at least RM20,000 a month from her seaweed business by selling online to buyers as far as China and Japan.

“I’m grateful that technology has helped my business flourish and I’m able to give a better life to my children,” she said.

Kabilah was among eight entrepreneurs named as the Broadband Empowered Entrepreneurs 2013, who received their award from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

In his speech, at the opening of Digital Lifestyle exhibition, the Prime Minister said digital technology and embracing the digital lifestyle could elevate Malaysia to a new level of success, prosperity and global recognition.

He said the national key economic area – content communications and infrastructure is a key element of comprehensive effort for Malaysia to join the ranks of developed nations in the new digital economy.

“The Government remains committed in reducing the digital divide among Malaysians whether in rural or urban areas, rich or poor and the disadvantaged,” he said.

Najib added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has a programme called “Click Wisely” to create awareness and educate digital users on online safety but also etiquette based on the Rukun Negara.

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