TAMAN CHEMOR IDAMAN KRT LAUNCHES CATERING, BAKERY ENTERPRISE FOR HOUSEWIVES

IPOH, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- The Taman Chemor Idaman Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT) has launched a new catering and bakery project designed to help housewives supplement their family's income through food-based enterprises.

KRT chairman Karim Din Mohd Ismail said the project was conceived in April 2023, following the receipt of a RM10,000 grant from a non-governmental organisation to launch the community venture.

He said the funds were used to conduct bakery and catering courses for 13 women, aged between 40 and 50, to provide initial exposure and sharpen their skills. 

"We used the funds to run the courses from June to August 2023. It covered various aspects of preparing and producing a range of dishes, including bread, traditional cakes, and more," he told Bernama recently.

The initiative gained further momentum in June last year when the group secured an additional RM10,000 granted through the Progressive Neighbourhood Watch (RT) initiative under the National Unity Ministry.

He explained that this funding was combined with a separate RM30,000 allocation secured from the Prime Minister's Office in November 2023 to purchase a cabin and construct an open hall for the Taman Chemor Idaman KRT, providing a dedicated facility for the project. 

He said the venture began to yield tangible results when they successfully secured a 150-pax catering order from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage in November last year. 

He noted that the team passed this initial 'test' admirably, fulfilling the order to the organiser's specifications, proving their capability to handle large-scale catering, and significantly boosting their confidence. 

"We continued to grow from that point. We now receive two to three orders a month," he said, adding that the revenue is channelled into the Taman Chemor Idaman KRT fund.

A portion of the profits is then distributed to each participating housewife as remuneration for their contributions in making the project a success.

To ensure a sustainable income stream, Karim Din said some participants have taken the initiative to produce and sell bread, traditional cakes, pastries, and chapati at the community hall every weekday.

He said these items are made in the participants' homes, based on pre-orders and demand from residents of Taman Chemor Idaman and the wider local community.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, 42-year-old Rosyati Talib, said the project has been a huge financial help, providing her with a valuable opportunity to supplement her family's income.

"Since joining the project last year, I've learned many new skills in baking bread, cakes, and pastries. It was tiring at first, and my husband even suggested I quit," she shared.

"However, driven by my interest and a desire to help my husband, I was determined to continue. Alhamdulillah, through my efforts, I can now earn around RM300 to RM400 a week from selling baked goods and catering," said the mother of six.

Rosyati added that beyond generating income, the project has also strengthened the bonds of friendship among the participants, as they continually share knowledge, tips, and experiences while working together on their baking and catering activities.

-- BERNAMA