Mohd Hermi Shahuddin found unexpected success after joining the People's Income Initiative (IPR) self-service machine business program. His monthly income soared to over RM14,000, a significant improvement from his previous struggles with uncertain earnings.

Before joining the IPR program's Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) category, Mohd Hermi operated a small stall in Phase 3 of Bandar Puncak Alam and catered food for ceremonies in the area. However, challenges such as inclement weather and unsold food often hindered his earnings, which rarely exceeded RM8,000 per month.

The father of four, including a nine-year-old child with disabilities, faced additional difficulties balancing business and family responsibilities. Medical appointments for his child often forced him to close shop, resulting in days without income.

However, after joining the IPR program, Mohd Hermi's fortunes changed. Alongside his wife, Fadilah Hanum Abu, they now manage a self-service machine business at Angsana 2 College, UiTM Puncak Alam. The government covers all costs, including food preparation and rent, for two years.

Their menu includes various dishes such as fried chicken nasi lemak, pandan nasi lemak, beef kebab bread, sausage roll bread, meatball sets, chicken popcorn, and spicy chicken rice. These items, priced between RM2 to RM5, cater to diverse tastes and are refreshed every six hours to maintain quality.

Through remote monitoring via an app, Mohd Hermi can now spend more time with his family while overseeing the business's operations. Grateful for the opportunity provided by the IPR program, he acknowledges its role in empowering small entrepreneurs like him to thrive while offering affordable food options to the public.

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Source: Sinar Harian