Sandakan: The Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry has allocated RM75 million for the benefit of 7,500 participants of the 1Azam programme this year.Speaking at the launch Sunday, its Assistant Director (project & aid), Suzaili Sulaiman, said focus was on grooming and cake-making courses to generate income within three months.
Hamidah Sahari, 44, one of 40 participants of 1Azam programme under e-Kasih was determined to improve her living standard and to escape the poverty trap.
"I used to make cookies to support my family but now I plan to earn more to put my children through school," said mother of 11 children who was judged best participant.
Another participant, Norhayati Iskandar, 17, wants to venture into business at a young age with the help and support provided by government programmes such as 1Azam.
She said this was because she did not excel at school and studied only up to Year Five primary school.
"However, it did not dent my spirit to change my life for the better via business as so many people have succeeded," she added.
The 1Azam programme was launched by Sekong State Assemblyman Datuk Samsudin Yahya.
