Uplifting B40 community

Multifaceted socio-economic advantages faced by the vulnerable and marginalized communities in Malaysia, including the lack access to information, resources and opportunities, heighten their vulnerability to the impact of crises. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, with these segments of the population bearing the biggest brunt of the crisis. The crippling effect of the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic was not only felt by the rural poor, but also affected the urban poor. Many experienced sudden loss of job or income, particularly those who are dependent on daily wages as well as those who are engaged in jobs that require their physical presence. Hence, we saw the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable responses that address the different experience and needs of the marginalized and vulnerable groups in Malaysia, which extend beyond provision of basic necessities. This led to our economic empowerment endeavors targeted at uplifting B40 entrepreneurs, and alleviating poverty in the long the run.

Economic Empowerment of B40 Entrepreneurs

Our economic empowerment endeavors are aimed at building the resilience of the B40 entrepreneurs, who are amongst the worst affected by crises in Malaysia. Entrepreneurial Capacity Building Workshops are among the approaches we undertook to equip the affected entrepreneurs with viable entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and guidance for them to improve their existing business or start new business endeavors. Thus far, we have successfully carried out a series of Entrepreneurial Capacity Building Workshops, targeting aspiring and existing B40 entrepreneurs, in the Klang Valley, whose livelihoods are affected by COVID-19. A crucial outcome of this effort is the launching of the E-Jana Portal, which enabled the B40 entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their products. The portal also served as a one-step center for B40 to access needed information and conduct online transactions.

Lessons Learnt

Our experience revealed that economic empowerment serves as an effective tool in supporting B40 Entrepreneurs to sustain through and emerge as successful entrepreneurs during crises. The empowered entrepreneurs continue to uplift their community through sharing of information or creation of job opportunities, and support them in building their lives in the aftermath of crises.