AIM members aim for success

1 January 2025

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: Various assistances were presented to the people of Kadamaian Constituency during the recent MADANI KUSKOP Christmas Open House held at Kadamaian Square. The assistance was presented by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Kadamaian State Assemblyman.

One the assistance was in form of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) support amounting RM4,940,700.00 to the Friends of AIM, Kadamaian Constituency represented by Javita Galimau.

“I am the Chairperson of the AIM block Narinang, and we have nine centres within one block. In each centre, there are 12 groups. The members of the Narinang block number around 600 people. However, this funding is for the whole of Kadamaian.”

“For now, those who wish to seek funding should refer to AIM Kota Belud. In the future, like in previous years, we will organise programmes and support each other in all our endeavours.

“We are working together to improve the economic status of each family. We also provide information about AIM to members and potential members. Through this programme, we visit each centre to explain to those who have not yet become members.

“The benefits of AIM entrepreneurs are actually very abundant; one of which is that we are given capital to start something we want to pursue.”

The capital usually starts with a loan of RM3,000, and once it is fully repaid, it will increase further. The maximum repayment period for AIM loans is one year, but there are also those who can repay quickly, in as short as three months. It depends on the ability of the borrower themselves, she shared.

Members' businesses are not only in trade but also in other endeavours such as agriculture and livestock farming.

“I am very happy because we are being attended to by our assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is always attentive to the needs of the people in his constituency,” she said.

Juvita is involved in fish farming, both red and grey tilapia fish in two ponds. She shares that her tilapia farming endeavours have proven to be feasible, and she has successfully marketed them locally.

Killin Yanggang from AIM Cahaya Wanita Tinata received RM25,000 during the Christmas Celebration.

She is a shining example of business success in Kota Belud. Starting with small loans and eventually scaling up to tens of thousands, she has remained unwavering in her efforts to excel in her chosen field.

"I have been involved with AIM for 20 years," she explains. "I initially began my journey by buying and reselling rubber sheets and crepe. After a few years, and once I paid off my initial loan, I was able to borrow a larger amount."

"My husband and I then worked diligently to open a shop selling motorcycle spare parts, and that business has continued to thrive. We have expanded to include additional branches that sell vehicle spare parts and offer vehicle servicing. We also retail car tyres."

"Currently, we operate four branches: three in Taginambur—Julin Motor, Julin Tyre, and Julin Auto Parts—along with one in Inanam and another on Jalan Lintas near Open University."

With this RM25,000 in funding, we plan to use it as support capital, as we have proven to be consistent in our operations. Our sales and repurchases are secure, as are the salaries for our employees.

"At this moment, my husband and I can finally take a brief break for ourselves," she enthused.

She also advises young people aspiring to enter the business world not to fear losses, emphasising the importance of having the courage to face failure. "Don't worry if you experience losses after one or two years; there are many more years ahead to turn things around."

"You must be patient and consistent in selling every day, even on those slow sales days. For those who come to work to learn, with aspirations of starting their own business in the future, we encourage them to do so—provided they take it seriously."

Speaking about Datuk Ewon Benedick as their State Assemblyman, she states, "In my opinion, he is like a caring friend and a leader who genuinely listens to the people's grievances. We hope he continues to be our leader for as long as possible."