The Rural Business Outlet (RBO) programme is expected to be a one-stop centre for rural entrepreneurs to bring their products to the commercial market.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad (picture; centre) said apart from providing a marketing platform for the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB)-guided entrepreneurs, RBO also aims to promote the products of rural entrepreneurs.
He added that so far 300 products of local rural entrepreneurs will be marketed at the RBO premises with the concept of a premium mini-market known as Rural Brand Outlet.
“The concept of RBO is to promote and market rural products run by small and medium enterprises in cities, based on four clusters - food and beverage, wellbeing, fashion and crafts.
“Selected products also have high potential and quality for the export market,” he said after the launch of the RBO premise in Anggerik Mall, Shah Alam, Selangor yesterday.
He said the RBO outlet at Anggerik Mall becomes the RBO pilot project and its premise is under the supervision of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) - an agency under KPLB.
The 842 sq ft outlet officially began operation on Nov 2 last year.
Abd Latiff added that KPLB also aims to add more outlets in locations that are the focus of many and for that the ministry is looking for skilled operators in the retail sector to market the rural products.
“Previously, people were only able to obtain the products of rural entrepreneurs during exhibitions, as they were only marketed locally or seasonally during carnivals or sales exhibitions of local products such as the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival and the Horticulture and Agro Exhibition Tourism.
“If this programme is well received, it will be just like any other convenience stores in the country - 7-Eleven, KK Mart and 99 Speedmart - which specifically sells and showcases products made by rural entrepreneurs,” he noted.
Additionally, the minister also said the retailer or operator for an RBO outlet will have to pay the rent of the premises and his ministry would help provide the cost of renovating the outlet.
By 2021, KPLB plans to build another RBO premises in Johor Baru, Johor, and the location of the premises is still being identified.
In the future, the ministry also hopes that RBO premises can be established in strategic locations of each state to provide opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to promote and commercialise rural products in the country, while driving the local economic growth in line with increased productivity.
According to KPLB, the target group of this programme consists of rural entrepreneurs who have received guidance from KPLB.
Among the eligibility requirements is an entrepreneur who has a business address in a rural parliamentary constituency under KPLB or any of its agencies namely Mara, Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority, Department of Orang Asli Development, Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, Community Development Department, Institute For Rural Advancement, Kedah Regional Development Authority, Penang Regional Development Authority, Kelantan South Development Authority, Central Terengganu Development Authority and South East Johore Development Authority.
Additionally, entrepreneurs must own companies that are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and have been operating for at least one year from the date of application.
The products marketed should also be made in Malaysia, while the products of rural entrepreneurs with Halal, MUST, GMP and HACCP certificates will be given priority.
Source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/01/08/rbo-to-be-one-stop-centre-for-rural-entrepreneurs/