Azlan Othman
Malay Kedayan Association (PEMEDAYAN) recently donated BND1,000 to local blacksmith Besar bin Mohammed, handed over by its President Zainal bin Tinggal at Jerudong Park Food Court.
The donation served to help the blacksmith, who turned 74 on March 6, purchase a new machine to replace his ageing machine.
Besar has been producing a variety of machetes and knives for the locals since 1988. His workshop in Selayun is his only source of income to support his family since retirement.
The new machine will help him to be more productive and expand his trade into woodcarving, as he can now make walking sticks as well.
PEMEDAYAN President Zainal said the amount may be small, but it means a lot to micro entrepreneurs such as Besar, who did not know where to get financial help to expand his business.
He said the association will continue to support micro entrepreneurs by providing them with an opportunity to succeed.