KUALA LUMPUR, 6 APRIL–YB Steven Sim Chee Keong has highlighted the inspiring journey of local entrepreneur Saleha, whose humble nasi lemak business has grown from a roadside setup into a successful enterprise yesterday.
Sharing the story, Steven Sim said Saleha began her business modestly, operating under an umbrella by the roadside, preparing and packaging nasi lemak on her own from home. Despite facing challenges, including occasional enforcement disruptions, her food quickly gained popularity among customers.
Encouraged by strong demand, Saleha took a RM3,000 loan from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to expand her operations. That initial step marked the beginning of a steady growth trajectory.
After 15 years of perseverance, her business—now widely known as Nasi Lemak Saleha—has transformed significantly. What started as selling around 100 packets a day has grown into a large-scale operation producing up to 15,000 packets daily. The business now includes a restaurant, a central kitchen, and employs dozens of workers.
YB Steven Sim noted that Saleha’s success reflects the impact of continuous support from government-linked agencies, including SME Corp Malaysia and TEKUN Nasional. He added that Saleha was also recognised with the E50 Award by SME Corp, further cementing her status as a successful entrepreneur under initiatives linked to KUSKOP.
He also highlighted the involvement of Saleha’s son, Dr. Rizal, a medical doctor who underwent training with the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INSKEN) and now serves as Chief Operating Officer of the business.
Today, Saleha is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor figure—affectionately known as “Sis Long”—to other AIM entrepreneurs, inspiring many to pursue their own business ambitions.
YB Steven Sim said her journey stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the effectiveness of targeted support in uplifting small businesses into sustainable enterprises.
— MinutesMY / Igneseous Noris
— Photo: FB Steven Sim
