17/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

6

Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrates Songkran

Food trader beats odds to rake in RM150,000 monthly

o Grilled cuttlefish eatery recognised under Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme, named must-visit culinary spot for tourists

KUANTAN: Starting modestly with a roadside business under a canopy, a local entrepreneur is now recording monthly sales of up to RM150,000. For Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran Enterprise owner Muhammad Hafizudin Muhammad Sarudin, 36, the success did not come easily, but was the result of a 15-year journey filled with challenges and sacrifices. The business, which he runs with his wife, was also selected for the Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme organised by Tourism Pahang, and has become a must-visit eateries for tourists

creation category award. The father of three said his eatery now provides employment to about 15 permanent workers and between 20 and 25 part-time workers. Recounting the difficult times, he said the Covid-19 pandemic and floods were the biggest tests he faced, when he suffered losses of nearly RM300,000, forcing him to sell his food truck, Bernama reported. “At the time, I truly lost everything. I had to sell my first food truck and start again from scratch by operating under a canopy. During that challenging period, Agrobank once again stepped in to help with additional financing of RM20,000, along with moral support and guidance programmes.” On future plans, Muhammad Hafizudin said he hopes to expand the Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran brand to the Kuala Lumpur market within the next two years. Agrobank president and group CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the implementation of the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme in Pahang involved 23 local entrepreneurs. He said 19 companies had successfully recorded increased sales, with total cumulative sales for 2025 exceeding RM10 million, while seven companies secured additional financing amounting to RM434,000. “In terms of capacity development, six companies have expanded their business operations through the addition of new assets. In line with this progress, the companies involved have also made strategic investments in assets and modern technology to enhance operational efficiency.”

BANGKOK: The Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrated Songkran with Malaysian and Thai staff as well as their family members, reflecting close-knit ties within the diplomatic community. Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the celebration provided an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and foster greater cultural understanding among staff in an informal setting. “This meaningful occasion is not only a time of joy and festivity but also one of reflection, renewal and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, our gracious host country.” He said Songkran, which symbolises renewal, gratitude and togetherness, is deeply rooted in Thai culture and serves as a meaningful occasion to appreciate local traditions. “It brings us together as one community, strengthens our bonds and promotes mutual respect and understanding among all members of the embassy.” Wan Zaidi said the embassy employs about 45 Thai staff who assist in its daily operations. The celebration featured a simple yet meaningful programme, including the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony in which staff and family members poured scented water over the hands of senior colleagues as a gesture of respect and to seek blessings for the new year. The event also included a symbolic water-splashing activity involving the children of staff members. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year observed from April 13 to 15, is marked by family reunions, the paying of respect to elders and ancestors as well as the cleansing of Buddha images. The Unesco-recognised festival is also a key highlight of Thailand’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to take part in the vibrant Songkran celebrations. – Bernama

the business gradually. Today, the total financing is nearly RM150,000. If not for Agrobank I might not be where I am today,” he said after the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme Excellence Aspiration ceremony recently. Muhammad Hafizudin was selected as a recipient of the job

heading to Maran. Muhammad Hafizudin revealed that in the early stages, he faced difficulties obtaining loans from financial institutions to start the business, and Agrobank was the first to place trust in him by extending a loan of RM5,000. “From that small amount, I built

Muhammad Hafizudin started the business with a bank loan of RM5,000 and operated under a canopy by the roadside. – PIC COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD HAFIZUDIN FACEBOOK PAGE