Malay Indian women "uninterested" in business

Kuala Lumpur, Mar. 22 (ANI): Most Malaysian-Indian women in the lower-income group prefer watching television over availing business opportunities available to them.

Speaking on the condition of women living in squatter areas, low-cost flats and estates, Dr. Siti Hasmah Women of the Year 2008 award winner, Vimala Nair, noted that exposing Indian women to business networking was a "daunting task."

"It turned out to be a daunting task. I informed them of the business opportunities, but they gave all sorts of excuses. I also told them about the type of business they could do, but the response is poor," the New Strait Times quoted Nair, as saying.

She was speaking after the launch of a basic entrepreneurial course and handicraft workshop for Indian women here on Saturday.

Nair said the opportunities were limited, but they could be developed into lucrative home-based businesses.

"I told them to spare several hours daily to make muruku and that I would provide them the links to market their product or to sew clothes which I could help them market," she said.

Nair said she was also prepared to arrange for small loans for these people to start a business, but there was little interest.

However, some were doing well, making noodles at home and distributing them to restaurants and hawkers. Also, there were also some women who were engaged in childcare. (ANI)