Reaping fruits of his labour

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Congratulations: (From right) Nor Mohamed presenting the RM10,000 mock cheque to Ali and Alias for winning the state-level Bumiputera Entrepreneur Award at Equatorial Hotel.

IN less than four years, Ali Omar, 69, who operates a honey pickled fruits business has managed to increase his annual turn-over from RM30,000 to a staggering RM5mil.

It comes as no surprise that he and his son Alias, 37, bagged the top prize at the Penang-level Bumiputra Entrepreneur Award Ceremony 2010 held at Equatorial Hotel.

The event was organised by the Penang Bumiputra Development Council.

When asked about the secret to his success, Ali, who is fondly known as Pak Ali, replied that he had no secret and it was pure hard work.

“I did not have the opportunity to pursue my studies far. So it is important for me to explore other options and fortunately, I came across this business,” he said.

Ali said his company ‘Jeruk Madu Pak Ali Enterprise’ (Pak Ali’s Honey Pickles Enterprise) has 18 outlets throughout the country.

“Our pickles have also reached Holland and Ireland as well,” said the beaming Ali who has been running the business for the past 20 years.

The pickles are sold at RM12 per kg. The company also produces other products such as juices, ointment, soap, and nutmeg-based face creams.

Ali added that they could not have achieved the success without the support from agencies such as the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute, Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority and Penang Regional Development Authority.

“I would like to express my utmost appreciation to these agencies for their continuous support and help,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alias said that they were planning to set up another factory in Tasek, south Seberang Prai.

“We have bought a piece of land near our existing factory there.

“We have temporarily suspended the operations of our other factory in Putatan, Sabah, due to internal problems,” he added.

“We hope to reopen it soon,” said Alias who has been helping his father since his primary school days.

The duo received RM10,000 after being adjudged overall winner and RM8,000 for winning the agriculture and agro-based category.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop presented the prizes to winners.