KOTA MARUDU: A total of 20 women from Kota Marudu and Kudat have turned sewing into a source of income after completing a year-long empowerment programme by Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad and Sedcovest Holdings Sdn Bhd.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on helping women from the B40 income group gain practical tailoring and entrepreneurship skills to support their families.
The participants, who underwent hands-on training since September last year, are now producing and selling items such as shirts, corporate wear and traditional garments.
Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Deputy Permanent Secretary II, Moira David said the Sewing Skills Development Programme for Women in the B40 Income Group in Kudat and Kota Marudu complemented the State Government’s efforts to boost rural income and women’s participation in the economy.
“This effort reflects the Government’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening household economies, especially in rural areas.
“Our commitment is clear — to ensure quality human capital development, to uplift women as pillars of family economies, and to make these skills a sustainable source of income,” she said in her speech when officiating the programme’s closing ceremony, here, Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Hibiscus Head of Operated Asset Sabah, Edmund Ang, said the company was proud to contribute to the development of the B40 group and expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Sedcovest.
“For this CSR initiative, we are very pleased to be part of the effort to help the B40 group achieve their aspirations. Working with Sedcovest has been a great experience, and we look forward to exploring more opportunities with other agencies in the state for similar programmes,” he said.
He said while Hibiscus had carried out numerous CSR activities, this was the first focused on sewing.
“We have done environmental and safety programmes before, including one in Kota Belud recently, and even a coastal farming project in Tuaran. But this sewing initiative is something new and we are very happy to see the positive results,” he said.
He added that the success of the participants shows how corporate-community partnerships can lead to real change.
“Their dedication has turned new skills into real income opportunities — a clear example of sustainable empowerment,” he said.
Also present were Sedcovest Holdings General Manager Abdul Rahim Md Zain and Hibiscus Community and Government Relations Senior Executive Durie Rainer Fong.
