KUCHING: Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament, Datuk Willie Mongin, has encouraged women in his constituency to establish social enterprises.
He said such undertakings not only help to address social problems while generating revenue, but are also seen as a particularly empowering avenue for women.
He believed that social enterprises could provide women with financial independence, leadership opportunities, and a platform to drive social change.
“A social enterprise is a community based business that aims to achieve social good, alongside generating revenue.
“I believe women in Puncak Borneo can be successful in business and then use their business strategies to create a positive social impact in the community,” he said at the launch of Hasrat MADANI Programme – Hari Mesra Warga Emas Sihat & Ceria at the Senior Citizen Activity Centre here today.
Willie commended women from Puncak Borneo who operate the physiotherapy centre at Sinaruh Hill, adding that this business could be turned into a social enterprise one day.
He said his Service Centre had organised a course for these women to encourage them to do business.
He said one of the women then pursued her training to obtain the Sjil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 competency certificate in physiotherapy.
“After she got her competency certificate, she came to me saying she could not find a proper place to practise her skill in physiotherapy.
“Together with a few others, they proposed that I set up a centre for the Puncak Borneo women to provide therapy treatment. So that is how this physiotherapy centre came about,” he said.
As the centre is managed by all women from Puncak Borneo, he encouraged the people in the area to seek physiotherapy treatment to boost the income of workers at the centre.
He said those who have visited the place should also help to promote its services to the community.
He also reminded the public not to take a dim view of women operating the physiotherapy centre.
“I know, in the past when we talk about working in a massage centre, people will think negatively about the person. Today, physiotherapyor physical therapy is a healthcare profession honoured worldwide.
“Professional therapists today help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall physical well-being through various techniques including doing body massage,” he said.
Willie said he had tried body therapy at the centre three times and was surprised by the outcome.
“I used to suffer back pain for many years. But after I went through body therapy there, my back pain has got better.
“I share it with you because I found it was good for me. I suggest you try it yourself,” he said
He said, aside from body therapy, the centre also offers manicure and pedicure services.
Willie said all the women who work at the centre are well trained in their respective field.
