From Local to Global: The Rise of Kari Selising
Kota Bharu: A New Chapter for Entrepreneur Norhazimah Ab Rahman
Kota Bharu: Entrepreneur Norhazimah Ab Rahman never imagined that her decision to help her mother-in-law run a spice factory during the pandemic would lead to a new chapter in her life.
From Humble Beginnings to International Markets
Today, the 40-year-old has not only succeeded in continuing her family’s legacy but is also generating a monthly income exceeding five figures. It all began in 2020 when her mother-in-law, Siti Mariam Ab Aziz, 75, fell ill. With no prior experience, Norhazimah had to take charge of Kari Selising, a spice brand established in 1975.
A Stepping Stone to Global Expansion
According to Norhazimah, Kari Selising products were previously sold only in local markets and grocery stores, but have now penetrated international markets including Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, England, the UK, and Singapore. The Halal MeSTI certification obtained at the end of last year became a stepping stone to expanding her market reach.
From 150kg to 300kg Daily Production
Starting with just 150kg of spices per day, her small factory in Selising, Pasir Puteh, now produces over 300kg daily. Kari Selising currently produces 11 types of cooking spices, including curry powder, kurma, kerutuk, dalca, eggplant curry, gulai darat, turmeric powder, and ground pepper, with the help of five full-time employees.
Challenges and Opportunities
Any disruption in supply from their export countries can affect their operations. There have been times when spice stocks were difficult to obtain due to crises in these countries. They even had to shut down operations for a month due to supply shortages. "This is our main challenge because the raw ingredients are unavailable in Malaysia, except for black pepper, which I source from Sarawak and recently from Pasir Puteh, Kelantan," she explained.
A New Chapter Ahead
Still, these challenges have not dampened her spirit. With strong support from her husband, Mohd Rais Mat Jusoh, the mother of two is now planning to expand her spice-processing factory to meet rising demand. And Norhazimah’s efforts have not gone unnoticed: last year, she was named the best entrepreneur in Bachok district by the Ideas Malaysia Entrepreneur Programme organised by the Asean-Korea Cooperation Fund.
Conclusion
Kari Selising’s journey from local to global is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of its founder, Norhazimah Ab Rahman. As the brand continues to grow and expand, it is exciting to see what the future holds for this Malaysian spice brand.
FAQs
- What is Kari Selising?
Kari Selising is a spice brand established in 1975, known for its high-quality and authentic spices. - What is the current production capacity of Kari Selising?
Kari Selising currently produces over 300kg of spices per day. - What are the sources of raw ingredients for Kari Selising?
Kari Selising sources its raw ingredients from India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Guatemala. - How does Kari Selising plan to expand its operations?
Kari Selising plans to expand its spice-processing factory to meet rising demand and enter new markets.