The flood did not break Abdul Rahman's spirit

KUCHING, Oct 4: Several times faced with flood disasters and losses did not break Abdul Rahman Meran, 67,'s spirit to continue working in the fields of agriculture in order to support his family including three children of people with disabilities (OKU).

An entrepreneur from Gumpey Village, the building said he had been working on livestock for Javanese lampam fish before his pond was flooded in 2007.

However, he chose to rise and rebuild the fortress using his own savings.

"When the flood came, I was disappointed too. But if I continued to be disappointed, I certainly wouldn't have made it to this point. I just have my own passion to pursue a career as a farmer", he said when met after the 2026 Micro Excellence Entrepreneur Award Ceremony (UMK) at MetroCity Event Centre (MCEC), here today.

Abdul Rahman then received a launch grant in 2023 and turned to cultivating the potato crop after its durian plant was also destroyed by flooding.

Currently, he still farms more than 2,000 acres of Javanese lampam fish in addition to continuing his agricultural activities with an average income between RM1,200 to RM1,700 per month.

"My children are eight, four married and three of those who live with us are OKU. My wife is a full-time homemaker, so I have to keep working to support my family", he says.

His perseverance and sacrifice in carrying on life and caring for his family saw Abdul Rahman receive the UMK Special Award 2026.

Meanwhile, Kunchi Banseng from the Sri Aman Division was crowned as a recipient of UMK Icon Award 2026.

Starting out as a single mother with four children working traditional biscuits, her business grew after receiving a Launch Grant and entrepreneurial guidance until obtaining halal certification in 2024.

Its products are now also marketed at Sense of Malaysia, Kuching International Airport and several agencies, with an average income of around RM14,000 per month.