U.n.i Klinik generates revenue of RM175 mln, creates over 400 jobs

BINTULU (Sept 26): Over the past five years, the implementation of U.n.i Klinik across Malaysia has generated an impressive revenue of RM175 million, said Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) deputy director-general (Entrepreneurship) Dato Zulfikri Osman.

He noted that this initiative has created over 400 job opportunities during this period.

“U.n.i Klinik is one of the brands under Mara’s Professional Entrepreneur Development Programme (ProSPEC).

“We launched this programme nearly five years ago and none have failed; all have successfully operated U.n.i Klinik, U.n.i Farmasi, U.n.i Dental and Pacct (Accounting),” he said at the opening ceremony of U.n.i Klinik Bintulu today.

According to him, there are 131 outlets under Mara’s ProSPEC medical service, with 91 of them being U.n.i Klinik branches with two outlets in Sarawak, namely in Miri and in Bintulu, which operates 24 hours.

Zulfikri added that the U.n.i Klinik outlet in Miri recently received the Mara Best Entrepreneur Award, and expressed hope that the Bintulu clinic would achieve similar success in the future.

Additionally, he said that Mara boasts an extensive ecosystem that has nurtured numerous successful entrepreneurs, both directly and indirectly.

“These individuals have either studied at Mara institutions, pursued further education with Mara funding, or received training and financial support from Mara.

“Mara’s entrepreneurial development ecosystem is unparalleled in Malaysia, offering the most comprehensive support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Mara adheres to the belief that to develop entrepreneurs, at least three key elements must be present, namely human capital development, business development and support facilities.

“This year, RM40 million has been allocated for the development of entrepreneurs in Sarawak, and hopefully young professionals in various fields could benefit from it,” he said.

Zulfikri highlighted that Mara has established a comprehensive network of 344 educational and training centres, ranging from top-notch secondary schools like MRSM to higher education institutions, such as Universiti Kuala Lumpur and the newly founded Universiti Politeknik Malaysia.

“Among these centres, 270 are dedicated to skills and vocational training,” he said.

Elaborating, Zulfikri said for graduates aspiring to become entrepreneurs, Mara’s Entrepreneur Development Division offers a wide array of training programmes.

“Each year, more than 300 training programmes are provided to prospective entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their ventures,” he said, adding that the newly launched programme focuses on Doctor Vet.

Zulfikri said unlike traditional franchises, Mara has created a brand that allows operators to manage their businesses without paying any fees to Mara.

“Mara goes a step further by providing loans to these young entrepreneurs. When Mara grants a loan to these young business owners to operate their clinics, they are given a significant advantage compared to bank loans.

“Typically, if a loan is taken from a bank, the first instalment must be paid in the same month the loan is received and the business starts operating.

“However, with Mara, the first instalment is only due in the seventh month, giving the entrepreneurs a grace period of at least six months,” he said.

Adding on, Zulfikri also disclosed plans to establish Petronas AutoExpert and Auto Service outlets in Sarawak in the near future.

“This initiative is part of the collaboration between Mara and Petronas, with systems provided by Petronas and training by Mara. Currently, there are over 80 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia” he said.

Also present at the event were U.n.i Klinik Bintulu co-directors Dr Mohd Afiq Abdul Latip and Dr Eccleston Kendrick Meramat.