BY: CATHERINE SAW

All over the country there are small businesses operated by Pak Cik or Mak Cik, Uncles and Aunties, sometimes with the children or grandchildren helping out and in these difficult times they should be supported for being enterprising.

Usually what they sell is a bargain compared to brick and mortar establishments whose overheads are high and pass off their expenses to be absorbed by consumers which means in the end having to pay more.

But the products and services offered by small enterprises are just as good, if not better, and this is why during these times of rising prices consumers should be smart to budget in such a way by patronising small businesses.

While they don’t offer five star comfort in going about doing business, it is something not necessary nowadays, the frills and the fancy setups, as many are struggling in keeping in check their household finances.

The savings derived by dealing with these small businesses can be ploughed back and used to extend and stretch the ringgit that more Malaysians can live more with less by being prudent and wise in this way.

Not only does the customer or consumer benefit, it is also a way in which to assist and encourage small businesses to grow and become of use to Malaysians which will in turn help build up the national economy.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher