From Assistant Engineer to Food Security Pioneer, He Now Earns Five Figures Monthly

Asmadi Ahmad @ Che Amat, 45, traded a comfortable career as an assistant engineer for the food security sector in Kampung Air Papan, Malaysia. He has no regrets, finding financial stability and consistent income in his diverse agricultural and aquaculture ventures. His businesses include high-quality cattle, organic chicken, sheep, banana and coconut cultivation, and ruminant meat sales, which collectively yield a five-figure monthly income.

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I really don't regret my choice, but my involvement in the fishery, high-quality cattle farming, organic chicken, sheep, banana and pandan coconut cultivation, as well as the roasted or frozen ruminant meat business guarantees a stable financial cycle reaching five figures every month.

Starting in 2008 with RM3,000 and a generator from a former employer, Asmadi began as a night market vendor. His former boss encouraged him to pursue any endeavor with dedication and a desire to help others. Soon after, he secured a spot to sell fish at the Tanjung Tualang market, becoming a supplier for nearby traders and restaurants.

His prospects brightened in 2021 when he established his own premises at home. The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided grants for essential equipment like a building, flooring, fish tanks, and electrical wiring. LKIM had been monitoring his quality supply since his market stall days.

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Whatever field you enter, do it with all your heart and with the intention of helping others.

As a wholesale distributor of freshwater fish such as lampam, haruan, puyu, patin, rohu, and tongsan, Asmadi sources from 16 local fishermen and part-time anglers. Eight of these fishermen receive aid from the Department of Fisheries, including living allowances and equipment like nets and boats, enabling them to earn a stable four-figure monthly income. Some suppliers are public or private sector employees, or retirees, who fish for extra money. These individuals can earn between RM40 and RM125 per sale, with consistent retirees potentially earning four figures monthly, saving for pilgrimages or family events.

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LKIM officers 'investigated' me since I was trading at the public market, ensuring I supplied quality fish to customers. As soon as I moved to my own premises, the agency provided grants in the form of equipment such as a business building, flooring, fish tanks, electrical wiring, and other equipment.

Asmadi himself reports a gross monthly income of up to RM6,000 as a fish wholesaler. He only takes a day off on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

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Their income is usually around RM40 to RM125 for each sale, and some government retirees who fish consistently can earn up to four figures a month, with some saving money for the Hajj pilgrimage as well as for their children's wedding feasts.