SHAH ALAM: Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli unveiled a new social enterprise model aimed at lowering the barriers for Malaysians, particularly young people, to start and run their own businesses.
Rafizi said the idea behind the venture stemmed from the need to make business ownership more accessible through partnerships that share both risks and profits.
“The concept of social enterprise is still very new in Malaysia.
“We are trying to create a model where different partners come together and share responsibilities and earnings, instead of shouldering high start-up costs alone,” he said during the launch of the Fleximart convenience store here on Saturday (Nov 1).
He noted that operating such an outlet previously required an average of RM500,000 for franchise fees, renovations and operations.
“We are bringing that down to about RM150,000, complete with renovation, through a ‘Musharakah’ arrangement where partners agree on who does what and who gets what, without paying the fixed costs of a traditional franchise,” he explained.
Musharakah is a financing technique where funds are mingled, and partners share profits and losses based on their contributions.
According to Rafizi, the initiative was designed to help young Malaysians aged 25 to 27 learn entrepreneurship firsthand.
“Most young people today only have the option of employment, earning a median salary of around RM2,000 to RM2,500.
“What the country really needs is for more young people to learn how to run a business,” he said.
Under the new model, he said operation partners would receive a pre-profit salary of around RM2,000, along with a share of profits - a system that motivates them to act like owners rather than employees.
Rafizi said another focus was to challenge the normalisation of high consumer prices in Malaysia.
“We have accepted RM15 coffee as normal, but in reality, the cost of an Americano is only about RM3.
“We can sell it for RM4 and still make a profit,” he said, adding that even RM5 cooked meals can remain profitable while maintaining good quality.
The Pandan MP expressed hope that the model would help tackle food inflation by promoting fair pricing.
He added that the social enterprise will undergo a two- to three-month trial period to test its market viability.
“We will see if consumers are willing to switch to more affordable options without compromising on quality.
“If they do, this model can be scaled up across the country,” he said.
Rafizi, who also leads the Ayuh Malaysia platform, said the project aligns with initiatives such as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat, providing new income opportunities for graduates and homemakers through vending machine businesses and other community-driven ventures.
“It’s a steep learning curve, but if proven sustainable, we can expand it nationwide — creating jobs, empowering young entrepreneurs and keeping essential goods affordable,” he said.
Fleximart, which opens on Nov 1 in Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, would focus on ready-made meals priced under RM5 and affordable groceries, while Kesum, a value-meal eatery, would open on Nov 8 in Pandan Indah.
