Mak Long Mart Founder Emphasises the Importance of Perseverance and Charity to Achieve Success

By: Michelle Liew

Work hard now, have fun later - such is the life principle of a successful entrepreneur who is also the owner of a convenience store, Mak Long Mart, namely Datin Hasnah Abd. Samad.

According to her, her time of struggle is the main fuel for her to achieve success and help those in need. Her hard work and perseverance is an inspiration to many young girls.

"I am just an ordinary village girl. My father died when I was 12 years old. My late father was a farmer who cultivated coconut and coffee plantations. Mother is a full-time housewife.

"After my father died, my mother took over all the work including earning a living for us younger siblings.

"Alhamdulillah, my late father left his garden. Even though we faced hardship, our family was able to eat the produce from the garden.

"It's not luxurious because we eat food that we grow ourselves. But it's enough to fill the stomach," she said.

The 49-year-old woman added that, due to the hardships of life, her intention and dream to continue her education in the ivory tower had to be buried.

"Before, I really wanted to pursue my higher education. However, due to insufficient financial conditions and other shortcomings, I only managed to finish my studies up to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)," she added.

As the fifth child of seven siblings, even though Datin Hasnah did not pursue her higher education, the practice of doing good and giving charity made her sustenance abundant.

"It's all a matter of sustenance, but it needs to be followed up with continuous efforts. Wealth does not come just like that, there has to be effort. Always be kind to people. God willing, that sustenance will come to us.

"One of the reasons I agreed to open this shop with my husband is because I want to do charity.”

"It's quite easy when you have your own shop. We also set up a food bank after a few months of opening this store.

"Anyone who comes regardless of race can take the basic ingredients they need such as rice, milk, sugar and more, especially during Ramadan and Syawal," she said.

Hasnah added that since Mak Long Mart started operating around November 2020, it has received a very positive response.

She explained that it indirectly gives space and opportunities to small and medium industrial traders (SMEs) to sell their products.

"My husband and I intended to open Mak Long Mart to make it easier for customers to buy the necessities they need. At the same time, we want to help the community by creating job opportunities.

"This is because many people have degrees but no jobs. So, this is an opportunity for them to build a career with us," she said.