Reflexology skills generate income for rural entrepreneurs

Donald speaking during the event.

24 April 2024

By Nabalu News Reporter

PENAMPANG: Reflexology and massage skills have good potential to generate income for entrepreneurs in rural areas, especially when integrated into homestay programmes.

Datuk Donald Mojuntin, the Deputy President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) said by collaborating with skilled masseuses, operators can offer rejuvenating services to their guests, providing them with a relaxing experience after a day filled with activities.

This not only benefits the masseuses by creating a sustainable income source but also enhances the overall tourist experience, making the homestay even more appealing to visitors, he said.

Speaking when launching the Basic Reflexology Course held by Koperasi Industry Desa Sabah Berhad here today, he said by actively promoting these services, entrepreneurs can create an impact on the local economy and empower individuals to develop and showcase their unique skills.

This initiative can help foster a sense of community pride and cultural appreciation, as tourists have the opportunity to experience traditional healing practices firsthand, he said.

Besides shedding light on the potential of reflexology and massage as income-generating activities in rural areas, he also said encouraged the 28 participants to form a cooperative among themselves and operate at a larger scale, which can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings.

Bryan Matasing speaking to the participants during the event.

“The UPKO president, our Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick is the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative and there are many agencies under his Ministry that deal with entrepreneurship and cooperative development,” he said adding that the people can approach these agencies under his Ministry to acquire advices, assistance and fundings.

On the course, he said this could create a ripple effect in the masseuse ’s respective area, through their services which could be carried out at home, evoke interest among the surrounding populace and tourism operators and homestays establishment.

Meanwhile, Koperasi Industry Desa Sabah Berhad which was registered last year is led by Bryan Matasing and the course, supported by Yayasan Bank Rakyat was the first event held by his cooperative.

They chose to hold the course as he believed that the reflexology course can benefit a lot of interested individuals as an income generating activity.

According to him, they would be holding an advanced course in future to ensure that the participants skills are honed to better serve their clients.

“We have a lot of ventures in our pipeline that we hope can be implemented soon,” he shared.

The two-day course starting 24 April, is being conducted by Claudius George, an expert in reflexology who is also involved in aromatherapy, Detox and Spa for several years. -ends