As a teacher, I must admit that I am quite pessimistic about the two new businesses launched by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. My skepticism stems not from ill will, but from experience and realism. Running a business successfully requires talent, discipline, and a multivariate skill set. It is an arena that punishes those who enter it lightly—especially those who believe they can juggle it alongside other major commitments.
According to Malay Mail, Rafizi—Malaysia’s former Economy Minister and Pandan MP—has announced two major social enterprise projects under his Ayuh Malaysia platform: Fleximart, a convenience store, and Kesum, a value-meal eatery. Both ventures aim to provide affordable meals and groceries priced under RM5.
The first outlet, Fleximart, opened its doors today (1 November 2025) at 35, Jalan Plumbum U7/U, Section 7, Shah Alam, just a few doors down from Speedmart. It offers a range of affordable items such as:
- Ice cream at RM1 per cone
- Coffee between RM2.90 and RM4
- Mee kari and juice sets at RM5
- Detergent at RM1 per litre
- Ready-to-eat meals like nasi lemak, chicken wraps, spaghetti, and sandwiches—all priced below RM5
The second venture, Kesum, will open on November 8 at 25, Jalan Pandan Indah 1/20, next to KM Bistro. It will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the concept of “asal kenyang, sedap dan murah” (satisfying, tasty, and affordable).
Both businesses will operate as social enterprises, which Rafizi describes as a partnership between capital contributors and workers, where profits are shared among all stakeholders. “The more profit, the higher the workers’ salaries, and the excess profits will be reinvested to keep prices low,” Rafizi explained.
He further noted that if these two “social experiments” succeed, more branches could open across the country—creating jobs for young people and giving them opportunities to learn business ownership through cooperative-style management.
Now, while I find the concept noble and socially progressive, my pessimism lies in the brutal nature of the industries Rafizi is entering. The convenience store and low-cost eatery markets are dominated by giants like Speedmart, KK Mart, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart—players that are not only entrenched but are also masters of supply-chain efficiency, volume pricing, and customer loyalty. Competing with them is akin to walking into a ring full of seasoned fighters while still learning to throw a punch.
Moreover, Rafizi’s recent setbacks in politics add to the perception that this could be a redemptive venture—an attempt to rebuild relevance outside the political arena. Yet, running a business, especially a social enterprise that deliberately sacrifices margins for social good, demands total commitment, operational know-how, and an unwavering eye for detail.
That said, as someone who is pro-working class, I genuinely admire Rafizi’s attempt to reshape capitalism into something more humane. His model, which aims to align the interests of capital and labour rather than pit them against each other, deserves applause. If it succeeds, it could mark a turning point in Malaysia’s retail and employment landscape, demonstrating that profit and compassion can coexist.
Still, I remain cautious. The truth is, it’s always easier to follow the market than to transform it. Yet, even if Rafizi’s project doesn’t fully revolutionize the system, it may at least plant the seed for alternative economic models—ones that prioritize dignity, fairness, and shared prosperity over raw profit.
On one hand, the logic in my mind is saying that Rafizi's venture is going to be KO-ed in the first round itself.
But on the other hand , the idealism in my heart is hoping that he will not only remain standing after the 12 round, when the decision is annouced, it will be his venture that will be deemed as the winner.
So, while I might be pessimistic about his odds, I remain hopeful about his intent. Let us see, as they say, how the cookies crumble.
TheRealNehruism (nehru.sathiamoorthy@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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