By Asmahanim Amir
Pictures by Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 10 May 2019 – With a starting capital of RM500 in 2010, two siblings studying at the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) made RM600,000 a year by selling a wide variety of branded shoes.

Muhammad Izzat Razali, a third-year Syariah Master’s and his younger brother, Muhammad Syakir Razali, a second-year Master of Dakwah students has made the business as also a focus in addition to theirstudy.

Recalling the beginning of their business, Muhammad Izzat said it had sparked when he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Jordan nine years ago.

“While studying there, I have to find financial resources because I do not only depend on remittances from families in Malaysia. Given my interest in vintage shoes like Adidas, Puma and Converse, I began to buy some of these shoes retail in the used shops there (Jordan), and store them before being sold in Malaysia.

“I was just doing business when I returned to Malaysia via social media channels such as Facebook and the response was overwhelming, and by 2016, we expanded our business on Instagram and eBay,” he explained.

After he finishes his study, his younger brother, Muhammad Syakir runs his business in Jordan, while he runs a business in Malaysia.

“I am grateful that Syakir also studied in Jordan and be able to continue business there. Now, we do not depend on using shoes from Jordan only, on the other hand, has expanded to other brand shoes, which are bought in bulk from overseas wholesalers, including in Europe and China,” he said.

Now, the two brothers were proud to have their own shop in Section 7, Bandar Baru Bangi, which houses a wide range of shoes, bags, clothes and belongings hiking.

“But, our main focus is still on shoe sales due to high demand including from overseas customers,” he explained.

Muhammad Izzat, who aspires to pursue PhD studies said, he will continue his business with his brother but do not aspire to become a Lecturer.

“We want to strengthen our family economy and help more people out there who want to work. Through business, we can help others to work together,” he added.

Muhammad Izzat and Muhammad Syakir, who own Tokk Mung Enterprise, won UKM Entrepreneurship Icon.