Masuliyyah Perniagaan Sejuk Beku with Faith, Resilience and Responsibility

Abstract

Perniagaan Sejuk Beku Keluarga illustrates how an ordinary Malaysian home-based frozen food enterprise evolves into a model of sustainable micro-entrepreneurship amidst rising national expectations for responsible production. The case follows Maryam and Hussin, a couple whose rural upbringing, factory experience, and Islamic values gradually shape their transition toward Sustainable Production and Consumption (SPC) practices, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and participation in the emerging circular economy. Initially driven by financial necessity after factory relocation, their journey expands into a deeper recognition of resource stewardship, waste minimisation, packaging accountability, and community-based recycling. Through guidance from government officers, former supervisors, respected religious teachers, neighbours, and local SPC champions, the couple progressively integrates systematic tracking, cleaner production, and eco-conscious branding into their operations. Their struggles—including rising costs, unexpected crises such as a freezer explosion, and gaps in documentation—become catalysts for organisational discipline and behavioural change. Supported by family, community members, and their children’s higher education, the business increasingly reflects national sustainability goals while remaining grounded in Qur’anic ethics of amanah (trust), shukr (grateful), ihsan (integritiy excellence), and avoidance of waste (la tusrifu). This case demonstrates how micro-businesses, even with limited resources, can meaningfully contribute to Malaysia’s transition toward a circular, responsible, and ethically driven economy.