Soapers, as they call themselves, say they would like to see the government making it compulsory for hoteliers to buy local homemade soap.
They also suggest that cottage industry players be given access to low-interest loans.
Ben Nath, who makes saffron and neem soaps, said times had been hard for the smaller industries, especially since the goods and services tax was implemented.
“All the materials needed to make soap are really expensive and small players like us just cannot afford to purchase these items in bulk,” he told FMT.
Ben accused the government of being more supportive of bigger companies and also claimed Malaysians were often suspicious of local products.
“This is one of the problems,” he said. “No one pays attention to small industries like us. What would be a great help would be a policy ordering hoteliers to buy our soap instead of soap from bigger companies.”
Cassandra Havelock took a slightly more positive view of how the economy was affecting local soapmakers.
“Since the economy went south, we have been affected, but the thing about cottage industries is that our overheads are not that high,” she said. “We can survive as long as we tighten our belts.”
She admitted, however, that running her small operation wasn’t without its challenges.
“My main challenge is financing,” she said. “The banks usually make it so hard for cottage industries to get loans. Not having collateral makes it almost impossible to get a loan.
“I hope our government will be more proactive in helping cottage industries. It can start by helping us to pay for most of the expensive listing fees charged by hypermarkets and shop chains. Also, give us loans at lower interest.”
Havelock sells more than 200 types of goat’s milk and non-dairy milk soaps, including coconut, soya, rice, oat and almond milk.
