03/07/2026 09:03 PM

MAF Personnel Sees Future In Kaboat Flix Business Ahead Of Retirement

By Habsah Ismail

PASIR PUTEH, July 3 (Bernama) -- A deep passion for fishing has driven a Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel to venture into the business of selling Kaboat Flix boats as part of his preparations for retirement at the end of this year.

Corporal Mahdi Mohd Azme, 39, said he started the business about three years ago as a side income while planning for his future after retiring from the MAF.

He said the entrepreneurship training he received through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) gave him the confidence to make the business a full-time career after retirement.

“My interest in fishing led me to see the market potential for higher-quality fishing boats at affordable prices for anglers in the country.

"I started sourcing manufacturers in China myself and travelled there to choose designs and specifications suited to local customers' requirements," he told Bernama at the Kelantan Folk Arts Festival (FKRK) in Tok Bali here.

The father of four said the business started with capital of over RM20,000 and now offers various models of Kaboat Flix boats priced between RM2,800 and RM4,700, depending on size and equipment.

Mahdi said the model priced around RM4,700 is the most popular because it has a larger air chamber, making it more stable for sea fishing, including trips to resort islands.

"These boats are not only used by anglers but have also been utilised in rescue operations during floods because of their stability on water," he said.

He added that his experience handling boats and completing boat operation training during his MAF service helped him understand safety aspects and user requirements.

"Furthermore, I am receiving business training through PERHEBAT to become a veteran entrepreneur and already have a boat shop in Pantai Kemasin, Bachok," he said.

Mahdi said family support has been the driving force to expand the business, which now attracts customers from all over Kelantan, with orders also coming from other states.

He hopes the business will continue to thrive after his retirement, allowing his passion for the fishing world to translate into a full-time career while providing quality boats to the country's angling community.

-- BERNAMA

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