Transformasi Asnaf Miskin kepada Usahawan Mampan: Satu Model Empirikal Daya Saing: Transforming Asnaf Miskin Into Sustainable Entrepreneurs: An Empirical Model of Competitiveness - Suraini Saufi (RABBANICA - Journal of Revealed Knowledge, 2025)
Business sustainability among asnaf entrepreneurs is a crucial issue in ongoing efforts to improve the living standards of low-income groups. Despite various forms of assistance, many asnaf entrepreneurs still face challenges in maintaining their businesses' continuity and growth over the long term. Therefore, this empirical study was conducted to identify and examine the relationship between competitiveness factors which is savings, zakat assistance, and networking and the business sustainability of asnaf entrepreneurs. A total of 347 data sets were collected through questionnaires distributed to asnaf entrepreneurs in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The findings revealed that two out of three hypotheses were supported, indicating that savings and networking significantly influence business sustainability. The results emphasize the importance of an integrated approach that combines financial, social, and community support to enhance the competitiveness of asnaf entrepreneurs. Overall, this study offers valuable insights and serves as a strategic guide for zakat agencies, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders in empowering asnaf entrepreneurship toward sustainable economic development. Kelestarian perniagaan dalam kalangan usahawan asnaf merupakan isu kritikal dalam usaha meningkatkan taraf hidup golongan berpendapatan rendah secara berterusan. Walaupun pelbagai bentuk bantuan telah disalurkan, kebanyakan usahawan asnaf masih berdepan dengan cabaran untuk mengekalkan kelangsungan dan kemajuan perniagaan mereka dalam jangka panjang. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini dijalankan secara empirikal bagi mengenal pasti serta menguji hubungan antara faktor daya saing iaitu simpanan, bantuan zakat, dan jaringan kerja terhadap kelestarian perniagaan usahawan asnaf. Sebanyak 347 set data telah diperoleh melalui soal selidik yang diedarkan kepada usahawan asnaf di negeri Kelantan, Terengganu dan Pahang. Data yang dikumpulkan telah dianalisis menggunakan perisian SPSS dan Smart PLS. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa dua daripada tiga hipotesis disokong, iaitu terdapat pengaruh signifikan simpanan dan jaringan kerja terhadap kelestarian perniagaan. Hasil kajian ini menegaskan keperluan pendekatan bersepadu yang menggabungkan sokongan kewangan, sosial dan komuniti bagi memperkukuh daya saing usahawan asnaf. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini memberi implikasi penting sebagai panduan strategik kepada agensi zakat, pembuat dasar, dan pihak berkepentingan dalam memperkasa keusahawanan asnaf ke arah pembangunan ekonomi yang mampan.