Kuala Lumpur: Disability is not a barrier to succeed in life, and that is the case for Ras Adiba Radzi, who turned entrepreneur with the launch of her sports and luggage bag collection, Sporting Ras yesterday.
"It took me some time to deal with my disability before seeing my potential and starting this business," said the wheelchair-bound Ras Adiba at the launch of her products at Bangunan Mara here.

The former newscaster, paralysed from the waist down since 2002, said she intended to expand her business internationally.

"I hope to enter the international market and also offer my products for direct retail to meet changing customer's taste," she said.

Ras Adiba said under her company Pro Trading Sdn Bhd, the various bags available include travel luggage, duffle bags, schoolbags, backpacks, trolley backpacks and lifestyle bags.

The bags, priced between RM19 and RM60, are available at its retail outlets in Bangunan Mara, Pertama Complex and at Carrefour outlets here.

Since her injury, Ras Adiba ventured into travel products in addition to producing TV programmes.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who launched the Sporting Ras bags collection, urged financial institutions to create policies or funds in support of the disabled who intended to become entrepreneurs.

"Financial institutions should assist disabled individuals with potential to contribute to the nation's development."

She said the ministry had always supported disabled individuals who intended to start their own businesses and improve their economic situation.