Mohamad Qashrie Md Noh didn’t just grow a business—he rebuilt one from scratch after losing everything. When a devastating fire wiped out his factory and years of effort, he was forced to face a painful truth: shortcuts come at a cost, and real growth demands structure, values, and long-term thinking.
“We used to sell otak-otak by the roadside. I grew up grilling sticks with my father in front of our house. But nothing prepared me for the day I watched our factory burn. That moment changed everything.”
What started as a small family recipe slowly grew into a promising food business. But then came the storm—legal summons, rushed production decisions, and finally, the fire that destroyed everything.
In desperation, I made painful compromises: switching to cheaper ingredients, rushing output, and abandoning the very values that made our product special.
Customers noticed. Sales plummeted. The trust we had built disappeared almost overnight.
In 2014, I made a decision that changed the course of my life—I attended a free business seminar that opened my eyes. I realised I couldn’t rebuild using the same old habits. I needed systems, mentorship, and a whole new way to lead.
With structured business mentorship, I rethought everything from the ground up:
- Rebuilt our operations, prioritising quality over speed
- Delegated responsibilities, allowing me to move beyond survival mode
- Partnered with tourism players like bus drivers to generate steady footfall
- Digitised fulfilment and regained our HALAL certification
- Most importantly, restored the original taste and values that once made our otak-otak beloved
The results speak for themselves. We scaled from producing 10,000 to over 100,000 sticks daily, reached RM16.8 million in annual sales, and became a nationally recognised brand—earning awards from FAMA and state agencies.
But for me, the biggest win wasn’t revenue—it was reclaiming integrity. The business that nearly collapsed is now rebuilt with structure, values, and leadership I never had before.
Today, Otak-Otak Mr. Noh is more than a product—it’s a story of rebuilding with purpose. I lost everything once. But with the right mindset, mentorship, and mission—I built something even stronger.
Mohamad Qashrie Md Noh
Founder, Otak-Otak Mr. Noh (Johor Bahru) Sdn. Bhd.
Food & Beverages Industry