Success in business is often seen through numbers, but behind those numbers is usually a longer process shaped by discipline, persistence, and gradual learning over time. For 32-year-old former national junior hockey captain Muhammad Haziq Samsul, the journey from a small school hustle to building a business valued at around RM40 million did not happen overnight.
It began with a simple start and developed through years of trial, experience, and steady effort.
A Hockey Beginning That Started With RM30
Haziq’s first step into business began during his time at Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil. With only RM30, he started selling snacks to fellow students while continuing to focus on his hockey training.
Rather than spending what he earned, he chose to save his profits with the intention of building something bigger in the future. This early habit of managing money carefully, while balancing the demands of hockey, helped shape how he approached business later on.
At that stage, the business was small, but the mindset behind it was already developing.
Several Attempts Before Finding What Works
Before building his current business, Haziq explored different ventures, including running a barbershop, selling second-hand clothes, and trading motorcycle helmets. None of these efforts were successful.
However, each attempt provided exposure to different aspects of business, from dealing with customers to managing costs and products.
Instead of stepping away, he continued trying, treating each experience as part of the learning process.
Building a Business During the Pandemic
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Haziq decided to start Bottol Garage Empire, a business focused on motorcycle repair and accessories.
Although the timing was uncertain, the nature of the business was practical. Motorcycles are widely used in Malaysia, especially among daily commuters and delivery riders, which created a steady demand for maintenance services.
Starting with just one employee, he focused on delivering consistent service and gradually building a customer base. Over time, the business expanded as demand grew and operations became more structured.
From a Small Setup to a Nationwide Operation
Today, Bottol Garage Empire has grown into a business with nine branches across Malaysia and a team of around 120 employees.
The company records an average of RM3 million in monthly sales, with annual revenue reaching approximately RM30 million. At the same time, it manages monthly operating costs between RM600,000 and RM700,000, covering salaries, rental, and other expenses.
Based on its current performance, Haziq estimates the business value at around RM40 million.
“If someone offers RM40 million for my business, I would let it go. That is the current value of what I have built,” he said.
From Hockey to Business, Carrying the Same Mindset
Before focusing fully on business, Haziq spent about 10 years representing Malaysia in hockey, including competing in the 2013 Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Despite the growth of his business, Haziq is not rushing to expand further. Instead, he is focusing on improving service quality across existing branches and maintaining consistency in operations.
He believes that long-term support from customers comes from reliable service rather than rapid expansion.
At the same time, he encourages others, especially those in hockey and sports, to prepare early for life beyond their main careers.
“At least when you are no longer needed in sports, you already have something to fall back on,” he said.
Source: here
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