Agricultural cooperatives urged to utilise funds for growth

23 May 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: A substantial amount of RM100 million under the Agro-Food programme through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) specifically aimed at supporting agricultural cooperatives and farmer cooperatives in their endeavours, whether it be for paddy cultivation, the cultivation of other crops, or the establishment of livestock and fish farming operations.

Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said some landowners possess tracts of land that could be cultivated to contribute to sustainable food production.

He stated his confidence in the positive impact and benefits they will bring to the Penampang district, adding that as the Minister responsible for Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development, he is personally invested in witnessing the growth and success of these initiatives.

“To further encourage entrepreneurial participation, I urge aspiring entrepreneurs to consider establishing cooperative bodies or groups to take full advantage of this opportunity. By joining forces and pooling resources, entrepreneurs can maximize the benefits offered by the Agro-Food programme and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Penampang.

In addition to the MEDC initiative, he said last year, they introduced a special grant specifically tailored for Sabah and Sarawak through the SME Corp Agency. This agency operates under the Ministry dedicated to supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, ensuring that the grants are accessible to those who can benefit the most from them.

Entrepreneurs from the Penampang district have benefited in this programme, Ewon who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament said.

He reiterated that with cooperation and unity as shown in the harvest festival celebration, they will create an environment that fosters growth and success for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector as well as other endeavors.

Touching on Tamu Desa or Rural Market, he said several areas in the district of Penampang have been identified to implement the Village Market Project, among them are Tamu Inobong, Tamu Babagon and several other village business centers in this district.

"In the Penampang Development Plan, entrepreneurial development including small traders and businesses is also mentioned, which is why I have initiated the Rural Market Project in the ministry.

"The district will benefit from this initiative, where we have identified several venues for the implementation of the Rural Market in this district," he said.

During the harvest festival celebration yesterday, Jannie Lasimbang Kapayan State Assemblywoman, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Deputy President Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Tan Sri Bernard G Dompok SME chairman, Datuk Phillip Lasimbang Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) Chairman and District Officer Francis Chong who is also the event Organising Chairman were with the revellers who thronged to watch the traditional dances cultural presentation. Also present were Datuk Seri Clarence Molukun, the KDCA Deputy President and Datuk John Ambrose the Chairman of Yayasan Bumiputra Sabah.