Ewon launches Bandau Progressive Cooperative Bhd

15 April 2024

By Nabalu News Reporter

KOTA MARUDU: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, launched the Bandau Progressive Cooperative Berhad, which focuses on business activities in the agriculture and real estate sectors.

The minister hopes that the cooperative will develop proactively in line with its founding objectives and subsequently improve the socio-economic status of its members.

Last year, a total of 1,001 cooperatives were registered, the highest number in the history of annual registrations. This indicates the overwhelming response to the cooperative movement in the country.

What is even more impressive is the performance of both new and existing cooperatives. Last year, the cooperative movement achieved a total value of RM64 billion, surpassing the target set in the National Cooperative Policy.

As the minister responsible for entrepreneurial development and cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick pledges to continue supporting and facilitating the establishment of cooperatives to unlock the potential in each respective area.

He emphasised the benefits of establishing cooperatives, such as providing members with access to various financing facilities and training opportunities.

The ministry will continue to double its efforts to ensure that the people benefit from the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises through entrepreneurial and cooperative initiatives.

Ewon urged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to seize the opportunities and initiatives provided by the ministry and its agencies.

As leaders of unity parties, they have a significant role and responsibility in disseminating information to the grassroots about all government initiatives.

Regarding the development of the Village Guest Project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) for the first time this year, Ewon stated that more than 30 applications have been received in this state.

Construction will begin this year, and it is hoped that the ministry will receive annual allocations to upgrade or build new village Tamu projects in Sabah and Sarawak.