Funding Boosts Cooperative Success and Community Development

Justine Toik

16 July 2025

PENAMPANG: Receiving financial assistance to enhance a business enterprise is always exciting and encouraging. This is especially true for the Koperasi Tampasak Babagon here, represented by Justine Toik who was met during a recent ceremony to receive RM10,000.

The funds were presented by Datuk Ewon Benedick, Penampang Member of Parliament and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, at Kg Kiranau Inobong.

Koperasi Tampasak Babagon has 104 members, said Justine, sharing that their current projects include a thriving tourism site, that’s mostly a recreational area.

Michael Fadilah Raio

The community proud of their progress, he said, adding that everything is already operating smoothly, and their members are genuinely excited about what lies ahead. They are now exploring the potential of a new site with great promise, driven by the positive responses and growing interest from visitors and the local community alike.

“In the past, we painstakingly built shelters for visitors using reclaimed materials, pouring our effort and passion into creating welcoming spaces. Now, with the support of the received funds, we plan to maintain and upgrade our existing structures, ensuring that our visitors continue to enjoy a safe and pleasant experience.”

Their gratitude towards the MP is heartfelt; they truly appreciate his recognition of their efforts and needs. The community feels inspired and motivated by his genuine interest in their entrepreneurial pursuits. This support fuels their excitement and confidence, reinforcing their belief that their tourism venture can bring lasting positive change to their community.

Alban Mansali

Meanwhile, Koperasi Putaton Jaya Berhad, represented by Alban Mansali, received a grant of RM20,000 to support their ongoing agricultural ventures as well as other sustainable income sources.

“On behalf of all members, I would like to sincerely thank the authorities for this generous assistance. This funding comes at a crucial time for us, as we face various challenges that require careful organisation and strategic development. The financial support will enable us to strengthen our operations, invest in better equipment, and expand our activities to enhance the livelihood of our members and the local community,” he said, adding that the cooperative consists of 25 dedicated members, all working collaboratively under the cooperative.

“We are confident that this support, can help us to grow our enterprise, and ultimately contribute to the economic development of our community. We thank the Minister for his support and encouragement,” he said.

Koperasi Pembangunan Dakata Sabah Berhad (DAKATA) received RM100,000 under the SejaTi Madani Programme to carry out a tilapia fish farming project in Kampung Kiranau Inobong. 

The allocation, channelled through the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, is being supervised by ANGKASA Sabah, which is also overseeing the project’s implementation. 

Michael Fadilah Raio, who represented the cooperative, said that with the assistance, they aim to expand their project to benefit their cooperative community as well as encourage youth to participate in entrepreneurship through cooperatives. 

Overall, receiving grants leaves entrepreneurs feeling motivated and hopeful about the future. It serves as both encouragement and a challenge, an invitation to realise their ambitions and make a lasting impact in the world of entrepreneurship.