IKMa Driving Cooperative Growth in Sabah

8 November 2025

TENOM: The importance of active co-operatives in building productive and resilient communities was highlighted during the JOM@COOP 2025 programme recently.

Held at Dewan Datuk OKK Sangau Jalang, Melalap, Tenom, it was officiated by Datuk Ewon Benedick the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) .

In his speech Director General of the Institute of Co-operatives Malaysia (IKMa), Datuk Mohd. Ali Mansor, said Carrying the theme “IKMa and Co-operatives: Active Co-operatives, Productive Communities,” the programme underscored IKMa’s commitment to empowering co-operatives through education, training, and strategic collaboration.

He stressed that co-operatives play a vital role not only as people-driven business entities but also as catalysts for partnerships between co-operatives, government agencies, and local industry players.

“Through close collaboration with the Malaysian Co-operative Commission (SKM) and ANGKASA, IKMa continues to strengthen co-operatives as the economic backbone of the people,” he said.

"The presence of Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives, is deeply appreciated and stands as a testament to the strong support of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives (MEDC) for the advancement of the co-operative movement in Sabah," he said.

The Minister’s commitment serves as an inspiration to all members of the co-operative community and local entrepreneurs to continue moving forward, demonstrating resilience and competitiveness at the regional level, he stressed .

He added that 2025 marks a significant milestone for Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN, with the regional agenda focusing on a Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable ASEAN.

“Malaysian co-operatives, including those in Sabah, have great potential to play a regional role in strengthening community economies, expanding social trade networks, and fostering economic solidarity across ASEAN,” he noted.

Mohd. Ali highlighted that the choice of Melalap, Tenom as the host location reflects IKMa’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities also benefit from national development and empowerment initiatives.

“Through programmes like JOM@COOP 2025, IKMa aims to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship development, and leadership capacity-building, particularly in rural areas,” he said.

The programme featured discussions on enhancing co-operative awareness and education, promoting a culture of knowledge and professionalism within the co-operative movement. It also focused on expanding business potential and networking through strategic partnerships between successful co-operatives, government agencies, and apex bodies such as ANGKASA, opening new avenues for innovation, marketing, and market expansion.

Participants also drew inspiration from the success story of Koperasi Piisaan Tambunan Berhad, a co-operative mentored by IKMa that has achieved notable progress in modern agriculture and hydroponics. Its success illustrates how rural co-operatives can make a significant impact when guided by clear vision, innovation, and strong leadership.

Under IKMa’s guidance, Koperasi Piisaan Tambunan Berhad has strengthened the local economy by developing tourism products, fostering collaboration within the community, and introducing hydroponic farming initiatives.

Concluding his address, Mohd. Ali reaffirmed IKMa’s commitment as a long-term development partner for co-operatives in Sabah. He emphasised that IKMa will continue to focus on strengthening competencies, empowering community entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable excellence in the co-operative movement towards 2030.