Inclusive Business Programme in Kampung Podos helps boost residents’ income

11 January 2026

KOTA BELUD: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the implementation of the Inclusive Business Development Programme in Kampung Podos is expected to increase residents’ income and strengthen the rural community economy.

He said the programme enables villagers to be fully involved in the value chain, starting from the production of raw materials through to the manufacture of quality end products with the potential to be marketed not only within Sabah but also beyond the state.

“I wish to express my appreciation to SME Corp Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), for selecting Kampung Podos as the location for the implementation of this programme, which is one of the important initiatives to narrow the economic gap in rural areas,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the launch of the Sabah State Inclusive Business Development Pilot Project in Kampung Podos.

Ewon, who is also the Kadamaian State Assemblyman, said the selection of Kampung Podos was most appropriate as it provides local residents with the opportunity to be directly involved in community-based economic activities through the Inclusive Business approach.

He added that the project also focuses on empowering women and rural communities who continue to face economic challenges, in line with the national entrepreneurship development agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

The Sabah Inclusive Business Development Project in Kampung Podos will be implemented over a one-year period and will involve four phases of guidance, including product development, skills enhancement, business management and marketing.

He said continued collaboration between state and federal agencies is crucial in developing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rural areas.

He expressed hope that the implementation of the project would have a positive impact on rural economic development and contribute to increasing the income of the people in Kampung Podos, in line with the state’s development aspirations that prioritise the well-being of the people.