Madani Community Sparks Sustainable Growth in Kampung Purak Ogis

6 October 2025

KOTA BELUD: In the scenic village of Kampung Purak Ogis, Kota Belud, a dynamic initiative is transforming lives and invigorating the local economy.

Led by the Madani Community cooperative, this project exemplifies how targeted support and community-led efforts can foster sustainable development and inspire future growth.

Under the guidance of Project Coordinator Alexius Sagun, the Madani Community association has launched an enterprise involving 27 community members, 13 men and 14 women, committed to creating value from local resources.

The initiative focuses on two main activities: fish feed processing for men and the production of banana and tapioca chips for women.

For the male participants, the project centres on producing nutritious freshwater fish feed, addressing the need for high-quality and affordable supplies.

This not only benefits local fish farmers by providing easier access to premium feed but also reduces reliance on imported or commercially available products.

Meanwhile, women are engaged in transforming locally sourced bananas and tapioca into commercially viable chips. This activity empowers women by filling their leisure time with meaningful work and opening avenues for additional income. It also fosters social cohesion, as women come together to share skills and ideas.

Recently they received the RM100,000 Madani Sejati fund and tis has played a crucial role in advancing these efforts, says Alexius, adding that the fund was accorded to them by Datuk Ewon Benedick the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC).

“The funds have been allocated to purchase machinery, equipment, and raw materials essential for both enterprises. Additionally, the community has invested in skills development through technical training, food safety courses, and certification programmes, vital steps towards producing market-ready products. Operational costs, including rental of premises and management expenses, have also been covered by this grant,” he shares.

Such support alleviates financial pressures, especially for community members who are primarily farmers without fixed incomes. As a result, participants are more motivated and confident to actively engage and innovate within their ventures.

Reflecting on the impact of the grant, Alexius affirms, "This support has been very helpful. It eases the financial burden and encourages us to develop our products further. With proper assistance, our community can grow and flourish."

Looking ahead, the community aspires for continued government support to expand this model to other registered business groups and cooperatives. Alexius emphasises the need for dedicated premises to replace the current rented space at Ropuhan Homestay Aki Nabalu, advocating for infrastructure development that can sustain and scale their activities.

Furthermore, the community aims to leverage the skills gained to access wider markets beyond their local area, transforming their small-scale products into competitive offerings. They also hope to serve as role models, inspiring others in the region to develop their own economic initiatives through collaboration, guidance, and ongoing training from relevant agencies.

The journey of the Madani Community exemplifies how strategic support, community participation, and entrepreneurial spirit can foster sustainable development.

As they continue to innovate and grow, their story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of local enterprise in uplifting communities and building a brighter, more resilient future.