MADEC through SKM ensure affordable prices of essential goods

7 October 2023

By AVV

KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative’s (MADEC) cooperative MADANI Sales (JMK) aimed to help people deal with the rising cost of living, its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said.

Speaking during the launch of One District One Industry (SDSI) Showcase Madani 2023 National Level at Air Keroh Melaka, he said that through the programme organised by Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM), essential commodities like rice, eggs, and cooking oil are made available at affordable and cheaper prices as compared to the local market.

Besides JMK the Ministry also partnered with other ministries to launch the RAHMAH Sales, led by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN), and the Agro MADANI Sales, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), he said, adding that these programmes aimed to benefit individuals, entrepreneurs, and cooperative members by ensuring the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices, enabling savings.

“Recognising the crucial role played by the entrepreneurial community and cooperatives in the national economy and local communities, MADEC has introduced the Business Matching (PADANIAGA) programme. This initiative is designed to assist entrepreneurs and cooperatives, with a particular focus on SDSI entrepreneurs, in expanding their market access.”

According to him, the primary objective of the PADANIAGA programme is to establish strong connections between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives, and larger entities such as supermarkets, multinational companies, and government-related corporations (GLCs).

By facilitating business chain opportunities, this programme seeks to create mutually beneficial relationships, he said.

MADEC has implemented the Access to Business Opportunities Program (BIAYA Usahawan) to provide SDSI entrepreneurs with the chance to obtain financing from government agencies and private financial institutions, he said adding that this programme aims to support entrepreneurs in starting new businesses or expanding their existing ventures.

“In addition to holding the SDSI showcase, MADEC also plays a role in developing SDSI products and entrepreneurs through the SDSI capacity development programme. In this context, the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INSKEN), which is the implementing agency under MADEC, is responsible for developing a competitive industry in collaboration with the state government.

“The implementation of SDSI's capacity development programme focuses on entrepreneurial projects implemented by groups, cooperatives, associations, and private companies in the industrial chain involving the local community. These projects offer services or products that have unique characteristics or local specialities, which can give an identity or image to a certain district while providing employment opportunities for local residents.”

He also mentioned that the launch of earthen pot products today which are SDSI products from Kuala Kangsar, Perak is a successful clay pot product developed as a result of solid collaboration between MADEC’s INSKEN, the Perak State Government and the Labu Sayong Kuala Kangsar Handicraft Association (PKLSKK) who worked tirelessly to make this product a success.

He said this earthenware pot is a unique claypot that can ensure that the food remained good and fresh due to its chemical free made-up without glaze, adding that such innovations will ensure that traditional items remained relevant in the market.

He also mentioned that some SDSI entrepreneurs are being recognised through the SDSI Entrepreneur of Hope Award.

“Nominations for this award have been obtained by MADEC in cooperation with the State Governments through the State Economic Planning Unit/ State Economic Planning Division/ agency related to state-level entrepreneurship. Such awards are a move by the Ministry to appreciate and recognize SDSI entrepreneurs with potential to be a role model for other SDSI entrepreneurs.”