MEDC continues to empower the rural community’s economy through Tamu Desa

5 November 2025

KOTA BELUD: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) continue to reinforce its agenda to empower the rural people's economy through the implementation of the Village Market project, which acts as a catalyst for local entrepreneurial development.

The official opening of the Kampung Tinata Village Market in Kota Belud today reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to expanding economic opportunities for the people through a coordinated approach involving ministries, agencies, and state governments.

Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), stated that this project not only provides a more organised and conducive business environment but also helps generate new income streams for the local community.

He further added that the Village Market is not merely a place for trading but a platform for rural community empowerment. It opens up opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, and small traders to market their products in a more systematic and sustainable manner.

For Phase 1 (2024), a total of 49 Village Market projects in Sabah and Sarawak have been completed at a cost of RM8.69 million, benefiting nearly 2,000 traders. Subsequently, Phase 2 (2024) involves an additional 51 projects with a cost of RM9.99 million, benefiting another 2,000 traders.

Seeing the effectiveness of this initiative, the MADANI Government will continue its implementation into 2025 with an allocation of RM10 million for 46 new projects in Sabah, including seven sites in the Kota Belud District.

This project is carried out in close cooperation with the District Office, Sabah State Development Office, and implementing agencies under MEDC to ensure the benefits reach the community directly.

In addition to physical facilities, MEDC also strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem through various financing and support schemes, such as the Entrepreneur Tamu Financing Scheme (SPUT), Craft Industry Financing Scheme (TEKUN Nasional), Sabah & Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grants (BEEP Plus – SME Corp.), the Cooperative Development Grant (SKM) of up to RM300,000, and the SKM Working Capital Fund (TMPSKM) of up to RM30 million.

As of December 2024, there are 1,994 registered cooperatives in Sabah with a membership of 376,559 people and total assets of RM1.008 billion. This demonstrates the significant potential of the cooperative movement as a driver of the people's economy.

Ewon also urged the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) to play an active role in ensuring that the management and maintenance of the Village Market are carried out systematically, sustainably, and with long-term impact on the community.

MEDC's commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was further emphasised through Budget 2026, themed "Rakyat’s Budget," which allocates RM2.5 billion for facilities and financing guarantees for entrepreneurs and cooperatives through various agencies, including the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM).

This move demonstrates the continuity of MEDC’s policies in expanding access to financing, enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs, and ensuring inclusive, balanced, and comprehensive economic development.