MEDC initiates site survey for the implementation of Village Tamu Projects

23 March 2024

By Wartawan Nabalu News

SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has initiated a site survey for the implementation of the Village Tamu Project, a new program that is set to be implemented this year.

Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the survey has been conducted at 18 weekly Tamu sites including Kota Belud, Sipitang, and Sandakan.

"My ministry's officers and agencies, together with the District Officers and district engineers, have commenced the survey at the 18 requested sites to identify site suitability and cost considerations.

"I have requested that the survey be conducted not only to assess costs and site suitability but also to ensure that there are no land-related issues that would hinder the implementation of the Village Tamu Project in the respective areas," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating the presentation of the Early Study Aid contribution from the Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) and the launching of Libaran Sabah Berhad Cooperative in conjunction with the MADANI Entrepreneur Programme here, today.

Ewon stated that his ministry will kickstart the Village Tamu Project to upgrade entrepreneurial facilities at existing Tamu areas or new Tamu areas in Sabah and Sarawak starting this year.

"So far, I have received several requests for the Village Tamu Project from associations, communities, and representatives, especially in Sabah. That is why I have instructed my officers along with ministry agencies to survey the requested sites.

"Although I have visited some of the Tamu sites before, the survey is important to finalise or detail the costs and other necessary requirements.

"For example, in Kota Belud, we have an existing Weekly Tamu and there is a proposal to introduce night Tamu, so the need is to install solar lamp posts.

"Furthermore, if the area does not have internet coverage, we also need to install that facility to facilitate entrepreneurs in promoting their products online," he said.

During a one-day working visit to Sandakan, Ewon also took the time to meet an invitation to survey the proposed site for the construction of the Village Tamu in Ulu Dusun, Libaran.

He said the site is very suitable as it is located next to a primary school and a health clinic.

"I understand that small vendors sell every day from Monday to Friday using only tables and tents. However, I request that the issue of permission to build the Village Tamu and the consensus on the establishment of a vendors' cooperative be discussed by stakeholders here.

"This is among my initiatives and the Government's commitment to upgrade and improve the well-being of the people in line with the MADANI economic vision," he said.

The Village Tamu Project is Ewon's brainchild to improve the infrastructure needs of small businesses and vendors in rural areas so that they can enjoy better facilities.

The Prime Minister agreed with this initiative and subsequently allocated RM20 million in the 2024 Budget to be implemented by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and out of this allocation, RM1 million will be channelled to the National Coalition of Small Traders and Vendors Associations.