Tourism entrepreneurs urged to create Cooperatives in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026

18 May 2024

By AVV

KOTA BELUD:Tourism entrepreneurs are encouraged to establish or join cooperatives to enhance their access to available funds.

The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), Datuk Ewon Benedick, mentioned that funds had been allocated to tourism cooperatives; however, the funds could only be channeled to entrepreneurs who are part of cooperatives.

During the Kg Sayap Harvest Festival Celebration yesterday, he highlighted the tourism potential of the region, citing its natural beauty, rural markets, and the warmth of its people.

He emphasized the importance of venturing into tourism entrepreneurship and forming cooperatives to capitalize on these strengths.

Currently, the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) has funds available for cooperatives with an additional RM100 million as revolving funds. These funds can be used to develop accommodations and facilities aimed at enhancing tourism services.

"We are actually two years ahead," he mentioned, referring to the Visit Malaysia (VM) campaign in 2026.

Ewon, who also serves as the Kadamaian State Assemblyman, announced an allocation of RM250,000 for Kg Piasau to be used for the enhancement of their weekly rural market.

In response to this allocation, Jolyhame Saran, Chairman of the Village Development and Safety Committee (JKKK), expressed his delight and gratitude towards the Minister. He emphasized that this funding would provide vendors and small traders with a more suitable location to showcase their products.

He expressed hope that this initiative would benefit the participants of the rural market, stimulate the local economy of the village, and attract visitors to the area.