KOTA BELUD: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged rural communities to leverage the cooperative movement as a driving force for economic development, particularly through the tourism and agriculture sectors.
He said cooperatives offer the best platform to promote rural entrepreneurship and allow local communities to compete with large companies through government support, assistance, and incentives.
“We have over 16,000 cooperatives nationwide, including nearly 2,000 in Sabah, with six listed in the Cooperative Premier League.
“This proves that cooperatives in Sabah can also compete effectively when given the proper support and opportunities,” he said during the Family Day celebration and Tourism Cooperative Development Project of the Tagal Kampung Lingkubang Kota Belud Berhad Cooperative, held here today.
Ewon said that after being appointed as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, he visited the cooperative and approved an allocation of RM100,000 for various development projects.
“A total of RM80,000 was channelled through the Cooperative Economic Sector Leader Assistance (PROSPEK) to upgrade the suspension bridge, build a concrete walkway, and construct the cooperative’s entrance arch.
“Meanwhile, RM20,000 under the Online Trade of Cooperative Products/Services Program (e-Dapat) was used to set up an e-commerce website and promotional materials for the cooperative’s tourism products,” he added.
He also praised the efforts of the Tagal Kampung Lingkubang Tourism Cooperative for promoting river-based recreational activities and fish conservation through the tagal system as a key community tourism attraction.
“I am proud of this village’s initiative in promoting rural entrepreneurship and developing economic potential through a cooperative. I hope this cooperative continues to grow and inspire others,” he said.
Additionally, he shared that his ministry, through the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM), has introduced the Jejak Koperasi program to strengthen tourism cooperatives in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“In Kadamaian, we are focusing on the tourism and agriculture sectors to establish this area as a major tourist destination alongside Ranau. A part of Mount Kinabalu is located in Kadamaian, and we want climbers to stop by and explore this region,” he explained.
Ewon, who is also the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Kadamaian, said that various infrastructure projects are being upgraded as part of Kadamaian’s tourism development agenda, including Sayap Road, Podos Road, Melangkap Bridge, and several other key routes.
He added that the PANTAS Land Surveying Program, which began in Kampung Kiau and Kampung Sayap, will be expanded to other villages in Kadamaian to facilitate land development and improve access to financing in the tourism and agriculture sectors.
