Latest news with #EntrepreneurDevelopmentandCooperatives
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ramanan refutes 'irresponsible' claim that Mitra failed due to leadership issues
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan has denied claims that the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) failed because of a lack of leadership continuity. Ramanan, the former chairman of Mitra, said such accusations should not be made without understanding the facts of how the body's programmes were implemented. He said that when he chaired the Mitra Special Task Force Committee last year, a RM100 million allocation was used. "This is hilarious because the claims come from an irresponsible party. How can you say Mitra failed?" he told reporters after handing over offer letters to small Indian-owned companies here today. "Every time a programme was opened, the names of the recipients were announced. Not only were funds disbursed well, but all information was also shared. "I am sure the media also knows about it, so how can there be a claim that Mitra failed?" Ramanan said. The comments follow claims made on Tuesday by current Mitra chairman P Prabakaran, who said issues with leadership continuity were behind the perception that the organisation had failed to make a significant impact. Prabakaran added that the agency was also considered a "catch-all" organisation and was unfairly burdened with responsibilities beyond its mandate. Ramanan said he was disappointed that some people made rash statements about Mitra and linked them to the country's leadership. "You are blaming the prime minister for your failure. That is your failure. As politicians, we must think before we speak. Not once, not ten times, but a hundred times. "So I am issuing a warning, do not link the Prime Minister's Office and the prime minister's name to your failure. Not everything can be implemented immediately. "Some things take time, but the important thing is that it is implemented transparently and with integrity. If that is guaranteed, then there is no issue," he said.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
91 Togudon folks finally get titles over 157 hectares
Published on: Thursday, August 07, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 07, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Ewon added that the handover marked the end of a long-standing wait for the villagers to finally obtain rightful ownership of their land. PENAMPANG: A total of 91 residents of Kampung Togudon received their land titles today, under the Native Customary Land Service Programme of Sabah (Pantas), said Penampang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Ewon Benedick. Ewon, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said that the land titles, covering 157.37 hectares, were handed over as part of the first phase of distribution, from a total of 982 hectares surveyed under the Pantas initiative. Advertisement 'I am aware that the residents of Kampung Togudon have been waiting for land ownership for many years. As soon as I was elected as the MP for Penampang, this issue became one of my top priorities,' he said. 'Following approval from the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, we began the land survey under Pantas in August last year. Today, we are witnessing the implementation of Phase 1 of the land title handover,' he said during the ceremony held in the village. Ewon added that the handover marked the end of a long-standing wait for the villagers to finally obtain rightful ownership of their land. 'I am confident that this will open a new chapter for economic activities in the village, particularly in the agriculture and rural tourism sectors,' he said. Advertisement The land survey under Pantas in Kampung Togudon is the first to be carried out in Penampang, and was only initiated after Ewon was elected as the parliamentary constituency's elected representative. Ewon also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Pantas to other villages, including Kampung Moyog, Kampung Rugading, and Kampung Kibunut. 'I have brought up the need to continue the Pantas Programme in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030 at the Federal Cabinet-level. 'I'm pleased that it has been included in the 13MP, as presented by the Prime Minister under the special development agenda for the Bumiputera communities in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said. 'I will continue to seek the Chief Minister's support to expand Pantas in the areas I represent – namely Penampang and Kadamaian – as most of the funding for this initiative is allocated by the Federal government,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
91 Kg Togudon residents receive land titles under PANTAS initiative
PENAMPANG: A total of 91 residents of Kampung Togudon received their land titles today under the Native Customary Land Service Programme of Sabah (PANTAS). Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said the titles cover 157.37 hectares. The distribution marks the first phase of the initiative, with 982 hectares surveyed under PANTAS. Ewon acknowledged the long wait faced by Kg Togudon residents for land ownership. He made the issue a priority after being elected as Penampang MP. Approval from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor allowed the land survey to begin in August last year. The Phase 1 handover ceremony was held in the village today. Ewon said this milestone ends years of uncertainty for villagers regarding land ownership. He believes it will boost economic activities, especially in agriculture and rural tourism. Kg Togudon is the first village in Penampang to undergo the PANTAS survey. The programme was initiated after Ewon became the area's elected representative. He pledged to expand PANTAS to other villages, including Kg Moyog, Kg Rugading, and Kg Kibunut. Ewon raised the need for PANTAS to continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030. The programme has been included in the 13MP under the special Bumiputera development agenda for Sabah and Sarawak. He will seek the Chief Minister's support to extend PANTAS in Penampang and Kadamaian. Most funding for the initiative comes from the Federal government. – Bernama
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MyMall platform hits RM24.3 million sales with 3,407 vendors
KUALA LUMPUR: The MyMall digital sales platform has achieved RM24.3 million in sales, with 3,407 registered vendors as of July 31, according to Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Ramanan noted a significant sales increase of RM15 million in the first seven months of 2025. 'Micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) are encouraged to register on MyMall and leverage its free marketing space,' he said. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs manage rising costs while expanding their online businesses. Ramanan was responding to a query from Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor) regarding measures to protect sellers from fee hikes on platforms like Shopee, TikTok, and Lazada. KUSKOP has introduced multiple programmes, including EmpowerPKK, the TikTok Shop Live Hub, and BizClinic by INSKEN, to support entrepreneurs. Collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) ensures fair e-commerce regulations. 'The Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) is reviewing the digital economy under the Competition Act to prevent unregulated cost increases,' Ramanan added, addressing concerns over foreign sellers dominating the market. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar making tough calls in people's interest, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the people's interests by focusing on economic recovery, strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Madani government's approach was not limited to short-term gains but was framed with a long-term vision to guarantee the well-being of all Malaysians, regardless of race or background. "We can see how the prime minister consistently puts the people first. "In terms of the economy, various initiatives have been introduced to stimulate growth, stabilise the cost of living and ensure fair job opportunities for all," said Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president. He said this after officiating a casual engagement session with nearly 400 students of SMK Subang Bestari at Help University today. Ramanan said recent announcements under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is clear evidence that the government is serious about driving post-pandemic economic recovery amid global uncertainties. On unity, he described the Malaysia Madani concept as a crucial foundation in bringing together the country's multiracial and multi-religious society. "Unity is not just a slogan. It is translated through inclusive policies, fair distribution of assistance and continued support for all communities. Ramanan added that the political stability achieved through the cooperation within the unity government must be preserved for the continuity of national development. "No development can be achieved if the nation's politics remain unstable. "What we have today is a stable government led by an experienced leader who is willing to make tough decisions for the good of the people," he said. He said the public must not be swayed by negative narratives aimed at causing unease and division. "The people must be wise in their judgment. Under the Madani government, welfare is protected, economic opportunities are expanding and the nation is on the right track. "This is not the time for narrow politics, but the time to unite and build a better future," he said. Ramanan also urged Malaysians to continue placing their trust in Anwar's leadership, which he said was grounded in integrity, inclusivity and courage in defending the people's interests.
