Latest news with #EntrepreneurandCooperativesDevelopmentMinistry
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
46 Tamu Desa sites in Sabah to be built, upgraded this year
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: A total of 46 Tamu Desa locations across Sabah have been identified for construction or upgrading this year under a RM10 million allocation by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (Kuskop). Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic), on Wednesday, said the projects will be carried out in 28 full and sub-district offices under the Tamu Desa premises development allocation in Budget 2025. Advertisement Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also announced a further RM10 million during the Madani Rakyat Sabah programme in Tawau on 11 May to support the continuation of this initiative. Ewon said written confirmation has been received from 15 district offices affirming that the land status of proposed Tamu Desa sites is in order, allowing Kuskop to issue letters of authorisation to begin procurement. He expressed hope that the upgraded facilities would provide a more comfortable space for small traders and rural entrepreneurs. * 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 Star
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ewon: Halal sector must stay competitive
SANDAKAN: Malaysia continues to lead the global halal ecosystem but must remain competitive, innovative and forward-thinking to sustain its position, says Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic). The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister said halal is not solely about certification but also reflects values of quality, cleanliness, transparency and integrity. 'The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry is committed to championing the growth of small and medium enterprises and cooperatives within the halal industry,' he said when opening the ministry's Halal Success programme here yesterday, Bernama reported. He said the halal industry is no longer exclusive to Muslims but has evolved into a thriving global economy with a market value of more than US$3 trillion (RM12 trillion). Ewon urged entrepreneurs to embrace innovation and step out of their comfort zones, not only seizing opportunities in the domestic market but also building brands that can penetrate international markets. 'Make full use of programmes like Halal Success. It is more than just a training initiative. It is a platform opportunity to build the future,' he said. The Halal Success programme offers a comprehensive intervention platform, including technical, business and financing guidance for aspiring halal industry players.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
M'sia's cooperative sector a major economic driver
PETALING JAYA: There are more than 16,000 cooperatives in Malaysia, reflecting the sector's role as a major economic driver says the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry. Its minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) said a total of 16,284 cooperatives were registered as of December last year, comprising some 7.2 million members nationwide or 21% of Malaysia's population. This marks 475 more cooperatives registered compared with the same period in 2023. According to Ewon, capital shares in the cooperatives sector amounted to RM18.3bil with RM173.3bil worth of assets, while recording RM68.1bil in annual turnover. 'These figures are a testament to the sector's potential and its role as a major economic driver,' he said in his address at the Asean Cooperative Dialogue held at a hotel here yesterday. Ewon noted how Malaysia's cooperative movement began in 1922 following the introduction of the Co-operative Societies Enactment 1922. 'The sector has expanded steadily over the years and continues its major role in driving socio-economic development for the country,' he said, noting that the sector began with only 11 cooperatives. He also cited Bank Rakyat, describing it as one of the country's most celebrated cooperative success stories. According to the minister, it began as a small cooperative bank and grew into one of the largest Islamic cooperative banks in South-East Asia. 'In the 2023 edition of the World Cooperative Monitor, published by the International Cooperative Alliance, Bank Rakyat was also ranked 244th among the world's top 300 cooperatives. 'This acknowledgment highlights its outstanding performance and contribution to Malaysia's economy, particularly as the country's largest Islamic cooperative bank.' Ewon said Bank Rakyat, Koperasi Tentera and Co-opbank Pertama are listed as the premier cooperatives, reflecting their robust financial health and good governance. 'These success stories collectively showcase how Malaysian cooperatives are at the forefront of driving inclusive and sustainable development, embodying both Asean 2025's aspirations and values of the Madani framework. 'They reaffirm the cooperative model as a powerful tool for social upliftment. A true economy by the people, for the people.' He said cooperatives play an important role in economic empowerment within the Asean region. 'It provides employment, promotes entrepreneurship and contributes significantly towards the gross domestic product across various member states.' Ewon said cooperatives must take centre stage in shaping a more resilient and inclusive Asean economy. He added that cooperatives should be given the same level of policy attention and institutional support as small and medium enterprises, which have benefited from financial aid, strategic incentives and structured policy frameworks. 'It is high time that cooperatives receive similar recognition and resources to maximise their impact,' he said. National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah called for greater recognition towards cooperatives. 'We must work together to ensure that cooperatives are treated as s a core pillar of Asean's economic development.' Abdul Fattah, who is also the Asean Cooperative Organisation president, urged for the establishment of an Asean Cooperative Ministerial Meeting to provide cooperatives with an official platform, similar to what small medium enterprises already have. 'The time for discussion is over; the time for action is now,' he said.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Over 16,000 cooperatives registered in Malaysia as of Dec 2024
PETALING JAYA: As of December last year, 16,284 cooperatives have been registered in Malaysia, says the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said this includes approximately 7.2 million members nationwide, representing 21% of Malaysia's population. The cooperatives sector's shares and subscriptions total RM18.3bil, with assets worth RM173.3bil, and an annual turnover of RM68.1bil. 'These figures are a testament to the sector's potential and its role as a major economic driver,' he said at the Asean Cooperative Dialogue (ACD 2025) on Tuesday (May 13). Ewon also noted that Malaysia's cooperative movement began in 1922 with the Co-operative Societies Enactment 1922. 'The sector has expanded steadily over the years and continues its major role in driving socio-economic development for the country,' he said, noting the sector began with only 11 cooperatives. He said cooperatives play an important role in economic empowerment within the Asean region, which is home to over 650 million people. 'It provides employment, promotes entrepreneurship, and contributes significantly to the gross domestic product across various member states,' he said. Separately, National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah called for greater recognition of cooperatives. 'We must work together to ensure that cooperatives are treated as a core pillar of Asean's economic development,' he said. Abdul Fattah, also the Asean Cooperative Organisation (ACO) president, said support is needed from all Asean governments, apex cooperative bodies, and policymakers to elevate ACO to an accredited Asean entity. He urged the establishment of an Asean Cooperative Ministerial Meeting (ACMM) to provide cooperatives with an official platform, similar to what Small Medium Enterprises already have. 'The time for discussion is over. The time for action is now,' he said.
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sabah pushes for changes in Cooperative Bill, seeks fairer access for co-ops in tourism, healthcare
KOTA KINABALU, May 3 — The Sabah government has submitted constructive proposals for consideration in the drafting of the new Cooperative Bill during yesterday's engagement session with the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (KUSKOP). Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said all recommendations from state administration members would be thoroughly reviewed and incorporated where appropriate in the legislative preparation process. He said the new Bill will focus on liberalising legal aspects and strengthening the role of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) as the main regulatory body. Ewon said several studies conducted in 2023 found there were legal constraints that made it difficult for cooperatives to conduct business activities directly in various sectors. 'For example, the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 only allow companies registered under the Companies Act 2016 to operate in those sectors,' he said in a statement here tonight. To date, KUSKOP and SKM have conducted 10 engagement sessions involving 295 cooperatives and 47 government agencies, with the next session scheduled to be held in Penang. — Bernama
