Latest news with #GerryLewis
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM5k aid for Tambunan small traders
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: Dr Jeffrey presenting aid to recipients. TAMBUNAN: A total of RM275,000 was distributed to 55 licensed small stall traders in Tambunan through a one-off special aid of RM5,000 each. The assistance was presented by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan at the Tambunan District Community Hall. The initiative is part of the 'Bantuan Untukmu' program aimed at easing the operational costs of traders, improving their business infrastructure, and boosting grassroots entrepreneurship. In his speech, Dr Jeffrey expressed pride in the achievements of the Tambunan community, noting that the district has nearly eradicated hardcore poverty. However, he acknowledged that there remain segments of the population living in poverty who require targeted strategic support tailored to current needs. He stressed the importance of continued support and new initiatives to ensure no citizen is left behind in the development process. Dr Jeffrey also reminded the people of Tambunan to stay alert to the various forms of assistance available, not only from the State Government but also from the Federal Government. He emphasized that such aid is not meant to foster dependency but to serve as a stepping stone toward self-reliance and long-term well-being. The federal government, through the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries (Maffi), has also intensified efforts in rural development with allocations exceeding RM33.59 million for agri-food projects across Sabah. These projects include the rehabilitation of 534.55 hectares of abandoned paddy fields, the construction of 23 agricultural produce collection centres, and the implementation of integrated cash crop and livestock initiatives. These efforts not only generate economic output but also empower the local agricultural sector. He also highlighted the Agropreneur Muda program, which offers opportunities for youth aged 18 to 45 to become agricultural entrepreneurs. The program provides grants, fertilizer assistance, access to productive land, and technical training. He noted that the initiative is particularly relevant for young people in Tambunan who possess idle land with development potential. He advised the RM5,000 aid recipients to use the funds wisely, whether to improve their stall structures, upgrade business equipment, or increase inventory. The assistance is expected to boost their daily income and stimulate the local economy through higher-quality services and products. Furthermore, he encouraged traders to view the aid as a catalyst toward achieving more stable and sustainable income streams. In closing, he congratulated all recipients and expressed hope that their businesses would continue to grow and benefit their families and communities. He also called on the people of Tambunan to continue supporting his leadership as the Tambunan assemblyman, assuring that all assistance distributed is based on accurate data and genuine community needs. * 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
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
No meaningful growth if groups excluded
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: According to Flovia, programs of this nature are crucial in providing rural women with opportunities to express their views and actively participate in community development processes. SOOK: Gender mainstreaming in financing can no longer be regarded solely as the responsibility of women. Instead, it requires comprehensive involvement from all levels of society, including grassroots leaders, civil servants, and local administrators. Sabah's Assistant Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing, Datuk Flovia Ng, said inclusive and balanced development cannot be achieved if there are still groups excluded due to differences in gender, geographical location, or socioeconomic background. 'Being too neutral and not considering what men and women really need can actually cause unfairness without meaning to,' she said at the recent Gender Awareness Program in the rural area of Sook, held at Kampung Pinipi Hall. The program was organised by the Sabah Department of Women's Affairs (Jhewa) in collaboration with the Sook District Office and several other government agencies as an initiative to strengthen gender awareness at the rural community level. According to Flovia, programs of this nature are crucial in providing rural women with opportunities to express their views and actively participate in community development processes. 'When women's voices are heard, it doesn't just lead to fairer policies, it can also boost the social and economic health of the entire community. Sabah will only truly develop when all its citizens, regardless of gender, are able to enjoy equal opportunities and have their contributions recognized at all levels,' she said. The organisation of this program is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. * 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
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
141 participants at Ginger and Coffee Course
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: The programme aimed to equip farmers with updated techniques in planting and processing two of Sabah's high-value crops — ginger and coffee — in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda to develop agriculture as a key economic driver for the rural community. - Bernama pic for illustration only. TAMBUNAN: A total of 141 participants took part in the Ginger and Coffee Crop Technology Package Course organised by the District's Agriculture Department to boost skills and knowledge in modern, competitive farming practices. The programme aimed to equip farmers with updated techniques in planting and processing two of Sabah's high-value crops — ginger and coffee — in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda to develop agriculture as a key economic driver for the rural community. Participants were exposed to hands-on guidance and real-world insights from local industry players. Among them was Barbarh Bungkok of Api Kopi, Kampung Tambiau, Ranau, who shared her experience in coffee cultivation and processing. As well as Hendry Charles from Mangkap Sdn. Bhd., who presented on ginger processing methods. The course was officiated by Senior Assistant Director of Agriculture (Agricultural Extension and Technology Transformation Section) Linda @ Lily Cosmas, representing the Sabah Agriculture Director. Also present were Assistant Director of Agriculture (Crop Industry Development Section) Rusnani Hj. Ahmad, Assistant Director (Principal of PLPB) Lorik Akau and Senior Agriculture Officer (District Management and Planning) Mohd Nazih Fikriandi Kaliwon, representing Nurul Syierah Tasim. The initiative drew praise for the Tambunan Agriculture Office, under the leadership of Afendey Kasin, for their strong commitment to driving agricultural development at the grassroots level. * 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
Daily Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Co-ops record RM68 billion revenue
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: Ewon also said his Ministry would continue existing initiatives while introducing new programmes such as 'Jejak Koperasi' and conducting stakeholder engagement on the proposed legal amendments. Tenom: More than 16,000 active cooperatives nationwide have recorded an annual revenue of RM68 billion, reaffirming their role as one of the key drivers of the people's economy. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the achievement reflects the growth of the cooperative sector into a strong and high-impact economic system, particularly in empowering grassroots communities. Advertisement 'The cooperative sector is no longer a small entity, but a significant economic force for the people. 'We will continue to be proactive through various efforts, including ongoing amendments to the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 to ensure the law remains relevant, progressive and facilitative.' He said this after officiating the Tenom District-level Mini Cooperative Carnival held at the Open Hall of Kampung Paguokon, Monday. Ewon also said his Ministry would continue existing initiatives while introducing new programmes such as 'Jejak Koperasi' and conducting stakeholder engagement on the proposed legal amendments. According to him, cooperative membership across Malaysia has now surpassed 7.2 million, with total assets exceeding RM173 billion that positioning cooperatives among the key contributors to national economic growth. 'These efforts and achievements reflect the government's commitment to transforming the cooperative ecosystem into one that is holistic, sustainable and conducive, to ensure the continued relevance and competitiveness of the cooperative movement in Malaysia,' he said. * 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
