Latest news with #KUSKOP
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
More tamu desa to be built in Sabah, Sarawak this year
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will construct more 'tamu desa' (rural traditional markets) in Sabah and Sarawak this year, to enhance rural market facilities and empower entrepreneurs in both states. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the MADANI Government, through KUSKOP, had allocated RM20 million to implement the Tamu Desa Development Project this year. He added that this included an additional RM10 million announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the MADANI Rakyat Programme in Tawau last month. 'Last year, we successfully built and upgraded 98 tamu desa across Sabah and Sarawak. This year, with an allocation of RM20 million, I hope the same number or more can be built,' he said in a statement today. He was speaking after officiating the Kampung Pinasang Tamu Darat Kaamatan Festival in Kota Belud and subsequently launching the village's tamu desa, which was completed this year at a cost of RM250,000. Ewon said 14 tamu desa were built in the Kota Belud area, part of the 98 premises completed across Sabah and Sarawak last year. 'I have been informed by the village leaders that these premises greatly benefit the residents, especially mothers and small entrepreneurs who conduct business weekly. They not only provide a more comfortable space for selling but can also be used for various community activities on other days,' he said. According to him, the requirements for tamu desa development vary depending on the location and scope of work determined by the District Office, whether for new construction or upgrading, involving costs ranging from RM100,000 to RM300,000. As of May this year, he said, applications for new construction or upgrading of tamu desa premises in Sabah had reached RM40 million, including applications carried over from last year that could not be implemented, and this amount did not yet include applications from Sarawak 'Although our budget is limited, what is important is the continuity of what was implemented last year. What we started last year will be continued and expanded this year. I am confident that this programme will be among the key inputs of the ministry in the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030),' he said. The tamu desa initiative was also part of the government's commitment to pay special attention to the needs of rural Sabah and Sarawak, in line with the nation's inclusive development agenda, he added.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah, Sarawak to have more Tamu Desa
Ewon holding a lingaman (harvesting knife) and a stalk of harvested paddy at the event. KOTA BELUD (June 2): More Tamu Desa will be constructed in Sabah and Sarawak this year. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said his ninistry plans to build more Tamu Desa premises in Sabah and Sarawak this year, as part of efforts to improve facilities for rural market stalls and to empower Tamu entrepreneurs. Ewon said that the MADANI Government, through his ministry, has allocated RM20 million to implement the Tamu Desa Premises Development Project this year. He added that this includes an additional RM10 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) in Tawau last month. 'Last year, we successfully built and upgraded 98 Tamu Desa premises throughout Sabah and Sarawak. This year, with an allocation of RM20 million, I hope we can construct the same number or even more,' he said to reporters after officiating the Kaamatan Festival at Kampung Pinasang Tamu Darat and launching the Tamu Desa premises at Tamu Darat, here Monday. The Tamu Desa premises in the village, which cost RM250,000, began construction at the end of last year and will be completed this year. For the first time, the government, through KUSKOP, introduced the Tamu Desa Premises Development Project in 2024, with an allocation of RM20 million in the 2024 Budget to implement Tamu Desa premises across Sabah and Sarawak. Ewon said that out of the 98 Tamu Desa premises completed throughout Sabah and Sarawak last year, 14 were built in the Kota Belud area. 'I was informed by village leaders that these premises have brought great benefits to the local community, especially to mothers and small entrepreneurs who trade weekly. 'It not only provides a more comfortable space for trading but can also be used for various community activities on other days,' he said. He added that the requirements for developing Tamu Desa premises vary depending on the location and the scope of work determined by the District Office, whether it involves new construction or upgrading. 'The cost of upgrades ranges from RM100,000 to as much as RM300,000. Therefore, the ministry will allocate funds based on the value and needs submitted by each respective district office,' he said. Ewon mentioned that as of May 2025, applications for new construction and upgrades of Tamu Desa premises in Sabah alone have reached RM40 million, including pending applications carried over from last year that have yet to be implemented. 'This total does not yet include applications from Sarawak. Although our budget is limited, what is important is the continuity of what we have implemented last year. 'What we started last year will be continued and expanded this year. I am confident this programme will become one of the ministry's key contributions to the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030),' he said. Ewon added that the Tamu Desa initiative is part of the government's commitment to paying special attention to rural needs in Sabah and Sarawak, in line with the country's inclusive development agenda and the Look East Policy.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Tekun Nasional to introduce financing scheme for TVET grads to start businesses
TUARAN: Tekun Nasional, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), is set to launch a special micro-financing scheme for graduates of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said the financing scheme would provide opportunities for TVET graduates from various educational institutions to obtain business capital, particularly those wishing to start small-scale ventures based on their skills. He said an initial budget of RM30 million has been allocated for the programme, and the amount can be increased depending on demand and public response. 'This TVET entrepreneur financing scheme will be launched in conjunction with National TVET Day in Melaka this June. Hopefully, this scheme will open wider opportunities for TVET graduates to obtain capital to start businesses should they choose the entrepreneurship route. 'This is among the ministry's efforts to support the national agenda to develop not only graduates but also careers and entrepreneurship within the TVET field,' he said in a statement after officiating the Closing Ceremony of the Career Skills Course in the Oil and Gas Industry here today. Ewon said the scheme would offer financing to TVET graduates nationwide, including from Sabah, such as those from ESTC Academy, vocational colleges, or other training institutions. He said Tekun Nasional remains committed to strengthening the national economy by expanding support to TVET participants. 'As an agency under KUSKOP, TEKUN Nasional understands the vital role of the TVET community in building a skilled workforce and empowering the nation's entrepreneurial sector, while also upholding one of the core pillars of Malaysia MADANI – Wellbeing. 'Therefore, I welcome more TVET participants to seize this opportunity and work together to drive Malaysia towards becoming a high-income nation through skills-based entrepreneurship,' he said. As of this month, a total of 306 TVET participants have benefited from TEKUN Nasional's financing, covering various sectors such as motorcycle and car workshops, electrical wiring, welding and metalworks, mechanical services, and electronics repair workshops.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Tekun to offer financing scheme for TVET grads to start businesses
TUARAN: Tekun Nasional, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), is set to launch a special micro-financing scheme for graduates of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said the financing scheme would provide opportunities for TVET graduates from various educational institutions to obtain business capital, particularly those wishing to start small-scale ventures based on their skills. He said an initial budget of RM30 million has been allocated for the programme, and the amount can be increased depending on demand and public response. 'This TVET entrepreneur financing scheme will be launched in conjunction with National TVET Day in Melaka this June. Hopefully, this scheme will open wider opportunities for TVET graduates to obtain capital to start businesses should they choose the entrepreneurship route. 'This is among the ministry's efforts to support the national agenda to develop not only graduates but also careers and entrepreneurship within the TVET field,' he said in a statement after officiating the Closing Ceremony of the Career Skills Course in the Oil and Gas Industry here today. Ewon said the scheme would offer financing to TVET graduates nationwide, including from Sabah, such as those from ESTC Academy, vocational colleges, or other training institutions. He said Tekun Nasional remains committed to strengthening the national economy by expanding support to TVET participants. 'As an agency under KUSKOP, TEKUN Nasional understands the vital role of the TVET community in building a skilled workforce and empowering the nation's entrepreneurial sector, while also upholding one of the core pillars of Malaysia MADANI – Wellbeing. 'Therefore, I welcome more TVET participants to seize this opportunity and work together to drive Malaysia towards becoming a high-income nation through skills-based entrepreneurship,' he said. As of this month, a total of 306 TVET participants have benefited from TEKUN Nasional's financing, covering various sectors such as motorcycle and car workshops, electrical wiring, welding and metalworks, mechanical services, and electronics repair workshops.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ewon highlights progress of high-impact projects in Penampang since 2023
Ewon officiating the Penampang district-level Kaamatan festival. KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Various high-impact development projects have been and are being implemented in Penampang since 2023, according to Penampang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Ewon Benedick. Among the key initiatives is the long-delayed flood mitigation project in Donggongon, involving the deepening and expansion of the main drainage ditch, which is now actively underway. 'We are also improving the governance of flood disaster management after the major flood in Penampang last year,' he said. Despite the district's longstanding flood issues, it has only one temporary evacuation centre. 'To address this, we've identified 21 public buildings that can be gazetted as temporary evacuation centres. It's impractical to relocate villagers from areas like Kampung Sugud and Kampung Kolopis to the Penampang Cultural Centre during emergencies,' he added. Ewon made these remarks while officiating the Penampang district-level Kaamatan festival at Buhavan Square, Donggongon, yesterday. Other ongoing projects include the Terian-Buayan road upgrading, construction of the long-delayed Tamu Donggongon, Babagon bridge construction, and the Kampung Togudon land survey under the Pantas programme. 'The land ownership issues in Kampung Togudon, unresolved for decades, have finally been addressed,' he noted. Residents of Mukim Babagon, who relied on a low-level crossing, will soon benefit from a new concrete bridge. Meanwhile, the long-awaited Terian-Buayan road upgrade is also progressing. Ewon added that the Penampang District Council was upgraded to a Municipal Council last year, further signifying administrative progress. As the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Minister, Ewon has also bolstered local economic infrastructure by opening a KUSKOP office in Penampang. This includes service upgrades at the Bank Rakyat branch, and the establishment of Tekun Nasional, InSKEN Sabah, SME Corp Sabah, an MSME hub, and the TikTok Shop Live Hub Studio. He highlighted several new KUSKOP initiatives benefiting local entrepreneurs, such as the Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant (Beep Plus), Tamu Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme, Tamu Desa Premises Project, Sejati Madani Cooperative Programme and the TUBE grant. 'In just two and a half years, we've seen meaningful development, not just in infrastructure but in economic initiatives too,' he said. Ewon emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to ensure Penampang's inclusion in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030. The Penampang Development Master Plan, launched in 2023, serves as a crucial reference for Federal and State governments and relevant ministries. 'I'm grateful to all involved in making Penampang's development a reality. While challenges remain, we remain committed,' he said, adding that he hopes the Kaamatan celebration continues to be a unifying platform for the people of Penampang. Also present at the event were Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang and Penampang Municipal Council president Francis Chong.
