KOTA BELUD: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has approved an allocation of RM200,000 to upgrade the Community Tamu (market) to a Village Tamu in Kg Melangkap Tiong.
The existing community market in the village has been operating for many years but requires upgrading to provide better facilities and amenities for the small traders and vendors.
“This is one of the new initiatives introduced by my Ministry to assist entrepreneurs and market traders, especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” said Ewon during the Community Cooperative Encouragement Programme in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival celebrations in Kg Melangkap Tiong, here, Saturday.
He added that a total of RM20 million has been allocated this year to implement the Village Tamu Project in rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak, either by upgrading existing community markets or building new village market facilities.
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The initial allocation for the Village Tamu Project in Sabah will be handed over to the State Government during the launch of the Tekun Madani Carnival and One District One Industry (SDSI) Showcase in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival celebrations on May 11 in Kuala Penyu.
Ewon hopes that new initiatives like the Village Tamu Project, Tourism Cooperative Stimulation Programme, and others implemented by the Ministry will further boost the cooperative and entrepreneurship movements in Sabah.
He said last year he also introduced the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme under the Tekun agency to provide financial assistance to market traders.
During the event, a Madani Sale by Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs was also held, offering essential goods at discounted prices of up to 20 percent, subsidized by the government and Ministry. Food baskets were also distributed to 20 identified B40 recipients.
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