SANDAKAN: The Federal Government has been urged to continue funding the construction of rural tamu in Sabah and Sarawak under Budget 2027 to provide better business facilities for small entrepreneurs.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the initiative, introduced in 2024, had benefited rural communities by providing sheltered premises for weekly markets and other activities.
He said Sabah has about 3,000 villages under Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), many of which operate weekly tamu that could also serve as venues for meetings, celebrations, weddings and government programmes.
Ewon said the facilities could also host initiatives such as Jualan Rahmah Madani and engagement sessions between entrepreneurs and government agencies or financing providers.
He said this after officiating the Tamu Desa Ulu Dusun in Kampung Kitagas, which was completed in June at a cost of about RM200,000 and can accommodate traders from about 14 villages.
