Kota Kinabalu: Sixteen cooperatives in Sabah have received RM1.19 million in development assistance from the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (SKM) this year, as efforts intensify to strengthen the state’s cooperative movement.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the allocation was part of the Federal Government’s initiatives through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) and SKM to support cooperative development in Sabah.
He also disclosed that RM5.3 million had been channelled under SKM’s Revolving Capital Fund, benefiting two cooperatives.
“I wish to express my appreciation to Kuskop and SKM for allocating RM1.19 million in development assistance to 16 cooperatives in Sabah for 2026,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, was speaking to reporters after officiating at the CoopFest Borneo 2026 at Suria Shopping Mall here yesterday.
He said the Sabah Government was also providing assistance through the ministry’s Special Cooperative Development Fund (Mindet) to further strengthen the state’s cooperative movement.
The initiative has entered its second phase, following the distribution of grants to two cooperatives during the first phase.
“We have started channeling assistance to cooperatives through the Mindet Special Cooperative Development Fund.
“Two cooperatives have received grants under the first phase, while recipients for the second phase will be decided in the near future,” he said.
Ewon added that Mindet would propose a further allocation under the Sabah 2027 Budget to expand support for cooperatives in the state.
He also welcomed the inaugural CoopFest Borneo, organised by Kuskop and SKM, saying the event could strengthen cooperation and development links between cooperatives in Sabah and Sarawak.
He expressed hope that the festival would continue in future years to further promote the cooperative movement in both states.
Also present were Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Mindet Deputy Permanent Secretary Moira David.
