KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development supports initiatives and collaboration among cooperatives in the country to create more income opportunities for small entrepreneurs, including through the bazaars and village markets.
Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said this aligns with the efforts to establish a communication network among micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (PMKS).
“The PMKS community is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 38 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and representing around 48 per cent of the national workforce.
“I wholeheartedly support the initiative of Koperasi Profesional Putrajaya Berhad (Koprojaya) and Koperasi Lembaga Getah Malaysia (Kopget) in organising the Riang Raya Bazaar.
This provides an entrepreneurial platform and an avenue to increase income for entrepreneurs and small traders.
“I hope the collaboration between these two cooperatives will serve as an example to the more than 16,000 cooperatives in Malaysia,” he said after visiting the Riang Raya Bazaar at Rubber Park, KLCC.
The bazaar brought together approximately 30 entrepreneurs, including representatives from the Entrepreneurs Cooperative and Foodtruck Entrepreneurs.
During the ceremony, Ewon also observed the symbolic collaboration between Koprojaya and Kopget, as well as the presentation of zakat aid by Koprojaya to several charitable organisations.
Ewon hoped successful cooperatives would not only contribute to the country’s income but also extend assistance to other organisations in need.
“I was also informed about the proposal for continued cooperation between Koprojaya and Kopget, so that the current collaboration will not only be limited to this initiative of the Riang Raya Bazaar but can also be expanded into a permanent initiative.
“I fully support this collaboration and offer assistance from the Revolving Capital Fund of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (TMP-SKM) if needed to develop this partnership,” he said.
As a sign of support for the traders, Ewon also bought products from every entrepreneur in the bazaar.
During the visit to each stall, Ewon listened to various views from the entrepreneurs, including challenges and encouraging sales performance as well as suggestions that the sales site should not only be set up during the festive season but also on normal days.
“Most entrepreneurs use their own capital to start a business. At the same time, I also share the role of funding agencies and entrepreneurial guidance under the Ministry,” he said.
At the event, Ewon also received a briefing from the Foodtruck Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs Cooperative about the cooperative’s profile, current operations, and challenges faced.
“I was also informed about the damage to property owned by the cooperative due to the rainstorm last week at Mitec. I have requested assistance from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) to support these cooperatives under the disaster relief programme,” he said.
Ewon also welcomes the desire of these cooperatives to participate in programmes organised by the Ministry that can provide space for their members to do business.
Also participating in the friendly survey at the Riang Raya Bazaar were the Secretary General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Dato’ Sri Suriani and Dato’ Ahmad, SKM Chief Executive Officer Rusli Jaafar, Koprojaya Chairman Saiful Azhar Shaharun and Kopget Chairman Mohd Fandy Zainal Abidin.
Source: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/231790/ewon-bazaars-and-village-marts-are-welcome-/