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Image credit: The Sun

TAWAU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that no agency, department or ministry should work in isolation in strengthening entrepreneurial development efforts, particularly in Sabah.

Zahid, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Entrepreneur Development, stressed the importance of strategic collaboration among all stakeholders, including the state government and entrepreneurship agencies, to ensure the effective implementation of rural entrepreneurship programmes.

"The unity government is committed to supporting small, medium, and micro-entrepreneurs, ensuring that they can grow and thrive.

"This effort involves 17 ministries dedicated to entrepreneurship development.

"I urge all parties to work together, not in silos. Coordination is key, and I will personally monitor efforts to create more entrepreneurs in Sabah," he said at the closing ceremony of the Sentuhan Kasih Desa@Tawau 2025 programme, at the Tawau Sports Complex, today.

Also present were Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; and Kinabatangan member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Meanwhile, Zahid reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of Community Development Department (Kemas) officers and teachers, particularly regarding the new salary scheme and the transition from contract to permanent positions.

As the Rural and Regional Development Minister, he said that he had instructed Public Services Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man, to collaborate in making this a reality.

"Do not overlook the new salary scheme for Kemas teachers. Currently, these posts are contractual, but I have instructed that they be made permanent.

"Once the Madani government approves the new salary scheme and permanent appointments, I hope Kemas personnel in Sabah and across the country will be able to enhance their productivity," he said.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1179300/avoid-working-silos-strengthen-entrepreneurial-development-says-zahid