BY SYAMIMI HUSNA
KUCHING: The Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (MCSC) has announced a RM100mil fund to support the development of the agro-food industry across Malaysia, including Sarawak.
The initiative aims to bolster the cooperative movement, particularly in rural areas involving farmers, by capitalising on the potential of food supply as an economic opportunity.
Speaking at the Cooperative Empowerment Seminar in the Agricultural and Basic Farming Sectors here on Tuesday (May 16), federal Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasised the significance of food security in driving this endeavour.
He expressed his hope for strategic collaboration between Sarawak and the ministry, through a joint committee, to enhance coordination among the relevant sectors within the cooperative movement and ensure a consistent food supply.
As of Dec 31, 2022, there were a total of 1,159 registered cooperatives in Malaysia, with a membership of 310,178 individuals and a combined share/fee collection of RM223.90mil.
“The accumulated assets of these cooperatives reached RM647.45mil, while the contribution from Sarawak’s cooperative movement in the past year alone amounted to RM392.84mil.
“Within the records, 285 cooperatives were engaged in agricultural functions, boasting a membership of 18,341 people and a total share/fee collection of RM11.82mil.”
The accumulated assets of these cooperatives stood at RM58mil, he added, and impressively, Sarawak’s cooperative movement played a significant role by contributing RM173mil, representing the highest acquisition within the cooperative sector.
