Cooperative to boost agricultural activities

6 April 2025

PENAMPANG: The Koperasi Putaton Jaya Berhad is embarking on a series of initiatives aimed at increasing their income and fostering greater involvement among their members. Today marked a significant milestone for the cooperative, as they convened their inaugural Annual General Meeting at Putaton, where various aspirations and plans were thoroughly discussed.

Chairman Sivaroon Arik announced, "Today is very significant as this is our first annual meeting."

Currently, the cooperative comprises 25 dedicated members, with an influx of new applicants expected to increase this number to 30 by the end of the month. Membership applications have notably come from Babagon, Moyog, and Tindai.

To become a member, individuals are required to pay a membership fee of RM10 and may invest in shares, priced at RM100 each.

The cooperative primarily focuses on agricultural pursuits, with members engaged in cultivating pineapples, vegetables, and some participating in rubber tapping. However, the cooperative is keen to diversify its activities to enhance both community engagement and business opportunities.

“Plans are underway to develop a four-acre site dedicated to a strawberry farm and quail rearing, alongside other agricultural activities. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fishpond on the premises hosted fishing competitions that attracted considerable interest. The cooperative intends to revive these activities, as demand remains high among fishing enthusiasts,” Sivaroon shared.

At present, individuals can access the fishpond for fishing, with an entry fee of RM5. If they wish to take their catch home, the cooperative charges RM19 per kilogramme for the fish caught.

"There are plenty of large fish in the pond," he remarked, highlighting the appealing prospects for anglers.

Through these initiatives, Koperasi Putaton Jaya Berhad is enthusiastic about not only enhancing its financial viability but also reinforcing its connection with the community.

The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Corporative Datuk Ewon Benedick was on hand to officiate the meeting where he shared that there are 16,009 registered cooperatives across the country, of which 1,994 are registered in Sabah.

"I believe that the contributions from the cooperative movement can have a positive impact on the country’s economic growth and can assist the Government in transforming efforts towards ensuring the welfare and prosperity of the local communities.

"Therefore, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) is always committed to creating incentives that are aligned with the needs of entrepreneurs and cooperatives throughout the country," he remarked.

He allocated a sum of RM20,000 as a contribution to encourage this cooperative in their economic endeavours.

Sivaroon expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Minister for the contribution and stressed that they will put the funds to good use.