RM8 million for Rural Market Project

25 June 2024

KUCHING: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) allocated over RM8 million for the Rural Market Project for the first and second phases in Sarawak on June 25, 2024.

The Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, stated that out of this amount, RM1.995 million is allocated for the first phase and RM7 million for the second phase.

"A total of 13 rural Market sites have been identified in Sarawak for upgrading in the first phase, namely in the areas of Satok, Sungai Apong, Taman Marsjaya Baharu, Luak, Tedungan, Kampung Besa Pebahanan, Beluru, Lapok, Batang Ai, Matu, Simunjan, Serikei, and Selangau.

"The Rural Market Project aims to provide or upgrade commercial spaces or vendor centres with more conducive infrastructure and to provide more effective marketing access for sales products.

"I hope that the implementation of this project will further enhance the socio-economic status of the local population through business opportunities and create new job opportunities for the local residents," he said.

He made these remarks after chairing the District Level Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, Vendors, and Small Traders Development Meeting (MPUKPPD) in Sarawak at the Raia Hotel Convention Centre here today.

Ewon stated that the Ministry of Finance has approved a one-off allocation of RM10 million to MEDC for the implementation of the Rural Market Project this year in Sabah and Sarawak.

"For the first phase, the ministry has allocated RM1.995 million to Sarawak and RM7 million to Sabah. Meanwhile, for the second phase, Sarawak will receive a larger allocation than Sabah, which is RM7 million," he said.

Regarding the meeting, Ewon said that two agendas were discussed, namely the Implementation of MPUKPPD and Premises Development (Rural Market) in Sarawak in 2024.

He said that MPUKPPD was implemented on a pilot basis in the state districts of Sabah last year, and this year MEDC aims to expand the implementation of this Council to other states.

"This year, MEDC plans to implement MPUKPPD in Sarawak and several states in Peninsular Malaysia.

"With the existence of this Council, MEDC believes it can help entrepreneurs, cooperatives, vendors, and small traders to develop the local economy through products or services provided by MEDC and its related agencies, including state and federal government agencies.

"Furthermore, to bridge gaps and enhance cooperation among entrepreneurs, cooperatives, vendors, small traders, local leaders, and district-level departments and agencies," he said.

Ewon hopes that the implementation of MPUKPPD and the Village Market Program will receive strong support and cooperation from the Sarawak Government so that MEDC's goal of empowering small entrepreneurs and cooperatives can be achieved.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Dr. Ripin Lamat welcomed the efforts and commitment of the federal government through MEDC to assist Sarawak entrepreneurs, especially in terms of providing more conducive infrastructure.

"We appreciate the allocation for the Village Market Project in Sarawak and will strive to ensure smooth implementation for the benefit of the target groups," he said.

After the meeting, Ewon also presented the Appointment Letter of the Enforcement Officer to the Local Authorities (PBT) for the Village Development Program in Sarawak.

Also present were Datuk Dr. Ripin Lamat, representing the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Deputy Chief Secretary (Policy and Monitoring) of MEDC Noor Afifah Abdul Razak, representatives from the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, and heads of agencies under MEDC.