Tamu Desa Sumbilingon Kelawat benefits vendors, contributes to economy

By AVV

21 October 2024

KOTA BELUD: The launch of the Cooperative Community Development Programme for the Kelawat Zone, alongside the inauguration of the Tamu Desa premises in Kampung Sumbilingon, Kadamaian, represents a significant advancement for local vendors in the area. This initiative not only enhances the economic opportunities for tamu vendors but also fosters community engagement and collaboration.

The Tamu Desa building in Kampung Sumbilingon features a well-designed main structure that includes space for a series of stalls, providing vendors with dedicated spaces to showcase and sell their products.

Additionally, the open hall within the premises serves as a versatile venue for community gatherings, events, and the weekly tamu market. This facility is expected to become a vibrant hub for local commerce and social interaction, benefiting both vendors and residents alike.

Stephanie Jefry, 49, has been a dedicated vendor at the Tamu for nearly two years, operating from the Koperasi Tamu in the Kelawat area. Dealing in fresh vegetables, she sources her products from wholesalers and sells them at her stall. As a mother of seven and a grandmother to one, Stephanie expresses satisfaction with her income, which significantly contributes to her family's financial stability.

"One of the main challenges I face is the lack of space," she explains. "However, with the new Tamu Desa site, we have a designated area that is on concrete and covered, providing a much better environment for selling our goods." Although she is still awaiting her official lot number, Stephanie remains optimistic that this will be resolved soon.

Florence Maichol, a 57-year-old vendor from Kg Sumbilingon, has been actively participating in the Tamu Desa for the past three years. Initially involved in the Community stall, she participated in the Tamu Desa premises in Kampung Sumbilingon during the launching. Florence sells a variety of cakes and pre-cooked foods, which have proven to be popular among customers.

Her overhead is modest. "As long as I can cover my daily overhead of RM20 to RM30, I consider it a success," she shares.

Asked if she wants to acquire financial assistance from establishments under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC), such as AIM and TEKUN, she shares that she is not ready for that yet.

Florence is a devoted mother to three children, all of whom are currently in primary school. She firmly believes that with dedication and hard work, the tamu business can be a lucrative venture.

Sailin Sualeh, 49, is participating in the Tamu Desa for the first time and expresses her intrigue at the vibrant and joyful atmosphere. She has crafted several baskets for her daughter, Mariel Michael, 21, who is eager to explore entrepreneurship.

“I am fascinated by the Tamu and want to actively engage in business. Today, I am selling food items along with the baskets my mother made. In the future, I aspire to start a business focused on fashion and beauty care,” she shares enthusiastically. Mariel enjoys the Tamu immensely and believes it significantly benefits the local community.

Saimi Suali, 58, a coconut vendor, from the same village, is also making her debut at the Tamu Desa. Although she has previously attended as a customer, this is her first experience as a seller. She is particularly interested in this venture as she approaches retirement from her public sector job.

“I see this as a great opportunity to start a business after I retire, and I believe it is economically viable,” she states. Saimi has planted coconuts five years ago, and they are now bearing fruit.

“Since the coconuts hang low, I can easily pluck them myself. Rather than let them mature on the tree, I might as well sell them,” she explains.

All vendors agree that the Tamu Desa serves as a valuable platform for the community to sell their goods.

They express their gratitude to the MEDC Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for his significant support in providing rural residents with better opportunities to market their products. Tamu Desa is an evolution of the traditional market, a practice that has been integral to the community for generations.

"This is part of the 53 Tamu Desa premises that we are implementing throughout Sabah this year for Phase One and Two. Meanwhile, for Sarawak, a total of 33 Tamu Desa premises will be implemented this year, consisting of 13 premises for Phase One and 20 Tamu Desa premises so far for Phase Two," Ewon had stated earlier in his launching speech.

Ewon welcomed community leaders, associations, or vendors to submit applications in their respective areas.

“In the 2024 Budget, MEDC has been allocated RM20 million for the implementation of Tamu Desa project premises, including RM1 million allocated to vendor associations.”