Terengganu: A total of 160 cooperatives actively engaged in the tourism sector have received incentives under the Jom Jelajah Koperasi (JEJAK) programme, as reported by the Cooperative Societies Commission of Malaysia (SKM). Launched in May last year, the initiative aims to support cooperatives in their marketing and promotional activities, with each receiving an allocation of RM12,500.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, SKM’s chief executive officer, Datuk Rusli Jaafar, highlighted that the JEJAK initiative, spearheaded by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry through SKM, is designed to stimulate business activities for cooperatives involved in hospitality, healthcare, and crafts industries. In Terengganu alone, 22 cooperatives have received incentives amounting to RM198,000.

Rusli emphasized the programme’s goal to help cooperatives affected by COVID-19 resume optimal operations, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026. Speaking at the Terengganu State Cooperatives ‘Tautan Mahabbah’ event, he also noted that SKM had provided additional assistance totaling RM1.194 million to 18 cooperatives in Terengganu last year.

The assistance included capital fund financing facilities, development aid, and entrepreneurship and emergency support. Rusli praised the performance assessment for SKM Terengganu last year as excellent, with 39 cooperatives making it to the list of the 100 best cooperatives in Malaysia. He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts and government incentives would further enhance the socio-economic status of the community in Terengganu.