Kota Kinabalu: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) has launched several initiatives to boost entrepreneurship in Sabah and Sarawak. These initiatives are part of the ministry’s strategic focus to enhance entrepreneurial growth in the two states, as stated by Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiatives include the Tamu Desa premises project, the Sabah bumiputera entrepreneur grant scheme, the Tamu entrepreneur financing scheme, and entrepreneurial training schemes tailored for both Sabah and Sarawak. These efforts were detailed during Datuk Ewon Benedick’s interaction with reporters at the UPKO Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 open house.

The ministry, along with its 10 affiliated agencies, aims to extend its support to the local populace by enhancing services in rural regions. This includes the expansion of Bank Rakyat’s mobile banking services in small towns across Sabah, which have historically lacked accessible banking facilities.

Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted that RM813 million in aid has been allocated to support 53,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah, with aspirations to increase this funding in the current year. Furthermore, KUSKOP is set to organize the MADANI Rakyat programme in Sabah, with expectations for higher attendance compared to last year.

The programme will see participation from over 13 ministries and more than 50 government agencies tied to entrepreneurship, all converging in Sabah this May. The event aims to foster awareness and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among attendees.