KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) is set to implement 43 Tamu Desa (Village Market) Premises Development Programmes under Phase 2, targeting 18 sites in Sabah and 25 in Sarawak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick announced that the project, which aims to upgrade existing Tamu Desa or establish new ones, is allocated RM10 million and is expected to be completed by March of next year. The initiative is designed to stimulate economic activity in rural areas by becoming a focal point for local economic development, benefiting small traders and hawkers while having a long-term positive impact on small vendors.
Ewon emphasized that Tamu Desa contributes to the country’s economic growth by enhancing business facilities, alleviating rural poverty, and strengthening the local entrepreneurship sector, all while bolstering the nation’s tourism industry. He shared these insights during a special interview with Bernama and local newspapers Born
eo Post and Utusan Borneo.
Tamu Desa serves as a sales hub for local agricultural products and handicrafts, aiding in the development and trade of the local cottage industry. Ewon highlighted that this provides an opportunity for local products to reach a broader market, thereby boosting national income through the sale of quality domestic products.
During the presentation of the MADANI Budget 2025 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 18, RM100 million was allocated for the construction of stalls and the repair of public market infrastructure across all local governments in the country, including upgrading facilities for small Tamu Desa vendors in Sabah and Sarawak. KUSKOP will collaborate with the Sabah and Sarawak governments, with the district office in Sabah and the Local Authority (PBT) in Sarawak acting as implementing agencies for developing more conducive Tamu Desa outlets.
Ewon also aspires to make the Tamu Desa programme an annual initiative of the ministry, and a Member of Parli
ament from the Peninsula has suggested implementing the programme in his local area.
Since last year, KUSKOP has launched a Special Financing Scheme for traders to conduct business in community village markets. The scheme has received an encouraging response, with many taking advantage of loans up to RM5,000 to start small businesses, particularly benefiting women entrepreneurs.
To further empower small traders, the ministry not only provides infrastructure and loan facilities but also encourages traders to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) for social protection. Ewon stressed the importance of all small traders obtaining a business license from the district office or a business permit from the local authority.