Kota Kinabalu: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick announced that the 2025 MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR 2025) in Sabah provides state residents with access to opportunities and assistance aimed at alleviating poverty.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon urged Sabahans to take advantage of the available opportunities and assistance, which include entrepreneurship support, cooperative initiatives, and employment options. The theme for Sabah PMR 2025, “Menoktahkan Kemiskinan Melalui Keusahawanan” (Eliminating Poverty Through Entrepreneurship), underscores the government’s commitment to addressing poverty through sustainable means by empowering communities, especially those in rural areas and the B40 income group, via entrepreneurial initiatives.
Ewon emphasized the value of the PMR event, noting that attendees could access services tailored to their needs, including assistance, grants, and financing for business growth. He encouraged the public to leverage the event’s offerings to help end poverty and enhance economic activities in the region.
Sabah PMR 2025 is scheduled to take place over three days beginning May 9 at the Tawau Municipal Council Square. The initiative is spearheaded by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry in partnership with the Performance Acceleration and Coordination Unit (PACU) and the Sabah government. The closing ceremony on May 11 will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with several federal and state leaders expected to attend.
Ewon also highlighted additional components of the event, including 36 exhibition booths by ministries and agencies, and various satellite programs. These include a community clean-up initiative in Kampung Mentadak Baru, Pulau Sebatik, Tawau, and the ministry’s Halal Success Programme at Tawau Community College. The Bicara Ilmu programme is set to address poverty alleviation through cooperative business models.
Moreover, a community project at PPR Batu 8, Tawau, will involve repairing a futsal court and installing solar panels, benefiting nearly 4,500 residents. The event will also showcase the Satu Daerah Satu Industri (SDSI) initiative, which has significantly contributed to local economic development by boosting sales in traditional industries such as weaving and stingless bee honey production.
Ewon noted that the Sabah PMR 2025 will feature the MADANI Sales Programme, which offers daily necessities at reduced prices, with discounts of up to 30%. The programme includes participation from 120 SDSI entrepreneurs, as well as food and beverage vendors and food truck entrepreneurs. In addition, pocket talk sessions will cover topics related to entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and economic development, presented by experts and renowned speakers.