Kota kinabalu: The Premises Development (Tamu Desa) programme in Sabah and Sarawak has benefited 3,922 traders, allowing them to conduct business in more comfortable surroundings, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. He highlighted that prior to the programme, many traders, particularly women, were working in less than ideal conditions under canopies, but the upgraded market facilities now provide a more organized environment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister noted that many Tamu Desa premises previously suffered from poor conditions or lacked basic infrastructure and public utilities. This situation made it uncomfortable for traders and the public alike. The programme is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting socio-economic development and improving the quality of life in rural communities, as stated during the launch of Tamu Desa Pekan Telupid.

The programme has seen significant investment, with 100 development projects executed last year, funded to the tune of nearly RM19 million. The first phase of the initiative included 49 projects in Sabah and Sarawak, costing RM8.69 million, followed by a second phase covering 51 projects at a total cost of RM9.9 million.

Ewon Benedick expressed optimism about the programme’s future, announcing that the MADANI Government plans to continue its implementation in Sabah in 2025, with a budget allocation of RM10 million, including a site in the Telupid district. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing Tamu Desa projects in Budget 2026, underscoring the initiative’s role in enhancing the socio-economic status of traders involved in the programme.