KUCHING, July 18: Youths with entrepreneurial mindset are encouraged to join cooperatives to help Sarawak become one of the active states in the country.
Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this can also help the state economy to rise, particularly for the B40 group which consists mainly of the Malay and Bumiputra groups.
“About 80 per cent of cooperatives members in Malaysia are under B40 category and out of that, only 20 percent are other races while the rest are Malays or Bumiputera.
“There are at least 100 cooperatives in Malaysia that are in advancing stage. Many of these cooperatives in Peninsular Malaysia have already become millionaires, with asset worth millions.
“However, in Sarawak’s situation, although there are many cooperatives, they are not as lively as the ones in Peninsular Malaysia because there is only one that is active,” Wan Junaidi said during the presentation of grant to Pending Islam Cemetery committee and Taman Sepakat Jaya surau committee today.
He assured that the ministry will help those who wish to start a business or convert their business by giving training and grants to eligible applicants.
Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP said his ministry is currently doing research on how to transform the country’s cooperative movement so that the return of investment to its members are better and encouraging.
He lamented that the initiative among youths to do businesses is insufficient and therefore, there is a need to find educated, smart and young people to join the cooperatives not only as members but to lead as well.
“Work together with cooperatives, assist them and lead. Not only will you help the country’s economic to rise but you are also helping the B40 group to succeed one day,” Wan Junaidi encouraged.
At the event, he presented a grant of RM15,000 for Taman Sepakat Jaya surau committee and RM5,000 for Pending Islam cemetery committee.—DayakDaily
