KUCHING, Oct 24: A state cooperative is setting up ‘Smart’ petrol stations to supply petroleum products to rural folks at the same prices as in urban areas.
The first two ‘Smart’ petrol stations located in Tanjung Manis and Stapang are currently under construction and there are eight applications currently under review , said Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Smart Resources Sdn Bhd has been appointed to manage the petrol stations.
Awang Tengah said there are 10 other applicants looking for suitable locations. The identified potential locations include Sarikei, Song, Pusa, Julau, Belawai, Mukah, Sadong Jaya, Serian, and Belaga.
On top of that, Awang Tengah said the state cooperatives are also looking into developing a 1,500-acre pineapple plantation in Beladin and setting up a Business Park in Semariang with the private sector.
“Cooperatives in the state have lots of opportunities and potential to diversify activities through cooperation with private companies to increase revenue and not solely depend on government agencies,” the deputy chief minister said after chairing the State Cooperative Consultative Council meeting
The Sarawak Cooperative Movement (Gerakan Koperasi Negeri Sarawak) comprises 1,020 registered cooperatives as at 30 June 2017. The cooperative movement has 352,000 members, RM173 million in share capital, RM570 million worth of assets and expects revenue of RM137 million at the end of this year.
“Every cooperative must also ensure that its intention and the interest and welfare of its members are constantly maintained to ensure sustainability and relevance of the cooperative itself,” Awang Tengah said. — DayakDaily
