Industrial sector encouraged to set up workers' cooperatives

ALOR SETAR, Sept 10 -- Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa) has proposed that the industrial sector, especially manufacturing companies in the country, set up workers’ cooperatives to safeguard the employees’ welfare.

Angkasa president, Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah said although there are still very few industrial cooperatives locally as compared to foreign countries, Angkasa is prepared to assist, should there be companies interested in setting up cooperatives in their factories.

“There are already several cooperatives in the government agencies and departments, but not in the industrial sector. By participating in cooperative businesses, factory workers will be able to enjoy benefits to reduce their cost of living.

“The cooperative businesses can also be expanded to include retail stores and child nurseries to facilitate factory staff, while providing employment opportunities,” he told a press conference here today.

 Earlier, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir officiated the opening of Kedah-branch Angkasa building at Jalan Kota here, which also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Angkasa and Koperasi Kakitangan Kumpulan Syarikat Dr. Azizan Kedah Berhad (Kokusda).

 Meanwhile, Abdul Fattah said the Department of Mineral and Geoscience has invited Kedah Angkasa to participate in a tourism development project, to develop Jerai Geopark, covering an area of about 800 square kilometres.

-- BERNAMA