PERAK MB URGES COOPERATIVES TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES, EXPAND INTO NEW SECTORS

IPOH, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad urged the cooperative movement in the state to seize new opportunities by expanding into other business sectors, including through existing state development plans. 

He said they need to take advantage of the significant opportunities arising from the rapidly growing domino effect of economic spillover in South and North Perak. 

Saarani noted that the cooperative movement is among the key contributors to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which can transform and empower the local community.  

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"Cooperatives should explore opportunities such as the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) Project pioneered by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. (Geely) and DRB-HICOM Berhad, and Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC).

"Other prospects are the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) project and the  Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) in North Perak.

"But so far I have not seen cooperatives applying to the state government to be directly involved. They should seize these opportunities," he said after the Perak State Cooperative Movement Appreciation Ceremony 2024, here today.

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Also present were the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM) chairman, Lt-Gen (R) Datuk Ahmad Norihan Jalal, and State Women, Family, Social Welfare, Cooperatives, and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman, Datuk Salbiah Mohamed.

Saarani added that the involvement of the cooperative movement in state development activities will undoubtedly accelerate the progress and growth of cooperatives, particularly in boosting their income.

"For example, in the construction of the WISE Expressway, cooperatives can supply sand or red earth, so there is no harm in exploring these new business areas.

"They need to learn, gain experience, and network with individuals in this field. If not, they can consider opening retail shops, laundry services, and others that emerge from the economic vibrancy of a particular area," he said.

A total of 11 cooperatives in Perak have been awarded the 2024 Malaysia's 100 Best Cooperatives Profile Award, placing it as one of the states with the largest number of cooperatives on the winners' list.

The state government also allocated RM55,000 to the 11 listed cooperatives as an incentive to recognise their contributions to improving the socio-economic conditions of members in the state.

The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, through SKM, has approved RM10 million in financing under the SKM Revolving Fund, and RM709,990 in development grants to 25 cooperatives in Perak this year.

-- BERNAMA