IKONDESA , Platform To Market Products Of KKDW Entrepreneurs

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- IKONDESA, which was launched today, will be a strategic market access platform for rural products produced by entrepreneurs under the guidance of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and its agencies, through the establishment of physical sales centres in city centres.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said IKONDESA is seen as a driver of change in empowering rural micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) so that they are not only limited to the local market.

"We created IKONDESA as a game changer and we must provide a platform for products from rural areas to be sold to tourists.

"Therefore, with the arrival of tourists who will visit here, they will be able to see products from rural areas that change every month and hopefully this will create a new attraction for our tourists," he said in his speech at the IKONDESA@Putrajaya launch ceremony here today.

Ahmad Zahid said he also called on rural entrepreneurs to use IKONDESA as a stage to go further and spread their wings to the global level.

He said to ensure that IKONDESA becomes a platform that can last a long time and as a legacy of the pride of rural Malaysia, several steps need to be implemented.

It includes three things, namely strengthening digitalization and e-commerce; strengthening the brand and certification; and strengthening training and guidance.

"IKONDESA products cannot just stop at physical shelves. It must be brought to the digital market, to penetrate major e-commerce platforms, and reach buyers around the world.

"Rural products must also be known for their quality, trusted for their certification, and loved for their uniqueness. Whether it is halal certification, craft recognition, or food standards, all will be strengthened to ensure consumer confidence.

"IKONDESA cannot just be a business space. It must be a centre for entrepreneur development, with coaching, business clinics, and ongoing guidance in marketing, branding, and financial management at each location," he said.

Regarding IKONDESA@Putrajaya which is the first sales centre operating under the initiative, Ahmad Zahid said he is confident it would emerge as a new landmark, which is not just a place to buy products, but a stage to experience the culture, heritage, and creativity of rural people.

"Every month, state themes will be showcased, starting with Perak this month. This means that every month we change states and change products and entrepreneurs who showcase their products, especially handcrafts.

"IKONDESA@Putrajaya features three main clusters, namely handicrafts, lifestyle, and food and beverages in an exclusive space, in the heart of the national administration," he said.

Adapting the hybrid sales concept, IKONDESA@Putrajaya combines the atmosphere of a mini-cafe element with an exhibition of exclusive village products covering handicrafts, textiles, food and beverages.

Special order services such as corporate souvenirs and handicrafts in bulk are also offered to meet the demands of individuals, private companies, institutions and government agencies.

In the initial phase, a total of 30 village entrepreneurs have been placed at this centre. Throughout September to December 2025, four state-themed promotion series will be organised to strengthen the village product brand in the market and attract more customers.

To ensure efficient and systematic management, RISDA Agri Food Industries Sdn Bhd (RAFI) has been appointed as the official operator of IKONDESA@Putrajaya, covering aspects of administration, promotion and entrepreneurship development, marketing and entrepreneur management.

-- BERNAMA