OVER RM8 MLN ALLOCATED TO IMPLEMENT TAMU DESA PROJECT IN SARAWAK - KUSKOP

KUCHING, June 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) is providing more than RM8 million to implement the Tamu Desa Project in Sarawak, starting this year.

Its minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said RM1.995 million of the amount has been allocated for the first phase and RM7 million for the second phase, with 13 Tamu Desa sites identified in Sarawak to be upgraded under the first phase.

"The Tamu Desa project aims to provide or upgrade a hawker's business space or business centre with a more conducive infrastructure and provide more effective marketing access to sales products," he said.

In a statement after chairing the Sarawak District Level Entrepreneurs, Cooperatives, Hawkers and Small Traders Development Meeting (MPUKPPD), here today, he said this project will further increase business opportunities as well as new jobs for local residents.

According to him, the Ministry of Finance has approved a one-off allocation of RM10 million to KUSKOP for the implementation of the Tamu Desa Project this year in Sabah and Sarawak.

"For the first phase, the ministry allocated RM1.995 million to Sarawak and RM7 million to Sabah, while for the second phase, Sarawak will receive a larger allocation than Sabah which is RM7 million," he said.

Besides the Tamu Desa Project, Ewon said the meeting also discussed the implementation of the MPUKPPD which was implemented on a pilot basis in the districts of Sabah last year and this year, KUSKOP intends to expand the implementation in other states.

"This year, KUSKOP is planning the implementation of MPUKPPD in Sarawak and several states in the peninsula. The ministry is confident that it (MPUKPPD) can help entrepreneurs, cooperatives and small traders to develop the local economy through products or services provided by KUSKOP and agencies under its ambit including relevant state and federal government agencies.

"Subsequently, (it will) bridge the gap and increase cooperation between entrepreneurs, cooperatives, hawkers and small traders, local leaders, as well as departments and agencies at the district level," he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat welcomed the efforts and commitment of the federal government through KUSKOP to help Sarawak entrepreneurs especially in terms of providing more conducive infrastructure.

"We appreciate the provision of allocations for the Tamu Desa Project in Sarawak and will strive to ensure that the implementation runs smoothly for the benefit of the target group," he said.

-- BERNAMA