KUSKOP BUILDS 144 TAMU DESA PREMISES IN SABAH, SARAWAK

KOTA BELUD, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) has built 144 Tamu Desa premises in Sabah and Sarawak with an allocation of RM29 million from last year to date.

Its minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Kadamaian state assemblyman, said 22 of the premises were built in the Kadamaian constituency over the past two years.

“I have given additional focus to the Kadamaian area because I began here and saw the need since 2018. Traditional tamu markets here are very active on weekdays.

“With the completion of 22 premises in Kadamaian, including the Tambulion Laut Tamu Desa, the initiative has benefitted not only small traders and tamu entrepreneurs but also visitors,” he told reporters after officiating the new Tambulion Laut Tamu Desa building, here today.

The premises were built with an allocation of about RM300,000 by KUSKOP.

Ewon said the new facility will enable existing tamu entrepreneurs and roadside traders to move to a designated premise, providing a more conducive and organised business environment.

“The tamu desa in Kampung Tambulion Laut is held every Tuesday, and I believe this new facility will add value to the local economy and encourage more residents to become entrepreneurs,” he said.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the government’s continued commitment through Budget 2026, which allocated another RM20 million for the Tamu Desa projects next year.

“We are still receiving many new requests from rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak to implement Tamu Desa projects to upgrade existing facilities that serve as the economic pulse of the local communities,” he said.

He added that the facility is not only used for business activities but also serves as a community centre for various purposes, including the weekly Teman TEKUN meetings, government agency programmes, and community activities.

“This project goes beyond providing business premises. It is a catalyst for rural economic growth and improves the well-being of local communities,” Ewon said.

-- BERNAMA