KUCHING: About 200 participants attended a Knowledge Talk Programme titled “Memperkasa Komuniti Melalui Koperasi” at D’Sanglau Cafe and Chalet Oya Mukah yesterday (Nov 16).
Organised by the Institute Koperasi Malaysia (IKMa) Sarawak Zone and Koperasi Edok Berhad, the programme featured talks on “Keistimewaan Berkoperasi” by IKMa Sarawak Zone senior lecturer Frank Meol and “Hak dan Tanggungjawab Anggota Koperasi” by senior lecturer Mohamad Suandi Mortadza.
The event also included exhibitions, sales booths, and entrepreneur showcases,” said IKMa in a statement.
Participants from Mukah, Dalat, Oya, and surrounding areas, including Cooperative Board Members (ALK), cooperative members, staff, entrepreneurs, and the general public, attended the programme.
IKMa said the programme aimed to explain how cooperatives can enhance the socio-economic development of communities, especially in rural areas, provide exposure on the rights and responsibilities of members and inform members about IKMa Sarawak Zone’s role in human capital development.
Meanwhile, Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah hoped that IKMa and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) would leverage the cooperative movement to achieve the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goals for Sarawak.
Dalat, Oya, and Mukah areas have vast potential due to abundant natural resources like fertile land, diverse tourist destinations, and beautiful beaches,” she said.
“However, limited exposure, opportunities, and related skills hinder many residents, especially the youth, from recognizing these as opportunities for securing livelihoods and income.”
She encouraged participants to seek guidance from government agencies and actively participate in economic activities, including through cooperative involvement.
