KUCHING: Koperasi Mamacare Sarawak Berhad has been set up with the primary aim of encouraging women’s participation in the cooperative.
It touts services such as massage, medicine and herbal baths that focus on personal care and health.
Officiating at the programme, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Senator Saraswathy Kandasami said the establishment of more cooperatives involving women is crucial to helping uplift women’s status not only socially but also economically and their involvement in business.
“The establishment of this cooperative is an excellent effort to improve the welfare of women, especially those in the low-income group (B40), as well as to uphold traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.
“According to cooperative movement statistics of Sarawak until December 31, 2022, a total of 1,159 cooperatives have been registered with a membership of 310,125 people. The total assets amount to RM647.49 million with earnings of RM392.59 million.
“Through cooperatives, women can join forces and enhance their entrepreneurial skills through cooperation between cooperatives,” she added.
The cooperative sector, she said, is an excellent opportunity for women entrepreneurs and that strategic cooperation among cooperatives or local women entrepreneurs’ product marketing can further boost their income.
Furthermore, collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM), the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the Institut Koperasi Malaysia and relevant state and federal government agencies should be strengthened.
Both federal and state government agencies have various facilities that can be provided to cooperatives such as grant aid, revolving capital loans, courses, training, advisory services and much more.
Therefore, the cooperative needs to seize these opportunities, she said.
“The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, through the Malaysian Cooperative Commission, will always assist cooperatives,” she added.
