THE Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry will use the RM20 million fund allocated under the Budget 2024 to set up the Tamu (Market) Desa initiative.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this today, stating that the programme was a proposal from the minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
“The funds, as proposed by Benedick, will be managed by his ministry, with RM1 million from the fund allocated for the development and management of small trader associations nationwide,” said Anwar in Penampang, Sabah.
Meanwhile, Anwar also launched the Penampang Development Plan 2024-2025 with a RM2 million allocation to get the plan started.
The plan, developed by the Sabah Institute of Development Studies (IDS), involved six months of research and engagement with Penampang residents, utilising Benedick’s parliamentary allocation.
Benedick emphasised a strategic and integrated approach to Penampang’s development and called for collaboration from ministries, departments, and agencies to realise the community's aspirations.
The allocation will fund various small and medium scale projects, as well as maintenance of drains, rivers, flood damage repairs, construction of new roads, houses of worship and hostels for students.
He said the project will complement the Greater Kota Kinabalu Plan through the development of the district as the second city after Kota Kinabalu. – The Vibes, December 7, 2023.
