Mohd Hairi: Johor Business Summit and Expo on Oct 25 and 26 targeting 5,000 visitors.
Exco: RM825mil sector must seize opportunities from JS-SEZ for community-centric expansion
COOPERATIVES in Johor must be proactive and seize the vast opportunities offered by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
State youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said this was important to ensure comprehensive, community-centred economic growth in Johor.
“Cooperatives play a key role in driving inclusive community development as they represent various groups, including those from the B40 category, women, youth, Orang Asli and professionals.
“They can pave the way for improved livelihoods while serving as a business model.
“The state government strongly encourages cooperatives to be involved in sustainable economic development initiatives and seize opportunities arising from the implementation of the JS-SEZ,” he said during the Johor Cooperative Award ceremony in Johor Baru.
Mohd Hairi said cooperatives could do so by taking part in Johor Business Summit and Expo slated for Oct 25 and 26 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, in the state capital.
“The event is expected to bring together over 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors and industry players from within and outside the country, and has a target of 5,000 visitors.
“It serves as the ideal platform for cooperatives in Johor to explore and venture into large-scale economic activities while also expanding their marketing efforts,” he highlighted.
Mohd Hairi said cooperatives in Johor had demonstrated their potential after generating some RM824.57mil in revenue last year.
“This success clearly proves that the cooperative sector not only holds great potential but also plays an important role as a driver of the nation’s socioeconomic growth.”
He said the state government would continue to support the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM), including developing programmes to ensure its steady growth.
“Johor government approved allocations amounting to RM6.9mil from 2016 to 2024 to fund various aid and development programmes for cooperatives in the state.
“This year, we have also allocated RM600,000 to strengthen cooperatives in the agricultural sector and to organise this award ceremony as recognition of the consistent excellence demonstrated by cooperatives over the years,” said Mohd Hairi.
