LABUAN: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry is preparing to help with the setting up of a cooperative aimed to improve the welfare and well-being of fishermen nationwide.
Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said his ministry was committed to supporting initiatives that improve the people's standard of living, such as cooperatives.
"I will take note of the request from Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman, for the establishment of a cooperative, focussed on the welfare of the more than 2,000 fishermen on this island," he said at a ministry engagement session in conjunction with the Federal Territory of Labuan Cooperative Movement 2024 here on Sunday (Aug 18).
He has also instructed the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) to hold discussions with the Labuan Fishermen's Association to help set up the cooperative and identify areas where the ministry can provide support to fishermen.
Ewon also said a similar initiative is being considered for Terengganu, where a fishermen’s cooperative is under review.
Additionally, he encouraged tourism industry stakeholders to consult with SKM on the advantages of establishing cooperatives within the tourism sector.
"My ministry is ready to provide financial assistance, based on relevant criteria,” he added. – Bernama
