KUNDASANG, Sabah, Oct 25 – Malaysia on Saturday broke ground on a RM2.275 million modern hawker centre in Kundasang, part of a federal initiative to strengthen rural entrepreneurship in Sabah ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Ewon Benedick said the project, which is expected to be completed by June 2026, will benefit 90 local micro-entrepreneurs operating in one of Sabah’s main highland tourism zones.
The centre is being developed by UDA Holdings Berhad on a 1.5-acre site provided by the Ranau District Council, under a national programme to modernise rural trade infrastructure.
“The construction of this centre is not merely a physical development but reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that small traders have access to organised facilities that support business growth and competitiveness,” Ewon said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The complex will include trading stalls, a food court, storage units, public restrooms and a prayer facility, featuring local architectural identity and environmentally sustainable elements.
Ewon said the project builds on KUSKOP’s Tamu Desa model with upgrades involving financing access, digitalisation and entrepreneurship training to transition traditional hawkers towards modern business models.
He also acknowledged Bank Rakyat’s role as a strategic partner through microfinancing schemes aimed at supporting rural traders and expanding digital adoption.
“This Whole of Government approach ensures development benefits are channelled beyond urban areas to rural communities in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
The minister added that the centre will help generate new job opportunities, increase household incomes and stimulate rural tourism, positioning Kundasang as a key economic hub under Malaysia’s 12th Development Plan.
