Cooperatives as Engines of Community Development: Malaysian Minister Urges Stronger Commitment to Social Responsibility

KOTA BELUD, SABAH – 23 July 2025: Malaysia’s cooperative movement has been urged to deepen its social role through the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes that deliver tangible benefits to grassroots communities. This call was made by the country’s Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who emphasised that cooperatives are not merely economic entities but strategic instruments for inclusive community development, especially in rural areas.

“Profitable cooperatives must go beyond internal member dividends. They must rise as social protectors — giving back to communities inclusively and meaningfully. This is the true spirit of the cooperative movement, grounded in solidarity,” Ewon stressed.

He made these remarks during the launch of a CSR initiative by Khazanah Usahawan Cooperative Berhad (KO-KHAWAN) in Kota Belud, which involves the construction of four open-air community halls in the villages of Kaung Ulu, Bongol, Kebidahan and Bundu Lapak — with a total investment of RM200,000. These facilities are expected to become hubs for social activities, local entrepreneurship, and community resilience.

Datuk Ewon praised KO-KHAWAN’s initiative as a best-practice model worthy of replication nationwide, and even regionally among developing countries.

“We envision Malaysia’s cooperatives becoming among the most progressive in Southeast Asia — not just financially successful, but also socially impactful,” he said.

He further stressed that community development through cooperatives must form part of a national inclusive economic policy, not just be seen as isolated philanthropic gestures. This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing inequality, empowering communities, and strengthening local institutions.

In the same event, Ewon also expressed strong support for the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia’s efforts in delivering fire safety and disaster prevention briefings to village leaders and volunteer fire brigades in the Kadamaian constituency — a crucial step in enhancing rural community preparedness.

“Village leaders are the first responders in times of crisis. Equipping them with basic safety training is a strategic investment in preventing loss of life and property,” he said.

He also commended local firefighters for their innovative development of search and rescue equipment, citing it as an excellent example of community-based technological efficiency.

As part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to grassroots empowerment, Ewon also delivered Special Ministerial Grants amounting to over RM150,000 to five community organisations in Kadamaian, including women’s associations and local sports clubs — aimed at strengthening social development and leadership capacity at the community level.

Malaysia is positioning itself to unlock the full potential of cooperatives as a dual driver of economic progress and social upliftment. The “people-centred” approach outlined by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives is expected to open new avenues for hundreds of thousands of Malaysians, while propelling the country to become a regional leader in modern cooperative economics.

“We’re not just building profit-driven cooperatives. We’re building people-driven prosperity. This is the future of the people’s economy,” Ewon said confidently.