Dakata Cooperative Receives RM100,000 Under SejaTi Madani Project, Becomes Model Youth Cooperative
PENAMPANG: Koperasi Pembangunan Dakata Sabah Berhad (DAKATA) has received an allocation of RM100,000 under the SejaTi Madani Program to implement a tilapia fish farming project in Kampung Kiranau Inobong, here.
The allocation was channeled through the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department and overseen by ANGKASA Sabah, which also monitors the cooperative’s project implementation.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the cooperative, made up of youth members, should be seen as an example for other young people in Malaysia, especially in Sabah, to engage in entrepreneurship through cooperatives.
“I’m proud to see this cooperative led and managed by youth. This aligns with the government’s aspiration to encourage and see more young people involved in the cooperative movement,” he said.
He made the remarks when speaking to reporters after visiting the project site with representatives from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) and ANGKASA Sabah.
Datuk Ewon added that although the cooperative was only established last year, it is not only active in fish farming but also engaged in ginger and chili fertigation farming and operates a homestay service.
“The ministry will continue to support youth cooperatives like Dakata so that they can thrive and contribute to the state and national economy.
“I also hope this cooperative will inspire other youths to see cooperatives not just as organizations, but as platforms to generate income and strengthen community economies,” he said.
As the Member of Parliament for Penampang, Datuk Ewon also announced contributions from his parliamentary allocation to two other cooperatives:
- Koperasi Putaton Jaya Berhad – RM20,000
- Koperasi Tampasak Berhad – RM10,000
“This contribution reflects my commitment, as I had stated during the annual general meeting of Koperasi Putaton Jaya. I want to see village-based cooperatives continue to grow and benefit their members,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michael Fadilah Raio, Chairman of Koperasi Pembangunan Dakata Sabah Berhad, expressed his appreciation to the government, Datuk Ewon, SKM, and ANGKASA for their support.
“With the SejaTi Madani Program, we can help our cooperative community generate income.
“We will also strive to expand this project so that more members can benefit,” he said.
He encouraged more Sabah youths to venture into business through the cooperative platform, as it has proven to be a viable and sustainable source of collective income.
