By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
TENOM, SABAH, Sept 20, 2025 – The rich cultural heritage of Malaysia’s Indigenous communities is not only a symbol of identity and tradition but also holds immense potential to drive new streams of sustainable economic growth through cooperative enterprises.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said his ministry, together with agencies including the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), will continue to strengthen the role of cooperatives as engines of economic empowerment for Indigenous and Orang Asli communities.
“As an initial step, we will organise the National Indigenous Cooperative Conference in Perak, a strategic platform to connect expertise, market opportunities and cultural-based economic innovation,” he told reporters after officiating the Momogun Carnival in conjunction with the 2025 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre here today.
Ewon stressed that traditional attire, handicrafts, customs and other forms of heritage can be transformed into tourism assets and sustainable income sources when collectively managed through cooperatives.
“Culture should not only be inherited; it must also be developed as economic capital. This is the opportunity for Indigenous communities to elevate their values to both national and global stages,” he said.
He added that events such as the Momogun Carnival not only celebrate cultural identity but also reaffirm the recognition accorded by the United Nations (UN) to Indigenous peoples worldwide.
On the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, Ewon underscored that the community has been given the highest recognition globally, while in Malaysia, their rights are enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
These provisions include the special position of Indigenous peoples, Malays, and the Native peoples of Sabah and Sarawak in education, scholarships, public service and other privileges.
“In Sabah, Indigenous rights are further safeguarded under the Sabah Native Ordinance. As a Cabinet member from the Indigenous community, I remain committed to defending these constitutional guarantees,” he affirmed.
Ewon also called for greater solidarity and cooperation among Indigenous groups to ensure their rights and identities remain protected.
“I take pride in the commitment and consistency of the Momogun National Congress (MNC) in championing the aspirations of our people. This nation belongs to all of us, and Indigenous communities play a vital role in shaping Malaysia’s future.
“Let us build a stronger Federation together by nurturing a genuine sense of belonging in every citizen,” he said.
The Momogun Carnival 2025 was organised by MNC in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), the Sabah Cultural Board and the Tenom District Office.
