Malaysia to Institutionalise “Digital Kitchens” as Cooperatives for Sustainability – Minister
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20, 2025 – Malaysia is considering institutionalising its Digital Kitchen initiative as cooperatives to ensure long-term sustainability and greater access to financial and technical support, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said on Wednesday.
The move would allow the community-based programme, which empowers low-income women through food entrepreneurship and digital platforms, to scale nationwide and serve as a regional model for inclusive micro-enterprise development.
“I propose that Kampung Limau Digital Kitchen be the pioneer for a Digital Kitchen Cooperative, which can later mentor other digital kitchens across the country,” Ewon said at the launch of the Kampung Limau Digital Kitchen in Kuala Lumpur.
The initiative, led by Malaysian social enterprise Pepper Labs, has established 15 Digital Kitchens across the Klang Valley, including in Lembah Pantai, Wangsa Maju and Cheras. Five pilot projects launched in 2024 generated a cumulative sales volume exceeding RM1.2 million (US$260,000) as of June 2025, the minister said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced funding to expand the programme with 25 additional Digital Kitchens nationwide under the 2025 Budget.
Ewon said the ministry and its agencies are complementing the effort with various support schemes including BizME (SME Corp), RAKYATpreneur 6.0 (Bank Rakyat), Be Your Own Boss (PERNAS) and micro-financing programmes by AIM and SME Bank.
Private sector partners are also contributing: Maxis provides digital training, Brahim’s supplies sauces and food ingredients, Media Prima supports branding, while PPB Group has donated bakery equipment.
“This public-private synergy will ensure that Digital Kitchens remain competitive and sustainable. Micro digital entrepreneurs born from this initiative can contribute to GDP growth and help close the digital divide, in line with Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL aspirations,” Ewon said.
He added that the model could strengthen Malaysia’s role in advancing inclusive digital entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia.
