KUCHING: Area Fishermen’s Associations (PNKs) and Area Farmers Organisations (PPKs) in the state are encouraged to establish cooperatives under the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM).
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in stating this said the establishment of cooperatives amongst PNKs and PPKs would help increase the socio-economic development of its members.
He said this was also part of the ministry’s efforts to increase the assistance provided by cooperatives, in addition to increasing the standard of living of its members in the B40 group to the M40 group through various initiatives.
“I have met and discussed with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on September 1 to establish cooperatives amongst the 18 PNKs and 28 PPKs in Sarawak.
“The collaboration between the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Medac) through SKM is to develop the economy of PPK and PNK members through cooperative (activities),” he said.
Wan Junaidi said this in a press conference after officiating at the Sarawak Agriculture Department Development Seminar at Imperial Hotel, here today.
He said the seminar was held to show that the ministry is prioritising Uggah’s suggestions as well as the state government’s aspirations which supported for PNKs and PPKs to not only be an association, but also as cooperatives.
He added that due to differences in legalities between associations and cooperatives, registrations should be guided by SKM through the seminar.
Wan Junaidi also noted that participations amongst PNKs and PPKs are voluntary, and that it will not be forced upon the associations.
“Since this is a business and the aspirations and wishes of the state government are pure and good, it is not compulsory.
“It is all volunteerism. Which means that any PNKs or PPKs who refused cannot be forced,” he assured.
For those who are interested, he also assured that they will be guided and trained to be involved in cooperatives.
“There are many benefits. Financially, cooperatives help. Cooperatives also have other instruments that can be implemented when they meet the conditions set by SKM,” he added.
