By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: The community ecotourism sector in Kampung Kibambangan here has the potential to be redeveloped through strategic collaboration with local cooperative movements.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the destination, which was once a popular spot among tourists, has promising prospects for revival.
“I have agreed to approve an allocation of RM250,000 under the village market premises development programme by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to construct a tamu building based on an open hall concept along with other related facilities,” he said after visiting the campsite and ecotourism site in Kg Kibambangan, here.
Ewon, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, praised the efforts of the Nulu Penampang Cultural Arts Association, which remains active in organising various cultural activities and concerts in the area.
He also visited the studio and guitar workshop owned by Jack Masa, a young entrepreneur and music artist from Sabah, who is currently in the process of developing a studio in Donggongon Town as part of his efforts to expand his business.
“I have offered him a development grant under the BEEP Plus Programme (Sabah & Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant) implemented by SME Corp to support his business venture.
“I have also channelled an allocation of RM20,000 to the Nulu Penampang Cultural Arts Association under his leadership to support youth programmes that have been carried out.
In a separate event, Ewon officiated the First Annual General Meeting of Koperasi Putaton Jaya Berhad at Amore Puru, here.
Ewon stated that the cooperative movement holds great potential as a key platform for entrepreneurial development in rural areas.
He said that to date, there are 16,009 registered cooperatives nationwide, with 1,994 registered in Sabah alone.
“I also agreed to allocate RM20,000 as an incentive contribution to support this cooperative in expanding the business it has initiated,” he said.
