Melaka Allocates RM700,000 To Strengthen Cooperative Movement

MELAKA, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government has allocated RM700,000 over three years from 2023 to support and strengthen the cooperative movement through various targeted initiatives.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the initiatives included the Melaka State Mosque Congregation (Kariah) Cooperative Economic Development Assistance, Micro-Cluster Cooperative Empowerment Assistance and Multi-Cluster Cooperative Empowerment Assistance (E-Perkasa).

“More than 50 cooperatives have benefited from these initiatives, and tonight, the effort continues with the presentation of mock cheques to the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) for distribution to 16 cooperatives.

“The assistance provided must not stop at the allocation itself. We want every ringgit disbursed to serve as a catalyst for greater growth,” he said when launching the 2026 State-level Cooperative Movement Appreciation Ceremony 2026 here last night.

The event was also attended by SKM chief executive officer Mohd Marzuki Yasoa’.

Ab Rauf said the cooperative movement should not be left to operate in isolation, adding that the state government would continue to provide opportunities for cooperatives to expand, strengthen their capabilities and contribute more actively to the state’s economic development.

He stressed that cooperatives were not part of a “second-class” economy but an important pillar of the people’s economic strength that deserved greater recognition.

As of Dec 31 last year, the cooperative movement in Melaka had recorded accumulated assets worth more than RM608 million and total revenue of RM186 million.

“I understand that the revenue figure represents an increase of RM3.86 million compared with the previous year. Melaka now has 516 registered cooperatives with more than 177,000 members,” he said.

At the event, Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Negeri Melaka Berhad won the State Best Cooperative Award 2026, followed by Koperasi Pengusaha Pekerja Malaysia Berhad in second place and Koperasi Peserta-Peserta Felcra Ramuan China Melaka Berhad in third place.

Koperasi Baba Nyonya Melaka Berhad received the Best Community Cooperative Award, while Koperasi Politeknik Merlimau Melaka Berhad won the Best Higher Education Institution Cooperative Award and Koperasi Maktab Rendah Sains MARA Tun Ghafar Baba Melaka Berhad received the Best School Cooperative Award.

-- BERNAMA