KUCHING: Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan chaired the Sarawak State Cooperative Consultative Council (MPKN) Meeting held here, on Wednesday.

According to a statement by the Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia (SKM), MPKN serves as an important platform that brings together representatives of the Sarawak and Federal Governments, related agencies and the cooperative movement to discuss current developments and the direction of the cooperative movement in Sarawak.

“This is to ensure it can be implemented more systematically, inclusively and effectively, in addition to strengthening cooperation between various stakeholders in cooperative development.

“MPKN is committed to strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of cooperatives through improving professional management, expanding access to financing and providing more comprehensive business facilities and opportunities for promoting international trade, especially in the face of global economic uncertainty,” it said.

SKM encouraged cooperatives to play a more active role in improving the socio-economic status of the people by seizing opportunities in the value and supply chain offered through the high amount of investment in Sarawak.

In the past five years, the value of approved investments in Sarawak has exceeded RM116 billion, with 2025 totalling more than RM16 billion.

Additionally, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah suggested that cooperatives should explore new economic sectors including renewable energy, aerospace, semiconductors, digitalisation and food security.

“The performance of the Sarawak cooperative movement as of 31 December 2025 showed positive development with 1,212 cooperatives, 323,122 members, total shares/fees of RM232.32 million, assets of RM718.59 million and turnover of RM486.92 million, reflecting the strength and great potential of this sector in contributing to the Sarawak economy.

“MPKN continues to serve as an important platform to discuss challenges and devise sustainable solutions, with continued support from agencies such as SKM and the Co-operative Institute of Malaysia (CIM).

“Through integrated cooperation from all parties, the cooperative movement is believed to be able to remain relevant, competitive and become the main driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Sarawak,” the statement said. -UKASnews