Inclusive business programme sets out to empower Kg Podos villagers

KOTA BELUD (Jan 12): The implementation of an inclusive business development programme in Kampung Podos is expected to help boost residents’ incomes and also strengthen the rural economy.

According to Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick. the programme allows the villagers to be fully involved in the value chain – from the production of raw materials to the manufacture of quality end-products – with the potential to be marketed not only in Sabah, but also beyond.

“I wish to express my appreciation to SME Corp Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop), for selecting Kampung Podos as the location for this programme, which is among the important initiatives to bridge the economic gap in the rural areas,” the state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister told reporters after officiating at the launch of ‘Sabah State Inclusive Business Development Pilot Project’ in Kampung Podos here yesterday.

Ewon, the Kadamaian assemblyman, said the selection of Kampung Podos was most appropriate, with the programme set to open opportunities for the villagers to be directly involved in community-based economic activities through the ‘Inclusive Business’ approach.

“The project also focuses on the empowerment of women and rural communities who continue to face economic challenges, in line with the national entrepreneurship development focus under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).”

The inclusive business development project in Kampung Podos will be run over a one-year period, involving four phases of guidance: product development, skills enhancement, business management, and marketing.

Ewon remarked: “Continuous cooperation between state and federal agencies is crucial in developing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the rural areas.

“I hope that the implementation of the project would have a positive impact on rural economic development and contribute to increased incomes for the people of Kampung Podos, in line with the state’s development aspirations that prioritise the well-being of the people.”