Andrassy: Applications to establish Tamu Desa in Sabah and Sarawak have reached RM40 million, surpassing the government's RM10 million allocation for this year, said Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. In light of this, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) plans to hold a meeting to evaluate the submitted applications.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Tamu Desa initiative has significantly benefited the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Many stall owners in rural areas and small towns have also shown interest in setting up Tamu Desa, as evidenced by the high number of applications. Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed his intention to discuss with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the possibility of processing these applications in stages annually.

Datuk Ewon Benedick is optimistic that the government will continue implementing this program, especially under the 13th Malaysia Plan, to further stimulate the local economy. He shared these insights while officiating the Tamu Desa in Kampung Piuludan, Andrassy.

The Tamu Desa project is part of an initiative under the Domestic Look East Policy, executed by the MADANI Government through KUSKOP. The Tamu Desa at Kampung Piuludan, now operating every Saturday, marks the 98th Tamu Desa established in Sabah and Sarawak. Last year, 49 Tamu Desa were set up in these regions with an allocation of RM19 million.

The implementation of the Tamu Desa project in Sabah and Sarawak underscores the government's commitment through KUSKOP to pay additional attention to these two states.