Kuala Lumpur:Sarawak The cooperative movement in Sarawak is encouraged to take advantage of government-provided facilities such as financing, training, and capacity-building to enhance their role in driving the state's economy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasized the importance of cooperatives in economic development, as they allow their members and the community to directly benefit from business growth.

Awang Tengah highlighted the need for cooperatives to move beyond traditional activities and engage in businesses that can expand, create their own brands, dominate markets, and explore new economic sectors. He made these remarks at the Sarawak State Cooperative Movement Appreciation Night 2026.

As Sarawak's Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Awang Tengah noted that cooperatives should focus on scaling up businesses and joining larger supply chains, particularly in developing sectors like modern agriculture, the food industry, logistics, tourism, energy, and downstream industries.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperatives as catalysts for rural economic growth by enhancing production, improving product standards, and expanding the reach of local Sarawak products to larger markets.

Awang Tengah stated that cooperatives must accelerate their digitalisation and e-commerce efforts to access markets throughout Malaysia and internationally, noting that geographical distance should no longer hinder market access.