Kota kinabalu: The construction of tamu desa (rural market) premises underscores the federal government’s commitment to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly at the village level across the state, stated Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick. Ewon, who also serves as the Sabah Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, highlighted that facilities such as the Kampung Ramayah Tamu Desa in Penampang were developed as part of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives’ (KUSKOP) initiatives last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon noted that the tamu desa was among the facilities requested by village leaders during his tenure leading KUSKOP. The tamu in Kampung Ramayah, held every Saturday, is managed by the Kampung Ramayah Neighbourhood Watch Committee (KRT) and has been fully utilized by local small business owners for sales activities. Ewon emphasized that this development aligns with the real needs of micro and small entrepreneurs at the village level, showcasing the government’s facilitation.

Ewon further stated that his ministry prioritizes the empowerment of MSMEs as a central driver of the state’s economy. He also mentioned the focus of the transport portfolio under his ministry on logistics aspects, involving the Sabah Ports Authority, Sabah State Railway Department, and Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, which were previously under the Sabah Ministry of Public Works.