KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) has allocated RM2 million to implement various rural entrepreneurship development programmes and enhance the rural communities economic development this year.

Its minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said, from the total amount, RM1 million was allocated for Rural Entrepreneur Development (PUD) and another RM1 million is for One District One Product (SDSP).

“So far, KPLB Sabah has successfully produced 61 entrepreneurs from all over Sabah in various fields including handicrafts, food processing, health, beauty and honey bee farming.

“Most of them managed to produce their own products such as virgin coconut oil, cosmetics and various types of food-based products.

“I was made to understand that some of their products have successfully penetrated the international market such as in Spain, Brunei and Singapore,” he said.

He said this after officiating the Closing Ceremony of Traditional Clothing (Modern) Sewing Course, Food Processing Course (Yeast) and the officiating of the Kg. Kelawat Traditional Clothing Sewing Workshop, in Mensiang, today.

Also present were KPLB Sabah Permanent Secretary Fredian Gan, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Aftar Nurajat, and KPLB Sabah senior officers.

Ewon, who is also the Kadamaian Assemblyman, said his ministry has built the Rural Entrepreneurship Center (PKD) and industrial workshop buildings equipped with various machines and equipment suitable for the use of entrepreneurs under the guidance of KPLB Sabah.

“So far, five PKD buildings have been built, which are in Kudat, Pitas, Matunggong, Beluran and Keningau,” he said.

Ewon Benedick

He explained that the courses aim to increase the knowledge skills of the participants in various fields thus helping them generate extra income.

“We will continue this kind of course to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and prospective rural entrepreneurs to increase their knowledge in business and marketing so that they can be more competitive,” he said.

The course was attended by 24 participants from various districts including Ranau, Tamparuli, Kota Belud and Matunggong.

The Traditional Clothing (Modern) Sewing Course was held for 10 days from 13-22 July.

Meanwhile, the Food Processing (Yeast) Course was held for five days from 18-22 July.

Press release provided by KPLB Sabah.