KOTA BELUD, SABAH, MALAYSIA January 11, 2026 – Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, expressed confidence that the Inclusive Business Development Program in Kampung Podos will increase residents’ income and empower the rural community economy.
He said the program enables village residents to participate fully in the value chain, from producing raw materials to creating high-quality finished products that have the potential to be marketed not only in Sabah but also beyond the state.
“I wish to record 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 program, which is one of the key initiatives to bridge the economic gap in rural areas,” he said.
He made the remarks to reporters after officiating the launch of the Sabah State Inclusive Business Development Pilot Project in Kg Podos today.
Ewon, who is also the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Kadamaian, said the choice of Kampung Podos was highly appropriate as it provides local residents with direct opportunities to engage in community-based economic activities through the Inclusive Business approach.
He added that the project also focuses on empowering women and rural communities that continue to face economic challenges, in line with the national entrepreneurship development priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
The Sabah Inclusive Business Development Project in Kampung Podos will run for one year and involve four phases of guidance:
– Product development
– Skill enhancement
– Business management
– Marketing
He stressed that ongoing cooperation between state and federal agencies is essential to develop micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rural areas.
Ewon hoped the project’s implementation would deliver positive impact on rural economic development and contribute to higher incomes for the people of Kampung Podos, in keeping with the state’s development aspirations that prioritise the well-being of the people.
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