KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia. July 17, 2025 – A total of 46 Tamu Desa (village markets) across Sabah are set to be constructed or upgraded this year, announced Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The projects, spanning 28 district and sub-district offices, are backed by a RM10 million allocation under the 2025 Budget for Tamu Desa development, managed by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).
Speaking after chairing the Sabah District-Level Entrepreneur, Cooperative, Hawker, and Small Trader Development Council (MPUKPPD) meeting here yesterday, Ewon highlighted an additional RM10 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the MADANI Rakyat Sabah Programme closing ceremony in Tawau on May 11.
“This funding will ensure continued development of Tamu Desa premises in Sabah,” Ewon said, adding that he will soon visit Sarawak to discuss similar initiatives.
During the meeting, Ewon presented appointment letters to 15 district officers as MPUKPPD managers and issued authorization letters for Tamu Desa project implementation in 15 districts.
To avoid disputes, Ewon emphasized improved governance, ensuring land status for Tamu Desa sites is verified by district offices. “Fifteen district offices have provided written confirmation that their proposed sites are free of issues, allowing KUSKOP to authorize project procurement,” he said.
For the remaining districts, KUSKOP awaits written confirmation before issuing further authorizations.
Ewon expressed hope that the Tamu Desa projects would provide comfortable facilities for small-scale entrepreneurs and traders. Deputy Chief Secretary (Entrepreneurship Development) of KUSKOP, Datuk Saadatun Ahrna Hassan, was also present.