COOPERATIVES can play a significant role in helping to reduce the living cost for the B40 community, says Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman.
He said the introduction of Co-op market programme solely focused on addressing the rising cost of living nowadays.
“The sixth edition of the programme that started early this year in Penang offered quality groceries at low prices compared to other places.
“This was also in line with the state government policy to ease the financial burden of the less fortunate.
“At the same time, the programme has helped local entrepreneurs in promoting their products while benefiting the B40 community and the less fortunate,” Zakiyuddin said in his speech after officiating the closing of the two-day Co-op Market & Cooperative Entrepreneur Carnival at Dataran At-Taqwa Mosque in Kepala Batas recently.
Also present was Co-operative Institute of Malaysia (CIM) director general Ariffin Mamat.
According to Zakiyuddin, the state government also encouraged the people to become entrepreneurs.
“As a start, they can participate in activities organised by cooperatives to boost their incomes.
“From the exposure gained on how to promote their products, they can expand their businesses and look into new business opportunities,” he added.
A total of 32 local entrepreneurs took part in the two-day carnival organised by the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) Penang branch and Co-operative Institute of Malaysia (CIM) Northern Zone.
It also featured activities such as car boot sale, cooking competition, consulting services from various agencies and many more.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal