KOTA SAMARAHAN – The cooperative movement in Sarawak has been urged to intensify efforts in the agro-tourism sector, which is increasingly recognised as a high-impact industry capable of boosting the state’s economy and uplifting rural communities.
Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee, said agro-tourism offers significant opportunities by combining agriculture with tourism, creating experiences that showcase local produce, natural landscapes and community traditions. She noted that such initiatives are gaining traction among both domestic and international visitors.
“This approach opens up more economic opportunities through new jobs and increased sales of local products,” she explained during the Agro-Tourism: Potential and Opportunities for Empowering the Cooperative Economy event held in Kota Samarahan on Tuesday.
Rodiyah, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), emphasised that cooperatives can play a pivotal role in driving national economic growth.
She encouraged them to identify high-impact ventures, conduct market research and collaborate with industry experts to strengthen their presence in agro-tourism, food production and community services.
She added that integrating agriculture with tourism could generate products and services that are more competitive and relevant to market demands.
“With this approach, I am confident that cooperatives can strengthen their position in their respective sectors and increase their contribution to the state’s economic development,” she said.
At the event, Rodiyah highlighted the achievements of Sarawak’s cooperative movement, which currently comprises 1,204 cooperatives with assets valued at RM713.30 million and a turnover of RM261.87 million as of June 30, 2025.
Of these, 316 cooperatives are directly involved in agriculture, underscoring their collective influence in shaping rural markets.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of mock cheques to three cooperatives in support of their business initiatives. The Asajaya District Residents’ Cooperative Berhad received RM13,600 to purchase fertiliser and repair flood-affected planting areas.
The Sungei Marong Agro Farm Samarahan Berhad Cooperative was awarded RM12,500 to support management and promotional activities in the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, the Kampung Lubok Punggor Simunjan Cooperative Berhad received RM146,000 to upgrade its retail shop and storage facilities.
Rodiyah urged cooperatives to maximise the assistance available under the Agro-Tourism programme, using it as a platform to enhance management skills, strengthen marketing strategies and expand networks with relevant agencies.
Also present at the event were Norazlan Anuar, Sarawak State Director of SKM, Abdul Latif Shamsuddin, Information Officer of the Samarahan District Information Department, and Ahmad Zaiwin Kassim, representing the Sarawak State ANGKASA Committee.
The push for agro-tourism reflects Sarawak’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, harness rural strengths and position cooperatives as engines of sustainable growth.
