KUCHING: Koperasi Koperkasa Sarawak Bhd (KOPERKASA) is now moving more aggressively with a 10-year strategic development plan to strengthen its position as a leading cooperative in Sarawak and expand benefits to more than 25,000 members.
Its chairman, Fathi Hambali, said the achievement proves that cooperatives in Sarawak are capable of standing on par with leading cooperatives across the country.
“After 76 years of facing various challenges, KOPERKASA has grown from a small credit cooperative with 124 members in 1949 to more than 25,000 members today.
“With assets reaching RM270 million and a Members’ Fund of RM160 million, this is the result of everyone’s cooperative spirit and commitment,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the KOPERKASA’s 76th Anniversary Dinner Celebration here on Saturday night.
Fathi added that KOPERKASA’s future plans include expanding its gold business, property investment, licensing for the importation of sugar, rice, and AP (Approved Permit) vehicles, as well as human capital development and leadership succession.
“We must continue to strengthen the foundation that has been built by intensifying innovation, expanding services, and adapting to the changing economic landscape and increasingly complex needs of our members.
“This is because it is our dream to develop KOPERKASA into a Premier Cooperative Bank on par with Bank Rakyat and Coop Bank, and eventually secure a commercial banking licence,” he added.
Elaborating further, KOPERKASA once again made history by securing 11th place in the 2025 list of Malaysia’s Top 100 Cooperatives Profile.
“We also clinched the award for Best National Financial Services Sector presented by the Malaysia Cooperative Commission.
“This achievement not only elevates the dignity of KOPERKASA but also proves that our cooperative in Sarawak can stand on equal footing with the best cooperatives nationwide,” he said.
In addition, Fathi emphasised digitalisation initiatives and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up member-related processes and automate operations.
“Digitalisation and AI can enhance efficiency and workflow smoothness through smart automation and accelerate service delivery to members.
“Therefore, KOPERKASA provides inclusive and user-friendly digital facilities to ensure that every member can enjoy the benefits of technology without barriers,” he explained.
Meanwhile, KOPERKASA remains active in fulfilling its social responsibility through the distribution of zakat to Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak.
“From 2018 to 2024, KOPERKASA has channelled a total of RM430,180 in zakat,” he added.
Fathi called on all members to continue working together and ensure KOPERKASA remains prominent in Sarawak and on the national stage.
“As the largest cooperative in Sarawak, we must remain committed to supporting Sarawak’s 2030 Development Vision towards becoming a developed, prosperous, and inclusive state.
“May our cooperative continue to excel, remain sustainable and relevant in championing the economic welfare of members and the community, and succeed under the motto ‘Members’ Loyalty, Cooperative Strength’,” he said.
