KUCHING: The Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) has urged mosque-based cooperatives to unite and collaborate in leveraging available opportunities to boost their contributions to Sarawak’s economic development.
MIS President, Datuk Misnu Taha, highlighted that as of 2024, there were 1,213 mosque-based cooperatives across Sarawak, holding shares worth RM231.04 million and recording total revenue of RM411.48 million.
“Mosque cooperatives should explore every opportunity collectively to generate income and reinvest profits into mosque development and community welfare,” he said.
Misnu said this in his speech at the ‘Bicara Ilmu: Empowering Mosque-Based Cooperatives’ programme organised by the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa) Sarawak Zone at Hotel Grand Continental here today.
“The strong presence of mosque cooperatives presents vast potential in driving local economic growth and improving community income,” he added.
To further empower these cooperatives, Misnu suggested they adopt digital technology for marketing purposes.
He noted that digital strategies can expand market reach and enhance product visibility.
He proposed that the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) establish a special unit to train cooperative members in digital marketing to strengthen their business capabilities.
“Nationwide, 578 mosque and surau cooperatives have been established with combined revenue of RM30.6 million and RM16.56 million in shares.
“This is still a small number compared to the 1,645 mosques and suraus listed across Sarawak.
“Hence mosque and surau management committees should establish cooperatives to serve as economic platforms for their communities, while ensuring compliance with the Cooperative Act and good governance practices,” he said.
He also said the introduction of the Mosque Congregation Cooperative Awards beginning next year is to recognise excellence and promote entrepreneurship and technical training.
He expressed hope that IKMa and SKM will continue to support mosque-based cooperatives in line with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aiming to build a resilient, community-driven economy.
