KUCHING: Majlis Perundangan Koperasi Negeri (MPKN) Sarawak convened its first meeting of 2026 in Kuching today (April 17), chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The council, which brings together representatives from the Sarawak and federal governments, related agencies and the cooperative movement, reviewed the current state and strategic direction of cooperatives in the state – with a clear emphasis on building resilience in the face of global economic headwinds.
Speaking at the meeting, Awang Tengah highlighted the scale of investment activity in the state as a key opportunity for cooperatives.
“Cooperatives must play a more active role in raising the socioeconomic standing of the people by seizing value chain and supply opportunities arising from high investment inflows into Sarawak,” he said.
Approved investments in the state over the past five years have exceeded RM116 billion, with 2025 alone recording more than RM16 billion.
In response to this landscape, MPKN is steering cooperatives towards emerging economic sectors, including renewable energy, aerospace, semiconductors, digitalisation and food security – areas identified as critical growth pillars for Sarawak’s long-term economic strategy.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperative capacity and competitiveness through more professional management, broader access to financing, and the development of more comprehensive business facilities.
Promoting international trade opportunities was also highlighted as a priority, particularly in the context of volatile global markets.
Data presented at the meeting painted a positive picture of the cooperative sector’s health as of December 31, 2025.
Sarawak recorded 1,212 active cooperatives with 323,122 registered members.
Total shares and membership fees stood at RM232.32 million, assets at RM718.59 million, and revenue at RM486.92 million – figures that reflect both the sector’s current strength and its considerable untapped potential.
The MPKN pledged to continue serving as a key consultative platform for identifying challenges and formulating sustainable solutions, with ongoing support from the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) and Institut Koperasi Malaysia.
Through coordinated collaboration among all stakeholders, the cooperative movement is expected to remain relevant and competitive, acting as a primary driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Sarawak.
