KUCHING: Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday chaired the National Cooperatives Roundtable Discussion (MPKK) which was attended by over 100 participants, state exco members, representatives of cooperatives, private companies and agencies.
Formed on April 18, 2005, MPKK serves as a forum to determine directions and assistance in developing the cooperative movement in line with the government’s agenda.
MPKK’s role is also to synchronise and create understanding between the federal and state governments in ensuring that cooperatives continue to be competitive in today’s open market.
On the other hand, the constituency-level Cooperatives Roundtable Discussion (MPKP) formed in each parliamentary constituency is to collect input on issues and problems concerning the development of cooperatives in each constituency.
At the moment, a total of 211 parliamentary constituencies had already formed their MPKP.
To-date, a total of 9,135 cooperatives had been registered with the Malaysian Cooperatives Commission (SKM) with an average of 85 new cooperatives registered monthly, and SKM is confident the aim to have 10,000 cooperatives by 2013 will be achieved.
The cooperatives had a total membership of 6.7 million and shares totalling RM9.7 billion and assets worth RM94.1 billion as of June last year.
They also recorded a turnover of RM23 billion last year.