SIPITANG: Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots economic development through the establishment of the Tamu Desa Kampung Pelakat, which he initiated as a strategic platform for local entrepreneurs to tap into rising market demand in Sipitang.
“This is more than just a weekly market—it’s a game-changer for Sipitang,” said Dr Yusof during the launch and Hari Raya celebration.
“With the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park bringing in six major factories this year, the influx of 10,000 workers and their families—estimated at 25,000 people—will create unprecedented demand for local goods and services.”
Yusof, who is also Chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, highlighted that existing employers in Sogip, including Petrochemical Fertiliser and upcoming players like ZLNG, Petroventure, Gibson, and Esteel—with a total projected investment exceeding RM30 billion—represent a significant opportunity for local economic spill over.
“We are already seeing a rise in the sale of home-grown products like seafood crackers, chips, and fruits. This is the right time for our entrepreneurs to scale up,” he said.
Tamu Desa Kampung Pelakat adds to a growing network of community markets in the district, following those in Pekan Sipitang (Thursday), Mesapol (Friday), and Sindumin (Saturday), reinforcing Yusof’s broader vision of creating inclusive economic corridors across rural Sabah.
Looking ahead, he has proposed the opening of another Tamu Desa at Kampung Mendulong, a strategic junction between Jalan Tenom and Meligan/Mendulong, to expand access for more rural entrepreneurs.
Launched by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Tamu Desa Kampung Pelakat is poised to serve as a vital entrepreneurship hub, offering local farmers and fishermen a dedicated space to market their agricultural and marine products every Sunday.
Ewon announced that savings from the Tamu Desa 2024 initiative would be used to upgrade existing village markets, aligning with suggestions made by local leaders like Yusof.
