The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) has developed Ikan Liking as a product under the One District One Industry (SDSI) program for Kota Belud, allocating RM55,000 to support 16 local entrepreneurs.
Kuskop Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the funding covers basic training, guidance courses, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the success of the initiative, aimed at empowering rural entrepreneurs and reducing poverty through entrepreneurship.
Besides Ikan Liking, KUSKOP is also supporting swiftlet nest production by Koperasi Kumpulan Walit Kanibongan Berhad (Kokuwa) with RM192,000, and is considering Ranau Coffee as a new SDSI product for Ranau district this year.
Ewon added that SDSI implementation has been enhanced with the launch of SDSI 2.0 Guidelines to help entrepreneurs become more competitive. As of 2024, there are 138 active SDSI entrepreneurs registered in Sabah.
During the Kota Belud District Kaamatan Festival celebration, Ewon highlighted the importance of unity, mutual respect, and cooperation in nation-building.
He also introduced the Eastern Malaysia Focus Policy to address the unique needs of entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak.
Present at the event were Kota Belud District Officer Peter Jiton and local leaders.
