LABUAN, The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives is preparing to facilitate the establishment of a cooperative, aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of fishermen nationwide. Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedict emphasised his ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives which improve the standard of living and well-being of the people, through cooperative movements. 'I will take note of the request from Labuan Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman, for the establishment of a cooperative, focused on the welfare of the more than 2,000 fishermen on this island," he said at the the ministry's engagement session held in conjunction with the Federal Territory of Labuan Cooperative Movement 2024 here today. He has also instructed the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) to engage in discussions with the Labuan Fishermen Association, to facilitate the cooperative's establishment and to identify areas where the ministry could provide valuable support for the fisher men. Ewon also said that a similar initiative is being considered for Terengganu, where the creation of a fishermen's cooperative is under review. Additionally, he encouraged tourism industry stakeholders to consult with SKM, regarding the advantages of establishing cooperatives within the tourism sector. 'My ministry is ready to provide financial assistance, based on the relevant criteria,' Ewon added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency