SEREMBAN, The Negeri Sembilan branch of the Cooperatives Commission of Malaysia (SKMNS) is targeting more cooperatives in the state to be included in the country's Top 100 list this year to enjoy the various advantages and incentives. Its director, Shahrizan Rosli said currently only one cooperative is in the list and this is Koperasi Peserta-Peserta Rancangan Felcra Gugusan Kerangai Penagoh Bhd which was ranked 50th last year, with an annual income of RM27.5 million. 'We want at least two cooperatives to be listed, and if three, then it will be a bonus. We want to ensure that there will be many advantages for cooperatives when they enter the Top 100 list, for example financing has a special rate, and other matters will be easy to manage as well as will receive good support and so on,' he told reporters after officiating 'Program Peningkatan Imej SKM bersama Pegawai Perhubungan Awam Jabatan Kerajaan' here today. 'The assessment also looks at the financial and non-financial aspects as well as obtaining com pliance with existing statues including the auditing of financial statements and implementation of the annual general meeting.' He said the programme is aimed at promoting SKM's role and services as a regulatory body for cooperatives, in addition to providing exposure to education especially cooperative governance. Meanwhile, Shahrizan also said the state has a total of 780 registered cooperatives, with nearly 200,000 members whereas the total number of accumulated shares is worth RM123 million with assets worth RM400 million and a total turnover of RM190 million. 'Over 70 per cent of cooperatives in the state carry out consumer, service and agricultural activities, including school cooperatives. This sector is seen to have huge potential to be developed and is the best platform to increase the income and socioeconomic levels of the community,' he added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency
