LIKAS, Sabah — A total of 30 small entrepreneurs here received canopies yesterday for the Sabah Trade Centre (STC) Ramadan Bazaar, which officially commenced today on the first day of Ramadan.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport (MINDET), Datuk Ewon Benedick, officiated a brief opening ceremony for the bazaar site and handed over the canopies to the recipients.
In his speech, Benedick noted that MINDET has received several proposals for the redevelopment of the STC.
“As an interim measure, the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), as the landowner, has signed an agreement with POIC Sabah to maintain and manage the STC area,” he said.
The 30 entrepreneurs are members of the Kota Kinabalu Hawkers and Small Traders Entrepreneurs Association (PUPPKKK), led by Ramzih Ruzin. The association was granted permission to operate the Ramadan Bazaar and conduct night trading at designated parking areas.
“I have stated that MINDET does not only manage industrial investments worth billions of ringgit but also develops local small entrepreneurs, particularly through registered associations like PUPPKKK,” Benedick added. “I hope that this STC Ramadan Bazaar brings blessings and prosperity to all the entrepreneurs involved.”
Also present were various MINDET officials.
