KUALA LUMPUR, Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) has lauded the government’s RM50 million allocation to the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM) under Budget 2026, describing it as a strong reflection of the government’s recognition of cooperatives as a key pillar of Malaysia’s economic framework.
In a statement on Saturday, Angkasa said the initiatives outlined in the budget — particularly those aimed at targeted aid, strengthening SMEs, and promoting community-based economic development — would help cooperatives expand their capacity and strengthen their role as contributors to national growth.
“Angkasa also supports the Budget’s focus on strategic sectors such as agriculture, green technology, and the digital economy, which provide new opportunities for cooperatives to venture into high-value industries,” the statement read.
The organisation added that increased access to development funds and training programmes would improve cooperatives’ operational efficiency and enhance economic benefits for their members.
Representing over 16,284 active cooperatives with more than 7.2 million members and a combined annual turnover exceeding RM68.2 billion, Angkasa also welcomed the expansion of the Rahmah Basic Aid (SARA) programme. The initiative, it said, would not only ease the burden on consumers purchasing essential goods but also benefit cooperative outlets and local retailers.
“With more cooperatives being appointed as authorised distributors for SARA goods nationwide, the programme will strengthen local economies, encourage the consumption of locally produced goods, and create new business opportunities, especially in rural areas,” Angkasa noted.
Angkasa reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government to ensure cooperatives play a proactive role in supporting the food supply chain and retail sectors under the initiative.
Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, expressed gratitude for the government’s continued focus on the cooperative movement, saying Budget 2026 demonstrates the administration’s commitment to empowering the people through sustainable economic models.
“Angkasa is thankful for the government’s trust in the cooperative sector as an engine of inclusive economic growth. Budget 2026 opens new avenues for cooperatives to expand their presence in high-value industries,” he said.
“With the right support and policy framework, cooperatives can serve as strategic partners in achieving the Malaysia Madani vision and contribute to a more equitable and resilient economy,” he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday unveiled the RM470 billion Budget 2026 — themed Belanjawan Madani Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat (Fourth Madani Budget: A Budget for the People) — focusing on strengthening economic resilience and supporting small businesses amid global challenges. The budget aims to optimise public resources by mobilising funds from GLICs, statutory bodies, and MOF Inc-linked entities, compared to RM452 billion allocated last year.
