The Sabah Rural Development Ministry has allocated RM1mil to develop rural entrepreneur centres in three districts in the state.

Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the three locations identified are in Kota Belud, Keningau and Lahad Datu.

“I hope the district action committees of all three districts can discuss and finalise on the land details to avoid any issues in future," he said in a statement Monday (July 22) without elaborating on when constructions are expected to commence.

He said this after being briefed on development plans for Lahad Datu by district officer Dr Mohammad Ayub Yakub, as well as Tungku subdistrict development plans, by assistant district officer Firuz Mohd Dzul at the Lahad Datu district office.

Ewon, who is Kadamaian assemblyman, expected the construction of such centres to be done in stages. 

On the types of businesses outlined, Ewon said it will be determined by the respective district offices.

“For example, we can bring in handicraft makers to the centre,  while other segments there focused on local beauty and cosmetics products, or even food products such as fish-based.

“They could also look into the business of tailoring for traditional garments as the state government has allowed ethnic attires to be worn to offices on certain days.

"So this is a business opportunity for rural entrepreneurs out there, including here in Lahad Datu," he added.

 During the working visit to Lahad Datu, Ewon managed to visit the proposed site for the centre.