KOTA KINABALU — The Sabah government has proposed key changes to the upcoming Cooperative Bill to ensure fairer access for cooperatives in sectors like tourism and healthcare.

During a recent engagement session with the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (KUSKOP), Sabah submitted its recommendations, which will be reviewed for inclusion in the draft.

Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the revised Bill aims to ease legal barriers and empower the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) as the main regulator.

He noted that current laws — like the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 — restrict cooperatives, allowing only Companies Act-registered firms to operate in those sectors.

So far, KUSKOP and SKM have held 10 engagement sessions with 295 co-ops and 47 agencies, with more discussions planned in Penang.