30/01/2012 (Borneo Post) - Cooperatives in the state must work with the state and federal government to develop or cultivate idle land in Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.

He said cooperatives can form joint ventures with state and federal agencies to develop such land together through agriculture ventures for the benefit of their members.

Musa said such ventures would become a win-win situation for members who will enjoy lucrative income or dividends.

“When I was appointed Chief Minister, I urged the cooperatives in the state whose members had land, to jointly develop or cultivate them by forming joint venture initiatives with government agencies.

“Such joint ventures have certainly benefited the members who have received lucrative returns in the form of dividends,” he told reporters after opening Cooperatives Consultation Programme organised by the Malaysian Cooperatives Commission and Libaran Parliamentary constituency here yesterday.

Musa said among cooperatives that have formed joint venture with state and federal government agencies are Felcra Berhad, Sawit Kinabalu and Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Negeri Sabah, involving cultivation of rubber and oil palm. — Bernama