Malaysian co-op sector revenue set to his RM100bn, says minister

Malaysia’s co-op sector is set to reach a revenue of RM100bn (US$24.48bn, £18.5bn) this year, driven by growth, strengthening membership and capital accumulation.

Malay Mail reports that Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) CEO Mohd Marzuki Yasoa’ told reporters that, as of the end of 2025, the sector recorded a revenue of RM81.6bn (US$20bn, £15bn) and total assets amounting to RM186.75bn (US$45.7bn, £34.56bn).

A total of 16,468 co-operatives were recorded across the country he added, with accumulated share capital and fees amounting to RM18bn (US$4.4bn, £3.3bn).

“These figures reflect the significant role and contribution of the co-operative movement in strengthening economic development and enhancing the wellbeing of members and the community,” he added, telling the press conference he hoped sector revenues will hit the RM100bn mark this year.

The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (Kuskop), working through SKM, is placing special emphasis on encouraging the launch of co-ops to improve food security sector – an urgent priority in Malaysia and other countries around the world against a backdrop of climate change and increased conflict.

Marzuki, appointed to SKM’s leadership in September, has been tasked with enhancing the commission’s capacity to navigate a dynamic landscape while strengthening the competitiveness, professionalism, and governance of co-operatives.

He told reporters that SKM is encouraging co-ops to adopt digital, AI and other tech advances.

Meanwhile, he added, government money is available to support co-op growth, including a revolving capital fund which has been allocated RM50m (US$12.4m, £9.25m) for this year. But only RM22m of this has been disbursed, and co-ops are being urged to apply for support.