Koperasi Bateriku Selangor Berhad (KOBAT) witnessed a significant milestone during the National Hari Koperasi Negara 2026, where the government reaffirmed its ambition to grow Malaysia's cooperative sector into a RM100 billion industry by 2030.
The target was announced by Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, during the opening ceremony at PICCA @ Butterworth Arena on 4 July 2026.
The latest figures reflect the sector's strong momentum. Malaysia's cooperative business turnover reached RM82 billion in 2025, up from RM68 billion in 2024, demonstrating the sector's resilience despite a challenging economic environment.
Today, Malaysia is home to more than 16,000 registered cooperatives with 7.3 million members, highlighting the cooperative movement's growing role in creating opportunities for communities, entrepreneurs and businesses across various industries.
Malaysia Allocates Record RM254 Million to Strengthen Cooperatives
During Hari Koperasi Negara 2026, Steven Sim announced a record RM254 million allocation to strengthen the cooperative sector. The funding aims to help cooperatives expand their operations, improve competitiveness and adopt new technologies.
During his address, Steven Sim announced that KUSKOP has allocated RM254 million to strengthen the cooperative movement in 2026. It is the largest allocation since the establishment of Malaysia's cooperative movement in 1922.
The funding will enable eligible cooperatives to expand their operations, strengthen organisational capabilities and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
Of the total allocation, RM226 million will be channelled through the Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia Revolving Capital Fund (TMP-SKM), with 18 cooperatives already approved to receive nearly RM53 million in financing.
The government is also working to reform the Cooperative Act to reduce bureaucracy and shorten funding approval timelines, creating a more business-friendly environment for cooperatives.
KOBAT Embraces the Modern Cooperative Movement
As Malaysia's cooperative landscape continues to diversify into new industries, KOBAT represents a new generation of cooperatives driving innovation within the automotive services ecosystem.
By leveraging digital technology, strategic partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities, KOBAT demonstrates how cooperatives can evolve beyond traditional business models while remaining focused on delivering value to their members and the wider community.
KOBAT remains committed to supporting KUSKOP's vision of strengthening Malaysia's cooperative economy through innovation, sustainable business growth and entrepreneurship.
This aspiration is closely aligned with the vision shared by ANGKASA President Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, who has called for the cooperative movement to be recognised as Malaysia's Third Economic Force alongside the public and private sectors.
With millions of members and a growing contribution to the national economy, cooperatives are well positioned to play an increasingly important role in Malaysia's future economic development.
