He said Angkasa, which comprises 14,000 cooperatives and 6.5 million members, should use its strength and venture into sectors which guarantee returns on investment like logistics, plantation and transportation.

“Co-operatives are an instrument that can be a community organisation to drive entrepreneur development as well as contribute significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“For that, Angkasa needs to focus on sectors that assure returns, with clearly defined earnings, as well as showcase its relevance to the government’s agenda, which is to develop, increase and expand the country’s GDP in terms of contribution from cooperatives,” he told a press conference after officiating the Cooperative Empowerment Based on the Spirit of Cooperation and Entrepreneurship Convention organised by Angkasa here today.

Redzuan said Angkasa’s involvement in the RM170 billion logistics sector could boost earnings to over RM50 billion by 2020 from RM42 billion currently.

“We are aware that the three sectors have clear economic values and can be the catalyst to increase national revenue, so Angkasa must grab the opportunity,” he said.

Asked to comment on a suggestion that the word “cooperatives” be included in the Entrepreneur Development Ministry, Redzuan admitted that it was logical and he would take it up with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.