Desamall@KPLB, which is under the purview of the rural development ministry, has been marketing these products by rural entrepreneurs on e-commerce platforms since 2017.

Rural Development Minister Rina Harun said that these e-commerce platforms have brought more opportunities for small-time rural entrepreneurs to market their products on a global level.

“Anyone can join as long as they are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

“We urge all rural entrepreneurs to come forward and let us help get their products the recognition they deserve,” she said after signing an MoU at the Rural Entrepreneurship Carnival in Putrajaya today.

Rina said products in demand were handicraft, batik and even locally-made auto spare parts.

Rina hoped to increase the number of rural entrepreneurs on Desamall@KPLB from 1,200 to 5,000 and double the revenue by the year-end.

Desamall@KPLB also provides training for rural entrepreneurs.

Part of this training includes e-marketing skills, customer support, copywriting, promotions, use of payment gateways and how to take attractive photos.

Other matters like delivery and orders are handled by the programme administrator, Elokal Sdn Bhd.