New hardware store opens in Bingkor

KENINGAU: A store selling construction materials, Bingkor Hardware, was officially opened in Bingkor town near here on Saturday.

The local private company owned shop was officially declared open by district chief OKK Mohd Amir Datuk Arif.

OKK Mohd Amir described the opening of the shop to sell construction materials in Bingkor would certainly help the people around the area get construction tools without having to go to Keningau town.

“I believe the opening of the store can also reduce the travelling cost of consumers to buy construction materials in the town of Keningau,” he said.

OKK Mohd Amir said the establishment of this store will also help to diversify the goods sold in this Bingkor town. He said there are currently retail outlets, eateries, vehicles repair shops besides the general market and weekly tamu.

According to him, with the diversity of sales items, it would contribute to the development of this town.

He also asked petty traders, including youths in Bingkor and surrounding areas, to take the opportunity to further boost business activities in the town.

“There are many opportunities provided by the government waiting to be seized by bumiputera traders, especially among our youths. I believe many of our youths have the skills in various areas that can be marketed but maybe due to the absence of capital these skills will be forgotten just like that.

“Nonetheless, the government provides many opportunities for them to engage in business through loans provided and business skills courses that are available,” he said.

Amir advised the youths to take all the opportunities provided by the government to be proactive in the field of business.

“I believe the emergence of businessmen among the local people will certainly enhance the rapid development of Bingkor town,” he said.

Amir also urged traders to keep the town clean and beautify their business premises in conjunction with the Visit Keningau Year 2018.

For the Visit Keningau Year, he urged villagers in the area to provide homemade food products and handicrafts that are marketable to attract tourists to this town.

“I believe tourists will come to buy handicrafts or local produce made by entrepreneurs from Bingkor,” he said, adding that local residents should take the opportunity to generate the economy during the Visit Keningau Year in 2018 while offering reasonable prices that will not burden the visitors.

Also present were the entrepreneur of Bingkor Hardware, Tham Vui Chen, Datin Chee Nyuk Yun, family members, and the community of Bingkor.