Ewon highlights progress of high-impact projects in Penampang since 2023
KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Various high-impact development projects have been and are being implemented in Penampang since 2023, according to Penampang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Among the key initiatives is the long-delayed flood mitigation project in Donggongon, involving the deepening and expansion of the main drainage ditch, which is now actively underway.
'We are also improving the governance of flood disaster management after the major flood in Penampang last year,' he said.
Despite the district's longstanding flood issues, it has only one temporary evacuation centre.
'To address this, we've identified 21 public buildings that can be gazetted as temporary evacuation centres. It's impractical to relocate villagers from areas like Kampung Sugud and Kampung Kolopis to the Penampang Cultural Centre during emergencies,' he added.
Ewon made these remarks while officiating the Penampang district-level Kaamatan festival at Buhavan Square, Donggongon, yesterday.
Other ongoing projects include the Terian-Buayan road upgrading, construction of the long-delayed Tamu Donggongon, Babagon bridge construction, and the Kampung Togudon land survey under the Pantas programme.
'The land ownership issues in Kampung Togudon, unresolved for decades, have finally been addressed,' he noted.
Residents of Mukim Babagon, who relied on a low-level crossing, will soon benefit from a new concrete bridge. Meanwhile, the long-awaited Terian-Buayan road upgrade is also progressing.
Ewon added that the Penampang District Council was upgraded to a Municipal Council last year, further signifying administrative progress.
As the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Minister, Ewon has also bolstered local economic infrastructure by opening a KUSKOP office in Penampang. This includes service upgrades at the Bank Rakyat branch, and the establishment of Tekun Nasional, InSKEN Sabah, SME Corp Sabah, an MSME hub, and the TikTok Shop Live Hub Studio.
He highlighted several new KUSKOP initiatives benefiting local entrepreneurs, such as the Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant (Beep Plus), Tamu Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme, Tamu Desa Premises Project, Sejati Madani Cooperative Programme and the TUBE grant.
'In just two and a half years, we've seen meaningful development, not just in infrastructure but in economic initiatives too,' he said.
Ewon emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to ensure Penampang's inclusion in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030. The Penampang Development Master Plan, launched in 2023, serves as a crucial reference for Federal and State governments and relevant ministries.
'I'm grateful to all involved in making Penampang's development a reality. While challenges remain, we remain committed,' he said, adding that he hopes the Kaamatan celebration continues to be a unifying platform for the people of Penampang.
Also present at the event were Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang and Penampang Municipal Council president Francis Chong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar making tough calls in people's interest, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the people's interests by focusing on economic recovery, strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Madani government's approach was not limited to short-term gains but was framed with a long-term vision to guarantee the well-being of all Malaysians, regardless of race or background. "We can see how the prime minister consistently puts the people first. "In terms of the economy, various initiatives have been introduced to stimulate growth, stabilise the cost of living and ensure fair job opportunities for all," said Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president. He said this after officiating a casual engagement session with nearly 400 students of SMK Subang Bestari at Help University today. Ramanan said recent announcements under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is clear evidence that the government is serious about driving post-pandemic economic recovery amid global uncertainties. On unity, he described the Malaysia Madani concept as a crucial foundation in bringing together the country's multiracial and multi-religious society. "Unity is not just a slogan. It is translated through inclusive policies, fair distribution of assistance and continued support for all communities. Ramanan added that the political stability achieved through the cooperation within the unity government must be preserved for the continuity of national development. "No development can be achieved if the nation's politics remain unstable. "What we have today is a stable government led by an experienced leader who is willing to make tough decisions for the good of the people," he said. He said the public must not be swayed by negative narratives aimed at causing unease and division. "The people must be wise in their judgment. Under the Madani government, welfare is protected, economic opportunities are expanding and the nation is on the right track. "This is not the time for narrow politics, but the time to unite and build a better future," he said. Ramanan also urged Malaysians to continue placing their trust in Anwar's leadership, which he said was grounded in integrity, inclusivity and courage in defending the people's interests.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
KUSKOP targets RM4 million in SDSI showcase at MITEC
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is targeting RM4 million in transaction value during the five-day One District One Industry (SDSI) showcase at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said RM3 million is expected from PADANIAGA business matching activities, while RM1 million is projected from the entrepreneur financing initiative. The event, running from July 30, coincides with the Felda Settlers' Day celebration and the Rural Entrepreneurs Carnival (KUD) under the Mega 3D Carnival (MK3D). 'This is the first time KUSKOP is collaborating with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and Felda to organise three large-scale national programmes concurrently,' Ewon said in a statement. He added that the combined effort aims to enhance synergy, particularly for SDSI entrepreneurs, with the carnival expected to attract two million visitors. The SDSI showcase serves as a commercialisation platform, featuring exhibitions and product sales that highlight each district's identity, including food and beverage, health products, handicrafts, and homestays. A total of 154 entrepreneurs nationwide are participating, with 14 state pavilions set up in MITEC's Hall 5, Level 2. Key activities include the Citarasa Desa programme, SDSI forum, business matching sessions, and financing initiatives. Supporting events like entrepreneurship talks and product demonstrations are also being held. The public is encouraged to visit the carnival, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm until Sunday. - Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
KUSKOP to boost MSME growth and third-sector empowerment under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR:The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will drive micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) expansion and third-sector empowerment under the newly tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick outlined key strategies to strengthen business ecosystems and enhance social entrepreneurship. KUSKOP's initiatives will focus on improving MSME resilience, increasing third-sector visibility, and promoting inclusive business models. These efforts align with core policies such as the National Entrepreneurship Policy, MSME Strategic Plan 2030, and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurship Roadmap 2030. 'Public service reforms, including the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill (ILTIZAM) and GovTech enhancements, will support these goals,' Ewon said. He emphasized a whole-of-government approach to advance entrepreneurship and cooperative development. Collaboration platforms like the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council will facilitate inter-ministerial and stakeholder coordination. Ewon also highlighted the government's commitment to bridging regional disparities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. 'The blue economy agenda in Sabah reflects its potential to drive eastern Malaysia's growth,' he added. Ewon reaffirmed KUSKOP's dedication to the Domestic Look East Policy and praised progress on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) resolutions. - Bernama
