Donggongon Nite Market a vibrant weekly event

Datuk Ewon Benedick at the Night Market

5 May 2025

PENAMPANG: Donggongon district has recently witnessed a vibrant revival with the successful launch of a much-anticipated night market. The Donggongon Nite Market was officially launched on 3rd May 2025, bringing a renewed buzz to the area.

The Donggongon Nite Market was officially launched by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Penampang.

In his address, the Minister affirmed his commitment to collaborating closely with the Municipality, the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) the Penampang Tourism Association (PTA), and the Penampang Tamu Vendor Association.

This concerted effort, he stated, is aimed at ensuring that economic activities within Penampang are significantly boosted, not merely in the present but sustained for many years into the future.

He also urged entrepreneurs who wished to acquire assistance to go towards their business to approach the agencies under his Ministry, mainly TEKUN and SME Corps that are present in the Penampang area.

Strategically located on the street in front of the Tamu Sangadau site, nestled between the Petronas Petrol Station and the nearby roundabout, the Donggongon Nite Market boasts an impressive array of offerings. Sixty enthusiastic vendors were on hand for the launch, showcasing and selling a diverse range of goods, from fresh, locally sourced vegetables and fruits to tempting food and beverages catering to all tastes.

Datuk Stephen Sampil, who served as the Organising Chairman for this notable Donggongon Nite Market event, said that the vendors were not vendors from the Tamu, but new entreprenuers that are trying their luck at the night market.

Stephen who is the newly elected Deputy President of the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) elaborated on the key objectives behind its establishment. He highlighted that a primary aim was to provide invaluable opportunities for micro and small traders and entrepreneurs. The market serves as an exciting platform for them to effectively promote and market their produce and products, ultimately enabling them to generate a sustainable income and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

"This initiative," he explained, "is also perfectly aligned with the Madani government's objective of elevating the standard of living for the rakyat and improving their economic status."

Beyond supporting local businesses, the organisation of the night market also has broader goals. It aims to proactively promote Donggongon and the wider Penampang Municipality as attractive and engaging places to visit. Furthermore, it seeks to transform the Donggongon district into a truly must-visit venue, particularly following its recent elevation to municipality status.

Stephen further added, "Donggongon functions as a crucial socio-economic and commercial hub for Penampang. Establishing a bustling night market here is therefore both timely and entirely appropriate. This is particularly true given the convenience for the majority of residents to visit, largely due to the high rate of vehicle ownership among the local population."

He also pointed out that the night market would serve as an additional draw for residents in both Penampang and the surrounding areas. It offers a delightful way for them to spend their evenings, enjoying the unique atmosphere and exploring what Donggongon has to offer, especially after dusk.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Francis Chong, the President of Penampang Municipal Council, for his invaluable initiative and steadfast support to the organising committee, which were instrumental in making this event a reality."

He also thanked Datuk Ewon Benedick for his support and his presence which made the event more vibrant and merrier.

The Donggongon Nite Market will be a regular fixture, operating every Saturday evening. It commences at 5pm and welcomes visitors until 11pm. Patrons can look forward to discovering a vibrant mix of offerings, including exotic foods, refreshing beverages, innovative value-added products, and perhaps even some entertainment to enhance the experience.

"We therefore wholeheartedly encourage the public to show their support for this fantastic initiative by visiting our dedicated entrepreneurs participating in this night market. We are genuinely confident that everyone who visits will find something truly interesting and feel that their time spent at the Donggongon Nite Market was indeed time well spent."