Ewon’s contribution to Tombotuon, lauded

Wolbert (middle) presenting a prize to a football match winner

3 November 2023

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: Kg Tombotuon Kota Belud under the Kadamaian Constituency is a gem in the heart of Sabah.

This picturesque village boasts a crystal-clear river that meanders down from the foot of the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

Known for its invigorating air and peaceful atmosphere, Kg Tombotuon is a sought-after destination by tourists who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The village is home to some 1200 people although the population shrinks to 900 as some of them work outside in the city and all over Malaysia.

Kg. Tombotuon

There are 98 homes that will welcome them during festive seasons, swelling the population again.

There are seven homestays there Wolbert Saringan 44, the Village Security and Development Chairman shares, adding that visitors usually stay with their hosts and experience the local way of life.

These homestays provide a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions, and customs of the local community in a comfortable and immersive environment.

“Tourists come to Kg Tombotuon to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and explore the natural wonders of the area. The river that flows through the village is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and tubing. Visitors can also hike up to the nearby waterfalls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests,” he shares.

Despite the beauty of nature that surrounds them, the village is just like any other community, where there is a community Hall, churches and establishments that cater to the needs of the villagers.

The bridge that needs repair.

It also has its needs and requirements, with harboured hopes for infrastructural development.

Wolbert shares that their State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick has donated and contributed a lot to the community there, where he has given RM2000 to youth there for their sports activities. He has also contributed to sports activities like the Kadamaian Adventure Run.

“These sporting activities means a lot to the youth here as it gives them a chance to show off their prowess while being involved in competitive sports. Ewon has also been generous to us through the years, including giving us 35 plastic chairs recently to use in our hall,” he shares.

According to him, there are a lot of infrastructural needs in Tombotuon, and if they are fixed it will mean a lot to the village, being as it is a tourism destination for trekkers, nature walks and photography buffs.

He shares that the bridge across the river is dilapidated now, and the four-kilometre road into the village from the main road is rather bumpy, and need to be sealed. Access road to the farmland is also needed.

“Overall, we respect and like our Assemblyman, as he is friendly, down to earth and approachable. He has never disappointed us and we hope that he will keep on being our representative in the State Assembly for a long time to come,” he stresses.

Datuk Ewon Benedict is the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) President and also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDAC).