Ewon Tours Four SMEs in Penampang to Bolster Industry Support

16 April 2026

PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, visited four small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the district to assess their performance and reinforce government backing for local industry.

The four firms visited were Ja Hwa Bakery, Indahmanis Label & Packaging, Twinine, and SL Products, each posting impressive results in food manufacturing, packaging, and locally-based food products.

Ewon noted that, collectively, these enterprises generated revenues between RM8 million and RM16 million, employing between 15 and 100 local workers, underscoring the strength and potential of the SME sector in the area.

“Ja Hwa Bakery recorded revenue exceeding RM16 million last year, employing around 100 workers, while Indahmanis Label & Packaging generated over RM13 million with a workforce of about 80, serving more than 500 client companies.

“Meanwhile, Twinine achieved revenue above RM8 million with 40 employees, and SL Products surpassed RM10 million with 15 staff through production of bird's nest-based products and seafood,” he said after touring the SME premises here yesterday.

Ewon, who is also the Penampang MP, said these achievements prove the capability of local entrepreneurs to grow and compete in the industry.

“I am proud to see the success of local entrepreneurs who can generate millions in revenue and create job opportunities for Sabahans,” he stated.

He encouraged all the companies to join various government initiatives offered through his ministry.

“The state government, via the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah (MINDET), is committed to continually assisting entrepreneurs in boosting production capacity, expanding markets, and strengthening competitiveness,” he added.

Accompanying him on the visit were Director of the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) Siti Nur'Ain Abdullah, General Manager of Sabah Agro Industrial Park (SAIP) Annef Osyairi Osman, Director of SME Corp. Malaysia Sabah Office Valentine Thomas, President of Penampang Municipal Council Noemi Dyena John Tren, and President of the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Datuk Victor Kou.