High-Impact Development Projects Implemented in Penampang Since 2023 – Ewon

Ewon (middle) arriving at the event

18 May 2025

PENAMPANG : Numerous high-impact development projects have been and are currently being implemented in the district since 2023.

Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick, stated that among the key ongoing projects is the flood mitigation initiative in the Donggongon area, involving the deepening and widening of the main drainage system, which is now progressing rapidly after years of delay.

“We have also improved flood disaster management following the major floods that struck Penampang last year. For years, the district faced recurring floods but only had one temporary evacuation centre.

"At present, we have identified 21 public buildings that can be gazetted as temporary flood evacuation centres. This is essential because it is impractical to evacuate villagers from remote areas like Kg Sugud, Kg Kolopis, and others to the Cultural Centre during rescue and evacuation operations,” he explained.

Ewon also highlighted the progress of several other major projects, including the upgrading of the Terian-Buayan road, the construction of the Donggongon Tamu (market), the building of the Babagon Bridge, and the implementation of land surveying in Kg Togudon under the PANTAS Programme.

“The construction of the Donggongon Tamu, which had been delayed for years, officially commenced last month. This followed discussions and a site visit with the Director General of the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department in January 2023, ensuring that the project would finally proceed.

“The long-standing land ownership issue faced by residents in the steep-sloped village of Kg Togudon has now been resolved following the launch of the PANTAS land surveying programme last year.

“Residents of Mukim Babagon, who have long relied on a low-level crossing, will soon benefit from a more comfortable and accessible concrete bridge once the project, which began last year, is completed. Likewise, the long-awaited upgrading of the Terian-Buayan road is currently underway.

“In addition, the Penampang District Council was officially upgraded to a Municipal Council last year,” he said.

Ewon, who also serves as the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), noted that agency services under his ministry have been expanded through the opening of branch offices in Penampang.

“Under MEDC, we have enhanced the services at Bank Rakyat Penampang Branch, opened new branch offices for TEKUN Nasional Penampang, the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) Sabah, SME Corp Sabah, and the PMKS Hub in Penampang, as well as the TikTok Shop Live Hub Studio.

“Furthermore, new initiatives under KUSKOP such as the BEEP Plus grant for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak, the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme, the Rural Tamu Premises Project, the Sejati MADANI Cooperative Programme, and the Tunas Usahawan Belia (TUBE) grant have all provided tangible benefits to entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Penampang."

“In the two and a half years since I was entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people of Penampang, we have clearly seen development activities now actively taking place—not only in infrastructure but also in economic growth,” he added.

He made these remarks while officiating the district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Buhavan Square today.

Ewon emphasised that a comprehensive and structured planning approach is essential for Penampang to be included in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the period 2026–2030.

“Penampang must be capable of outlining its own development plans. That is why the Penampang Development Master Plan, launched in 2023, serves as an important reference document for the Federal Government, the Sabah State Government, and various Ministries to ensure that the 13MP implementation aligns with the strategies detailed in our master plan,” he said.

“I extend my gratitude to all leaders, departments, and agencies involved in the development of Penampang. While some delays and pending projects remain, we will continue this effort together,” he affirmed.

Ewon also expressed hope that the Kaamatan Festival will continue to serve as a platform for uniting the people of Penampang—not only among leaders but also across the wider community.

“Only through unity, solidarity, and cooperation can we ensure a brighter future for Penampang’s development,” he concluded.