Penampang Development Plan an input for the preparation for 13th Malaysia Plan - Ewon

18 June 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: The Penampang Development Plan will be the blueprint for implementation during the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Member of Parliament for Penampang, emphasised the significance of this development blueprint as the cornerstone for executing development initiatives in the region.

He highlighted that the comprehensive plan encapsulates all essential development aspects, streamlining processes and facilitating swift and efficient implementation.

This consolidated approach eliminates the need for individual submissions to various Ministries or government agencies, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated development strategy.

He said this in his speech when at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrading project of the Moyog River Bridge, Babagon Fisheries Station, Kg.Timpangoh-Kg.Lotong, here, today.

According to him, these development plans would be presented to the ministries concern with a view of putting it in the development plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan.

The Penampang Development Plan encompasses six development principles, namely the availability of basic facilities, socio-economic prosperity, technology and innovation, excellence in governance, environmental sustainability, and arts, culture, and heritage.

Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that in terms of entrepreneurial and cooperative development, his ministry has 10 agencies that provide various financing schemes and grants for entrepreneurs.

He said that he has also introduced various new initiatives specifically for entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak, including the Rural Tamu Project and the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Program (BEEP) Plus.

"For the Babagon area, I have allocated RM300,000 for the upgrading of Tamu Babagon."

On a different note, he cautioned against allowing external influences to sow discord among the community.

He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and avoiding interactions with such individuals, as disharmony would not provide a conducive environment for channelling resources towards development.

Also present during the event were Datuk Donald Mojuntin the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Deputy President, Bryan Matasing Penampang Parliament liason officer and Francis Chong the District Officer as well as the Village Chief Monis A Gimbun among other.