Riverbank Stabilisation Project Brings Relief to Local Resident in Penampang

6 September 2025

PENAMPANG: A local resident in Kg Ramayah Penampang has expressed his gratitude following the forthcoming installation of a gabion to reinforce the riverbank near his home, which has been vulnerable to erosion for over a decade.

Frankie Roy Benedict, the owner of the property, shared that the area has faced significant challenges since his house was relocated closer to the riverbank. “It all began with the construction of the Pan Borneo project,” Roy explained.

“We had an old house, but it was demolished due to the project. Two houses were cleared, and then this house was built with compensation for those losses.”

He estimates that the damage to the riverbank has been an ongoing issue for approximately ten years. “Maybe it’s been about ten years since we build this house,” he said.

The erosion of the riverbank has long been a concern. Roy recounted that he has repeatedly requested assistance from the authorities concerned, since 2006.

“I’ve asked several times, but so far, there has been no result,” he shared.

In recent months, efforts to resolve the issue have gained momentum. Roy applied for assistance himself and also sought support from Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick. “I met with Datuk Ewon and asked for his help. I am very grateful to him for giving his full support. I applied for RM179,000, and it was approved,” he stated.

The intervention involved the installation of a gabion, a wire mesh container filled with rocks, to bolster the riverbank and prevent further erosion.

Roy believed the project would be completed swiftly, noting that the process was progressing faster than expected.

“The soil needs to be prepared, and we have to wait four days for it to harden before proceeding,” he explained. “It should be ready in about two weeks.”

During periods of flooding, Roy noted that the water from the relatively deep river would not reach his house, even though others in the low-lying, flood-prone areas often suffer from heavy rainfall. His main concern was landslides, as there was no room for expansion—the house is very close to the river.

Currently, six people reside in the house, including Roy and his family. He expressed hope that the new measures would provide better protection for his family and the wider community.

In a message of gratitude, Roy thanked those who supported him, especially the Penampang MP, for his assistance in helping to overcome the challenges posed by riverbank erosion.

Recently, Datuk Ewon Benedick, the President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), visited Roy’s house to assess the progress of the construction.

According to Roy, this demonstrated the MP’s genuine concern and care for his constituents. The UPKO President was accompanied by his Deputy, Datuk Donald Mojuntin.

The recent riverbank stabilisation project exemplifies the vital role that dedicated representatives like Datuk Ewon Benedick play in ensuring the well-being and safety of their constituents.

Through proactive engagement and effective collaboration with local authorities, the MP who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), has demonstrated his commitment to enhancing infrastructure and providing tangible solutions to longstanding community challenges.

Such efforts not only offer immediate relief but also foster a sense of security and confidence among residents, reaffirming the importance of responsive leadership in building resilient and comfortable communities.