Timpangoh–Babagon Bridge Completed Ahead of Schedule, Boosting Local Economy

23 May 2026

PENAMPANG: The Timpangoh–Babagon Bridge, built at a cost of RM16.8 million, has been completed more than three months ahead of schedule, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Ewon, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, said the project was originally scheduled for completion in July this year.

However, the Public Works Department (JKR) issued the certificate of completion in April, ahead of its official opening today.

“In conjunction with the Penampang Agricultural Zone Kaamatan celebration today, I am representing the Sabah State Government leadership in officiating the fully completed Timpangoh–Babagon Bridge."

“What is special about this project is that it was completed ahead of schedule, sending a clear message that development projects can indeed be delivered earlier than planned,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the Babagon Agricultural Zone Kaamatan celebration here today.

Earlier, Ewon officiated a simple ceremony to mark the opening of the bridge. Construction of the project began with a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024.

He said that for years, thousands of residents in Mukim Babagon had relied on a low-level crossing, which becomes impassable whenever the water level of the Moyog River rises.

With the completion of the bridge, he said, it will now serve as a catalyst for economic activities in the area.

“The Timpangoh–Babagon Bridge will transform economic activities here. Previously, residents depended on a low-level crossing, but during heavy rain, rising river levels prevented students and villagers from crossing."

“With the completion of this bridge, agricultural produce can now be transported at any time of day, while also enabling government agencies to reach villages in this agricultural zone more easily,” he said.

In a related development, Ewon said SMK Kipovo in Kampung Babagon is expected to begin operations next year.

“Based on a briefing from the education office, the school is expected to open next year,” he said.

He added that although there are still issues with water supply, as the Moyog rural water supply project has yet to commence, the State Government has approved a special allocation of RM7.3 million to ensure water supply to the school.

The allocation, approved by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, will fund the installation of pipelines and the channelling of water supply from the station in Kampung Madsiang to SMK Kipovo.

“I greatly appreciate the Chief Minister’s decision to approve this special allocation, and I am confident that the Water Department, as the implementing agency, will be able to begin the procurement process this year."

“When the school opens next year, the water supply is also expected to be in place,” he said.

Ewon added that various small- and medium-scale development initiatives, including tourism, agriculture and land ownership projects, are being implemented in the area for the benefit of local residents.

He said the State Government remains committed to continuing rural development projects under the Penampang Development Plan 2024–2035.

“With strong support from Moyog State Assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, as well as cooperation from grassroots leaders, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), village heads, religious leaders, NGOs and the community as a whole, the planned development aspirations will be easier to realise."

“It is my hope that we will continue to work together in unity, harmony and mutual support,” he said.