Vendors thank Ewon for Tamu Desa

22 October 2024

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: Tamu Desa Sosondoton Kampung Piasau has a structure by the river that allows for comfort, where one can sit and enjoy the river view or carry out meetings and gatherings.

The new building includes a deck and a multipurpose hall. This development is a testament to the dedication of the Kadamaian State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick who genuinely cares for the well-being of his constituents.

The chairman of this Tamu Desa, or Rural Tamu, Laimin Omar, shares that the community has been actively involved since 2018, with a strong presence of vendors selling their farm products. The attendance has been significant, showcasing local agricultural produce that is synonymous with the local populace.

“During that time vendors sold vegetables and fruits, pickled fish and all kind of edibles. There were those who sold essential household items. We had our own shares of challenges. There was the flood in the year 2020. I believe this effected many areas and of course Kampung Piasau was not excluded.”

“We were quite disheartened by this but then we came together to continue our community market and restore the area around it. We were then again affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which of course hit the whole world. We were at a stand-still for six months. These were challenges that really affected our livelihood.”

"Today, we stand proud once again, thanks to the generous contributions from Datuk Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

"His support has enabled us to enhance the market area and construct the new hall and toilets, providing us with a sense of comfort and renewed hope. Previously, Sosondoton had the honour of receiving a visit from Datuk, who provided us with zinc, though it was not enough to meet our needs. Now, however, we have secured substantial funding to further develop Tamu Sosondoton.

“This new hall represents the realisation of our dream. We are deeply grateful to Ewon, for his unwavering support. I believe that the development of Tamu Desa is truly close to Datuk's heart, reflecting his commitment to our community. We are also thankful that this development coincides with the anniversary of Tamu Sosondoton, making it a meaningful gift for our community and a valuable tourism asset in Piasau. May Ewon continue to be blessed with good health."

Norlinda Mustafa, 60, a vendor who lives nearby the Tamu, shares that she is very happy to be able to sell her wares at the Tamu.

“At first, the Tamu was very different on its first day. Initially, there was no construction like this. It was very plain. The lots were in small stalls. There was one or two canopies placed in the parking area now. We shared them among two or three people. Not many had joined yet because they were hesitant. It was sad because there wasn't enough space.”

“After a few months, our end of the bank was so near the river. So, we decided to sell our wares there. The area was about 10 feet by 10 feet a person. It was a stony site, and so we piled up stones to mark our selling area.”

To her the development from when they started is tremendous.

Elizabeth Galudu, 64, who is also from Kampung Piasau, said she has been selling her wares there since the tamu started and shared that they build their own stall using wood, then.

“I sell tobacco and a variety of vegetables. Our customers are people from neighbouring villages. There has been an improvement now. More people from outside the districts are coming, and the place looks better.”

She said vending at the Tamu can be a good source of livelihood, and she thanked Ewon for upgrading the Tamu.

Soutim Sokidon, 65, agreed, saying that the Tamu upgrade was a tremendous development for the area. “When I first started, I set up my own stall while many people sold their wares at the riverbanks. When a flood occurred, the site became smaller.

“We sell vegetables and household goods and although it may not make us prosperous, we have the satisfaction of our items being sold. The income can still help with our household expenses. This Tamu is also a tourism site. There are vendors here that sell handicrafts, too, which is good for tourism.”

“The Tamu encourages people to plant their own vegetables and other farm produce. The vegetables can be for self-consumption but they can sell the surplus. I think this is a great way to make a living. It may not make us rich, but we can be self-sufficient.”

“Not many young people are involved in the Tamu, but I believe some might still be in school and others are working. Perhaps they might participate in the tamu after they retire.”

Linie Sungkin, 52, has been selling hot beverages in the tamu since 2019. Her business has been thriving, attracting many customers. She believes the Tamu Desa should be promoted further by organising events in the hall and activities within the Tamu.

Linie expressed her gratitude to Datuk Ewon Benedick for the Tamu Desa located there. According to her, it has seen significant improvements over the years, benefiting the vendors greatly. Tourists who visit can now enjoy a comfortable spot to relax and soak in the ambiance.