Penampang upgrade in full swing: Ewon
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Ewon officiating the Penampang district-level Kaamatan festival. PENAMPANG: Twenty one public buildings in the district have been identified to be gazetted as Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) to accommodate victims during flood. Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick said the initiative follows efforts to improve flood disaster management after the district experienced severe floods last year. 'Previously, Penampang only had one PPS. This is no longer practical, especially for villagers living in remote areas such as Kampung Sugud and Kampung Kolopis who had to be relocated to the Penampang Cultural Centre during floods. 'We have identified 21 suitable public buildings which will be gazetted as PPS to facilitate evacuation and rescue operations,' he said when officiating the district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration on Sunday. Ewon, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said several high-impact development projects have been implemented or are ongoing in Penampang since 2023. These include flood mitigation works in Donggongon, upgrading of the main drainage system, improvement of the Terian-Buayan Road, construction of the Donggongon Tamu, a new bridge in Babagon, and land surveying in Kampung Togudon under the Pantas Programme.
Advertisement 'The long-delayed construction of the Donggongon Tamu finally began last month, following a site visit and discussions with the Director-General of the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister's Department, in January 2023. 'Issues related to land ownership on hillside areas such as in Kampung Togudon have also been resolved through the Pantas Programme,' he said. Ewon also announced that the Penampang District Council was upgraded to a Municipal Council last year. Under his ministry, several agencies have expanded their presence to Penampang, including the upgraded Bank Rakyat Penampang branch, Tekun Nasional, INSKEN Sabah, SME Corp Sabah, as well as the MSME Hub and TikTok Shop Live Hub Studio. 'New initiatives such as the BEEP Plus Grant, Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme, Rural Tamu Premises Project, Sejati Madani Cooperative Programme and the Tunas Usahawan Belia (TUBE) programme have also benefitted entrepreneurs and cooperatives in the district,' he said. Ewon added that Penampang must formulate a comprehensive development plan to be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) for the 2026–2030 period. 'The Penampang Development Master Plan launched last year was a key reference document for the Federal Government, State Government and relevant ministries in planning the implementation of RMK-13,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to all parties contributing to Penampang's development and hoped the Kaamatan Festival celebration will continue to be a platform for unity. 'Unity, cooperation and solidarity are vital to ensuring a progressive future for Penampang,' he said. Meanwhile, Sletcher Myranda Floyd was crowned Unduk Ngadau Penampang 2025 after emerging victorious among 14 contestants at the event. Her win earns her a place in the grand finale of the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition, scheduled for 30 May. Sletcher also took home the Tati Topiodo title, awarded for best personality and presentation, along with RM7,000 in cash, a trophy and a bouquet. The first runner-up was Carrie Terence, who received RM3,000, while Dorna Mayra Michael came in third place and who also secured the title Tati Tosuau, for grace and elegance and received RM2,000. Both runners-up also received trophies and bouquets. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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