Keningau bids farewell to Milimewa Superstore
Gua (standing) with Amri and the manager of Milimewa Superstore Keningau at the opening of the store in 1996.
KENINGAU (June 1): After 29 years as a cornerstone of retail in Sabah's interior, the Milimewa Superstore in Keningau officially closed its doors on Saturday, May 31 2025, bringing to an end a chapter that held economic and sentimental significance for generations of local residents.
First opened on 1 June 1996 by then-Keningau District Officer Amri Suratman, the establishment was more than just a supermarket, it stood as a landmark of progress, a community gathering point, and the birthplace of a now-iconic voice in the district, Gua Ah Siew.
As emcee of the store's grand opening nearly three decades ago, Gua impressed many with his poised delivery, courteous demeanor, and mastery of event protocol. His eloquence in multiple languages and refined timing quickly set a benchmark for official ceremonies in Keningau and its neighbouring districts.
Over the years, he became the go-to master of ceremonies for government events, cultural festivals, and private functions, particularly within the Chinese community, but also in multi-ethnic events across Keningau, Tenom and Tambunan.
Now retired from his career as an educator, Gua continues to serve the public as a freelance journalist, contributing diligently to Overseas Chinese Daily News (OCDN), See Hua Daily News, and other local publications. His consistent reporting and grounded community voice have made him a trusted figure in regional journalism.
Gua's influence extends beyond the stage and the newsroom. He is an active member of the Interior Journalist Association (IJA), once led by the late Wong You Shion @ Uhim Wong, a respected journalist known for his contributions to both English and Chinese media in Sabah.
Together with notable figures such as Johan Aziz, Ramlee Jalimin Jainin, Datuk Peter Ma, Cikgu Samrah Awang Damit, Marutin Ansiung, Henry Dulasim, Fung Tack Wee, the late Robert Lee Yee Fook, and Tham Thau Fatt, Gua has played a key role in elevating the credibility and influence of rural journalism in Sabah.
He is also actively involved in numerous Chinese community associations, further cementing his reputation as a unifying figure in local civic life.
While the closure of Milimewa Superstore marks the end of a physical institution, it also brings into focus the lasting legacy of individuals who helped define that era.
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