Strong cooperation key to Penampang's development - Ewon
Steven, Ewon and Jannie beating the gong to mark the launch of the event. Also in the picture are Vivian (left), Chan (second from left) and Phoong (right).
PENAMPANG (June 2): The Member of Parliament here, Datuk Ewon Benedick, stressed that close cooperation between elected representatives and government leaders is vital to ensure successful development in their respective constituencies.
Ewon, who is also the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives MInister, said his continued collaboration with Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has allowed for smoother implementation of various programmes and development plans in Penampang, particularly in the Kapayan area.
'Whenever there is a need, an issue, or a development matter in Penampang, my office together with the Kapayan ADUN Service Centre will sit down to discuss the best way to assist our community. We do not work in silos, but as a team,' he said.
He was speaking at the Kaamatan Festival celebration for the Kapayan constituency, held at Dewan Kibouvang here recently.
The event was officiated by Human Resources Minister Steven Shim.
Also present were Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Sandakan member of parliament Vivian Wong and Bandar Kuching member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii.
Ewon said that this collaboration has also led to the creation of the Penampang Development Plan 2024–2035, which is now a key component of the proposed 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the development of the Penampang parliamentary constituency.
He added that thanks to joint efforts with other elected representatives and government leaders, several federal ministers have visited Penampang to see first-hand the needs of the local community, including flood mitigation projects and other development initiatives that are underway or in the pipeline.
'I am confident that with the strategic cooperation and development plans we have drawn up, together with the Federal Cabinet and state government, Penampang will benefit from greater development allocation under RMK13.
'With the presence of my Cabinet colleagues here in Penampang, I am confident that development in both Kapayan and Moyog will continue to progress,' he said.
Ewon highlighted several ongoing major projects in Penampang, including the flood mitigation project, upgrading of the Terian-Buayan road, construction of a bridge in Babagon, and the implementation of the PANTAS programme in Kampung Togudon.
He also said that under his ministry alone, several agency offices have already been established in Penampang, including the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), TEKUN Nasional, an MSME Hub, and a Live Studio facility at the TEKUN Penampang Office.
In addition, the Tamu Desa project has been implemented in Penampang to support local market traders and small entrepreneurs.
On the Kaamatan celebration, Ewon said it is now celebrated by all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or culture.
'This is in line with the theme 'Kaamatan for All'. Kaamatan is not just for the Kadazandusun community in Sabah — it is also celebrated overseas by Sabahans, particularly the Kadazandusun diaspora,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Perak MB calls for overhaul of Gerik–Jeli Highway in 13th Malaysia Plan
IPOH: The state government is urging the federal administration to prioritise the complete reconstruction and upgrading of the ageing Gerik–Jeli Highway under the upcoming Malaysia Plan. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the highway was unfit for use with mere patchwork repairs, emphasising the need for a complete overhaul. "Instead of patching it up, the federal government, through the Public Works Department, should consider fully reconstructing and upgrading the highway. "The structure is old, and in some areas, damage has reached the base layer. Simple repairs won't be sufficient anymore," he said. Saarani was speaking to reporters after closing the National Training Week 2025 event at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today. He added that the matter was raised with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Manjung on June 15. "I had the opportunity to highlight the urgent need to upgrade the Gerik–Jeli Highway to the prime minister. "The prime minister acknowledged our concern but noted the high cost involved. Still, the state has formally registered our position," he said. When asked whether the proposal could be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan, Saarani confirmed that efforts were underway. "We are working to ensure this is included in the upcoming Malaysia Plan because it is a pressing need," he said. On June 11, Saarani said that proposals to either construct a new highway or establish an alternative route would be submitted to the federal government, citing the increasing number of accidents along the Gerik–Jeli Highway. Following this, state Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin was tasked with overseeing the matter. Nizar has been instructed to prepare a detailed proposal, including route alignment, road widening, construction materials and related infrastructure, such as street lighting. This will then be submitted to the federal government. On another matter, Saarani said the state was requesting the Health Ministry to upgrade Gerik Hospital and its facilities in light of the frequent and serious traffic accidents along the highway. "We've asked Sivanesan (referring to state Health committee chairman A. Sivanesan) to prepare a formal application. Gerik Hospital needs better equipment, facilities and specialist staff. "Many critical patients need to be transferred to Taiping or Ipoh, and that can take up to two hours, and that delay can be fatal," he said. On June 9, a tragic crash along the East-West Highway at Km53 involving a bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students underscored the need for urgent improvements. The bus, travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, collided with a Perodua Alza.
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Focus Malaysia
Rafizi to speak freely, unbound by ministerial post
FORMER economy minister and PKR MP Rafizi Ramli stated on his podcast 'Yang Berhenti Menteri' that he would rather resign from the Cabinet than remain a 'lame duck' minister unable to voice differing opinions. Now that he is free to voice differing opinions, he took a swipe at the Education Ministry, questioning, 'Where's the major policy framework (from the ministry)? But they're busy talking about someone who resigned.' He said their bickering about his resignation annoyed him, and after two years and a half, the ministry in question has nothing to show. He stepped down after losing the PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, believing it signalled Anwar's lack of confidence in his leadership. Rafizi argued that staying on as a minister in the Cabinet of Anwar would undermine his legitimacy, hinder economic reforms, and make him complicit in the toxic political culture he opposes. He rejected an offer to be an appointed deputy president, seeing it as a way to silence him while exploiting his supporters. Rafizi emphasised the need for space for dissent within PKR to uphold reform principles and warned against dismissing grassroots members, indirectly criticising PKR figures like Fadhlina Sidek and R Ramanan for overlooking the party's history and supporters. He highlighted achievements in the Economy Ministry but noted the 13th Malaysia Plan and Anti-Rent Seeking Act as unfinished initiatives. While denying plans to form a new party, Rafizi humorously mentioned a gathering to 'celebrate' his loss, focusing on maintaining government stability. — June 21, 2025
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Mandatory preschool plan set for 13MP
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says the government plans to make preschool education compulsory to curb early student dropout, as part of the country's wider education reform agenda. She said the policy to make preschool education mandatory can no longer be delayed, despite challenges with infrastructure and teacher shortages, as it is key to improving the quality of the nation's education system. "We already have the compulsory primary education policy, which we consider a success in achieving universal enrolment. Then, we have the upcoming secondary school education policy, which I am confident will bring significant benefits by ensuring children have access to secondary education. "However, we want to start even earlier by making preschool education compulsory," she said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia. Fadhlina said the policy to make preschool education compulsory will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), once infrastructure and curriculum are in place. The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030. Fadhlina also said the education ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030. "This, in turn, will create more space to conduct preschool classes," she said. Fadhlina said one of the special projects at the ministry involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. "Pupils will be screened before entering the mainstream stream so that schools can identify whether they have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other special needs — making it easier to customise classes accordingly," she said. Fadhlina said classes for children with special needs will be extended to the preschool level to meet rising demand. While the compulsory secondary education policy is being tabled in Parliament, the preschool policy is being finalised, she said. Malaysia's education policy aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education that develops well-rounded individuals and prepares students for global challenges.
