Ewon and SKM deliver food baskets to flood victims

2 July 2024

PENAMPANG: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick, along with agencies under his ministry, went down to the field together to deliver food basket and drinks to the villagers here who were affected by the flood.

Among the agencies involved in the programmes are the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMA), and ANGKASA.

The SKM Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme was also attended by officials from the Penampang Parliament Service Centre and volunteers.

"I visited several houses of the villagers in this village (Kg.Proper Penampang) and they said this is the biggest flood they have ever experienced.

"I sympathise with the difficulties they are facing and hope that this donation can alleviate their burden somewhat," he said.

Regarding the disrupted electricity supply due to the flood, Ewon said that the electricity supply has been restored, however, the water pipe supply pressure is still low as the Kasigui water treatment plant has not yet resumed operations.

"I was born in this village, and this village in Penampang is always affected by floods when heavy rain falls. I hope this assistance can help meet their needs to some extent," he said.

After that, Ewon conducted an inspection at SK St Theresa, Inobong, which was severely affected by the flood.

All school facilities, including chairs, tables, printing machines, textbooks, school files, and other facilities on the ground floor were completely destroyed.

"I appreciate the contribution of the Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports of Sabah, Datuk Fairuz Renddan, who led the community effort to clean up the mud at this school together with a team of volunteers, teachers, and members of the Fire Department," he said.

During the visit, he presented a donation of RM10,000 to the school principal to assist in cleaning efforts related to the school.

"I will receive a detailed report from the Penampang District Education Office regarding the assessment of flood damage to schools in Penampang to bring to this Friday's Cabinet meeting.

"For students who have lost stationery, workbooks, bags, school uniforms, and shoes, I have requested a list from the school principal and the Parent-Teacher Association Chairman. I have asked Bank Rakyat and Yayasan Bank Rakyat, agencies under KUSKOP, to assist the affected students," he said.-ends