Hilltop Village set to Prosper

Kg Mandap SIB Church.

6 November 2023

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: Nestled atop a majestic hill, Kg Mandap in Kota Belud, under the Kadamaian Constituency, exudes an enchanting charm that captivates all who venture to its scenic haven.

Perched on the hill, it offers breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The landscape is adorned with lush greenery, creating a picturesque panorama that is truly a feast for the senses.

Minjimin Baiyuhan, the Village Security and Development Chairman, shares that their beautiful village is home to 625 people residing in 172 households.

The majority of the villagers are farmers, cultivating a variety of crops such as turmeric, ginger, hill paddy, and wet paddy. Additionally, they tend to fruit orchards and tap rubber, while others engage in government work or run their own businesses.

Minjimin Baiyuhan.

About five percent of the population consists of grocery store owners, vegetable sellers, and contractors equipped with high-powered machinery.

While most of the farm produce is consumed within the village, the ginger and turmeric growers sell their goods wholesale.

They have established buyers who presumably supply sellers throughout the State. The villagers also participate in the traditional market (Tamu), where they sell their products.

As the village continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the housing area to other sites surrounding the original village.

The old community hall.

Minjimin expresses their desire to have electricity poles installed in these areas for the benefit of future generations. It is their hope that their children and grandchildren can build houses there, making electricity supply essential. This expansion includes Bansul and Dikos, as well as Bongol to Dahubang and Bongol itself.

Kg Mandap currently enjoys a reliable supply of electricity and water. They have both gravity-driven water supply and treated water supply, which provides them with ample amenities and contentment.

The villagers are grateful for the contribution made by their State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, he shares.

The pipe to repair aged pipes.

They appreciate the five rolls of 3-inch Poly pipe and five rolls of 5-inch Poly pipe he provided, which will be used to repair the aged pipes in the village.

In addition, they express their gratitude for the 53 plastic chairs donated by Ewon, which will be utilized at the SIB Church in the village.

Minjimin praises Ewon's generosity and responsiveness to their needs.

He mentions that Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, had previously granted the village RM5000 for the construction of a Sepak Takraw and basketball court. However, the villagers prioritize building a community hall before proceeding with the sports ground.

Ewon has recently announced that the construction of an open community hall is scheduled for the upcoming year, much to the delight of the villagers.

Village Road.

In the past, Ewon also provided them with 30 bags of cement to assist in the construction of the SIB Mandap Hall, as well as the stairs leading to the church's badminton court.

Looking ahead, Minjimin hopes for improved road access to the farmlands. Currently, the grassy paths require upgrading into proper roads, as there are several farmland plots that would greatly benefit from this improvement.

Additionally, he envisions the village prospering through tourism, particularly due to the popularity of hiking and nature walks at Bongol Hill. Tourists often pass through their village to reach this scenic spot.

"There is already a homestay operated by an individual in Bongol," he shares, expressing openness to the concept of homestays with incentives and encouragement.

He likes the idea of tourism as a means to further enhance the village's growth and prosperity.