Penampang Development Plan launched, Ewon with PM support committed to its success

7 December 2023

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: The Penampang Development Plan 2024 - 2035, launched in conjunction with the inauguration of the National Level Hawkers and Small Traders Carnival (HPPK) 2023, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will serve as input for the preparation of state and federal government development plans in this area.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, Datuk Ewon Benedick said he is committed to the success of the development plan with the support of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.

"The preparation of this plan was carried out by the Sabah Institute of Development Studies (IDS) involving studies and engagement sessions with the people of Penampang over a period of six months using the allocation I received as a Member of Parliament this year.

"This is my approach to managing development in the Penampang area in a more planned and integrated manner.

"With today's launch, I hope that all ministries, departments, and agencies can realise my vision and the aspirations of the people of Penampang," he said.

He said this during a media briefing after the inauguration of the National Level HPPK Carnival 2023, at Buhavan Square, here, today.

The National Level HPPK Carnival 2023 was organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) and inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ewon stated that with the launch of the Penampang Development Plan, he will coordinate with all relevant ministries, departments, and ministry agencies involved in the implementation of the development plan.

"I will consistently strive for this initiative to obtain as many benefits as needed by the people of Penampang as outlined in the Penampang Development Plan.

"With an initial allocation of RM2 million announced by the Prime Minister, I believe it can address some of the small-scale needs in this area," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Ewon requested special allocation from the Prime Minister to initiate small and medium-scale projects that can provide immediate benefits to the people of Penampang.

These include the maintenance and repair of drains, rivers, and flood damage, the construction of new roads, especially from Kg Timpangoh Babagon to Kg Putaton Inobong, the development of places of worship, and the construction of village hostels for students in several schools in Penampang," he said.

Ewon stated that for large-scale projects such as flood mitigation, the construction of new schools, the reconstruction of community halls, the development of Kepayan town, the upgrading of utility facilities, and other developments, he will follow up in writing and consistently with the relevant ministries.

"I also hope that delayed projects currently in the acquisition and consultation process, such as the Donggongon Market, Health Clinic, Rural Water Supply in Moyog, road upgrades, and street lighting, can be implemented promptly," he said.

He stated that the development needs should be implemented in line with the pace of development in Penampang as the "second city to Kota Kinabalu" in the context of Greater Kota Kinabalu City and the upgrading of the Penampang District Council to a City Council.