PENAMPANG: A total of RM155,000 was distributed to 25 Chinese community associations in the Penampang parliamentary constituency by Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, as part of his continued commitment to supporting community development and local industry players.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said the initiative stemmed from discussions with the Penampang Chinese Kapitans, who have previously collaborated in organising Chinese New Year celebrations and the Penampang Parliamentary Lantern Festival.
Advertisement
“As the Member of Parliament for Penampang, I have channelled a total allocation of RM155,000 to 25 Chinese community associations in the constituency.
“Six associations received RM10,000 each, while the remaining 19 associations received RM5,000 each.
“I am confident that through close cooperation with associations and industry players, we can elevate economic progress, industrial development, business and entrepreneurship in Sabah,” he said during the Thanksgiving Ceremony and Contribution Presentation to Penampang Chinese community associations here, Sunday.
The event was organised by the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI).
Ewon also shared the policies, vision and key focus of his ministry, including the implementation of the Sabah First Policy, which emphasises advancing the people of Sabah to enable better opportunities and income through employment and business ownership.
“When I took over this ministry, I stated that I would implement the Sabah First policy within it.
“The Sabah First Policy means that, while supporting the Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and other development plans,
“I want to see more Sabahans empowered to earn an income, whether as business owners or as employees,” he said.
To realise this vision, he said there must be a clear focus on developing a stronger industrial ecosystem, an entrepreneurship ecosystem and a more effective business ecosystem than currently exists.
Ewon said this was also crucial in addressing poverty in Sabah, noting that eight out of the 10 poorest districts in Malaysia are located in the state.
“Therefore, developing the people of Sabah so that they have sustainable income forms the foundation of my leadership in the ministry. By placing agencies related to logistics and transport under my ministry, it will be easier for us to develop a better ecosystem,” he said.
He emphasised that Sabah must improve its industrial, entrepreneurial and business ecosystems by addressing logistics issues, port congestion, shortages of industrial park space, and by enhancing the capacity of Sabah’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Ewon also underscored the standards and quality of products and services offered by Sabah industry players must continue to be improved so that they can compete not only at the national level, but also meet international market requirements.
At the same time, he said services provided by the ministry, its agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) must be more efficient and responsive to industry needs.
He also revealed that he has proposed to the Chief Minister that corporate representatives be appointed to the boards of industry-related agencies and GLCs to ensure more professional governance that is driven by industry needs rather than political interests.
“I believe this approach will bring significant benefits to Sabah, making the state a more attractive destination for investment, business and entrepreneurship, while increasing business owners’ incomes and creating more job opportunities for the people,” he said.
Ewon reiterated that he would continue to work closely with PCCCI and entrepreneurship, business and industry-based organisations to ensure that Sabah’s economic development agenda is successfully realised.
