By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: The Member of Parliament for Penampang, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the needs of the community-based rehabilitation centre (PPDK) Penampang remain a priority and will continue to receive attention, particularly in improving the centre’s facilities.
Ewon said that since becoming MP for Penampang, he has allocated funding to PPDK Penampang every year.
“This is my way of supporting the work of teachers and parents at PPDK Penampang, who need backing not just from elected representatives but also from various government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
“I am confident that PPDK Penampang will continue to receive support from many quarters,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the 2025 PPDK Penampang Kaamatan Festival, held at the Penampang District Library Hall here.
Ewon also presented a RM20,000 allocation from the Penampang parliamentary fund to help improve the centre’s facilities and equipment.
Ewon, who is also Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) would focus, among other things, on improving facilities for persons with special needs and the elderly.
“As MP for Penampang, the development plan we launched in 2023 also addresses the needs of these groups.
“This includes providing proper facilities to support the ageing population and people with special needs, such as those at PPDK.
“I hope the ministries involved in preparing RMK13 will take into account the views and requests of local elected representatives, as outlined in the Penampang Development Plan.
“I will continue to fight for the facilities needed by the people of Penampang, particularly in caring for the elderly and persons with disabilities,” he said.
He added that attention is also given to social enterprises involving target groups such as persons with disabilities and the elderly.
“As Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, under the Social Enterprise Policy SEMy2030, we support any social enterprises, whether cooperatives or private companies, that provide these services,” he said.
He explained that in addition to issuing accreditation, the ministry, through agencies such as SME Bank and the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM), also provides financing for social enterprises.
“I welcome any cooperative or social enterprise interested in obtaining accreditation to approach my ministry.
“If financing is needed, there are special funding schemes available through SME Bank and SKM,” he added.
