By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick, has allocated RM400,000 to two schools in Penampang to support facility development and infrastructure upgrades.
At SM St Michael, Ewon presented RM200,000 from the Federal Finance Ministry to fund the construction of a roof over the school’s parking area.
This was following the school’s request, which Ewon had brought to the attention of Second Finance Minister, Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
“This funding will complete the concrete parking area that was previously built through the MP’s allocation I provided,” said Ewon who is also the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
He also inspected classrooms in the school’s older building which require structural repairs, and contributed to a group of students preparing to participate in the ISCEP programme in Korea.
At SJKC Yue Min, Ewon presented another RM200,000 also from the Finance Ministry to upgrade the school’s parking area, which is frequently flooded during the rainy season due to overflowing drains.
He also inspected the school’s internal roads, which are in need of resurfacing.
Ewon reaffirmed his commitment to improving educational facilities in Penampang.
In a separate programme, Ewon praised the dedication of educators and parents at the Penampang Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) for their commitment to educating and caring for children with special needs.
“The parents and teachers here have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and love.
“They are shining examples of resilience and compassion that we should all emulate,” he said during his visit to the centre in conjunction with the National Month celebration.
PPDK Penampang currently cares for 60 trainees, supported by five teachers and one supervisor.
Ewon noted that in June he had allocated RM20,000 to assist the centre’s needs, and following yesterday’s visit, he announced an additional RM20,000 allocation to further enhance its facilities.
“This is a shared responsibility. I want to ensure that these children also enjoy a better and happier life alongside their families, teachers, and friends,” he added.
Earlier, in another engagement, Ewon also contributed food baskets for the upcoming “No Turning Back 9.0” programme organised by WRS Sabah 4×4 Club.
The programme, scheduled to take place in Mesapol, Sipitang, from August 28 to September 1, will involve 60 participating vehicles and include the distribution of 100 food baskets to local communities.
