KOTA BELUD, March 28, 2026 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Ewon Benedick carried out a packed schedule on Saturday, balancing grassroots engagements in Kadamaian with efforts to promote Sabah as an investment destination later in the day.
In the morning, Ewon, who also serves as Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport as well as State Assemblyman for Kadamaian, officiated the Kaamatan Festival celebration in Kampung Piak. The annual celebration, typically held at the end of March, aligns with the local community’s planting and harvesting cycle.
Despite Kampung Piak being among the more remote areas in the Kadamaian constituency, Ewon stressed that it has not been left behind in terms of basic development. The village has benefited from infrastructure improvements, including the construction of concrete roads and an open hall, which was officially launched during the event.
“As the Kadamaian assemblyman, I remain committed to developing this village alongside others under the Kadamaian Development Master Plan 2020–2035,” he said, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation among residents.
During his “turun padang” programme, Ewon visited several families in Kampung Lasau Minunsud, Kampung Lasau Lama and Kampung Wani who had applied for assistance under the Rumah SMJ housing initiative.
In Kampung Lasau Minunsud, he met a family living in hardship with four children, while in Kampung Lasau Lama, he visited a family whose home had been destroyed by fire and who are now staying in a makeshift space within their former house. In Kampung Wani, he met a household of 22 people living under one roof and also extended aid to a resident seeking home repair assistance and welfare support for a person with disabilities.
“I hope all Rumah SMJ houses to be built this year in Kadamaian will provide greater comfort to these families once completed,” he said.
Ewon also presented contributions under the Sentuhan Kasih Kadamaian initiative, including funding for the construction of toilets at the Kampung Gonok community hall and repairs to a smallholder rubber plantation road in Kampung Lasau Lama. He also inspected the ongoing construction of a children’s building for the SIB Church in Kampung Lasau Minunsud, which still requires additional funding.
In the evening, Ewon attended and officiated the JCI Senator ASEAN 1st Board of Directors Meeting & Installation 2026 in Kota Kinabalu. At the event, he expressed pride in the appointment of Patricia Poh as the first female JCI ASEAN President from Sabah.
He emphasised that collaboration between the state government and non-governmental organisations such as Junior Chamber International (JCI) is vital in driving economic growth, trade and business development in Sabah.
Ewon added that his ministry will continue to intensify efforts to position Sabah as a key destination for investment, industry and commerce, including through strategic partnerships with regional stakeholders.
He also welcomed delegates from across ASEAN, expressing hope that their visit would strengthen ties and create more economic collaboration opportunities in the state.
At the same event, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Invest Sabah Berhad, Kevin George Ukang, delivered an investment briefing to JCI ASEAN delegates.
