Kota Kinabalu: Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick today proposed the establishment of a special unit under the Sabah government to monitor and coordinate the implementation of projects under the Malaysia Plan. Ewon, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, emphasized the need for this unit to resolve ongoing technical and administrative issues that frequently delay development projects in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon highlighted that while the State Development Action Council already exists for monitoring purposes, a dedicated unit is necessary to address ground-level challenges such as departmental overlaps, land acquisition issues, compensation matters, and obtaining approvals from local authorities. Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, made these remarks while debating the motion of thanks for the state government’s policy speech delivered by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Ewon added that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament around July this year, and he believes the Sabah government has already submitted its list of priority development projects to the federal government. He stressed the importance of learning from the shortcomings of previous Malaysia Plans, which faced numerous delays in project implementation due to various factors.
Touching on entrepreneurship and cooperative development in Sabah, Ewon revealed that a total of 53,398 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in the state received grant assistance and financing amounting to RM813.4 million last year. He mentioned that under the Look East Within the Country Policy introduced by his ministry, special emphasis will continue to be placed on advancing entrepreneurship in Sabah and Sarawak.
He also highlighted the mid-term review of the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030, set for implementation this year, which will consider Sabah’s needs in entrepreneurship development, including strengthening supply chains, food security, and high-impact sectors. Ewon underscored the importance of expanding internet access throughout the state to support the growing trend of local entrepreneurs using social media platforms to market their products.
Following the launch of the TEKUN TikTok Shop Live Hub in Sabah, Ewon noted a significant increase in product sales by entrepreneurs. However, he pointed out that shipping costs outside Sabah remain a major hurdle and need to be addressed by the government.
State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya later adjourned the sitting to tomorrow.