Ewon Channels RM70,000 to Strengthen Indigenous Language Preservation and Elderly Welfare in Saba
By Mohd Khairy Abdullah
PENAMPANG, Sabah, April 28 — In a move reflecting growing efforts to safeguard indigenous cultural heritage and strengthen community welfare amid rapid modernisation, Penampang Member of Parliament Ewon Benedick has allocated RM70,000 to the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) and the Persatuan Pesara Penampang, underscoring a broader commitment to preserving native languages while supporting the well-being of senior citizens in Sabah.
The contribution includes RM50,000 for KLF to support initiatives aimed at developing and revitalising the Kadazandusun language, while RM20,000 was allocated to the Penampang retirees’ association to fund welfare, social and community-based programmes.
In a statement, Ewon said the allocation formed part of his continued commitment to empowering community institutions that play a critical role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening social cohesion at the grassroots level.
“I hope this contribution will assist in implementing programmes and initiatives that directly benefit the community, particularly in the areas of mother tongue preservation and community development,” he said.
The contribution was handed over by Bryan Matasing, Chief Liaison Officer of the Penampang Member of Parliament Service Centre, on Ewon’s behalf during a ceremony held at the parliamentary service office.
Rita Lasimbang, Chief Executive Officer of the Kadazandusun Language Foundation, said the funds would be used to enhance the Kadazan–English–Malay Webonary platform launched during International Mother Language Day celebrations in February.
According to her, the digital platform currently contains more than 30,000 Kadazan entries and nearly 29,000 Malay entries, making it one of the region’s most extensive indigenous language documentation initiatives at a time when concerns are growing over the declining number of native speakers in Sabah.
Cultural observers view the digitisation of indigenous languages as increasingly vital in protecting the linguistic heritage of Sabah’s native communities, many of which face mounting pressure from globalisation, urban migration and generational language shifts.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Misi, coordinating chairman of the Persatuan Pesara Kerajaan Sabah daerah Penampang, said the allocation would support various community programmes, including activities in conjunction with International Day of Older Persons in October.
The funding initiative highlights an increasingly community-oriented development approach in Sabah, where cultural preservation and social welfare are being positioned alongside economic priorities in shaping long-term societal resilience.
