KOTA BELUD, Aug 30, 2025 – Independence Day celebrations in Kadamaian took on a new dimension this year as village communities embraced health and sports as the theme of the festivities, a move lauded by Kadamaian state assemblyman and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon described the Health Carnival and Independence Day Dart Tournament as a reflection of growing awareness that patriotism is not only measured by slogans, but also by efforts to strengthen social well-being and grassroots unity.
“Independence Day should be celebrated in ways that are meaningful – not just symbolic. Programmes like these not only bring people closer together but also highlight the importance of physical, mental, behavioural and spiritual health in building resilient communities,” he said.
He made the remarks after officiating the health carnival organised by the SIB Pinasang Tamu Darat Youth Federation (PMM) and later attending the dart competition at Tunga Unga Eco-Tourism, Kampung Ratau.
The carnival featured a holistic approach with activities such as health screenings, a blood donation campaign, Rahmah Sales by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN), and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs – making it not only a leisure event but also a platform for community solidarity and economic empowerment.
Ewon himself donated blood to the Kota Belud Hospital Blood Bank and contributed financial assistance for health screenings benefitting 200 villagers.
During his visit to SIB Pinasang Tamu Darat Church, he also allocated RM19,400 from his assemblyman fund to improve facilities at the church’s youth office, underscoring his support for community infrastructure development.
Later in Kampung Ratau, Ewon joined villagers in the dart tournament, stressing that rural sports are more than mere entertainment but serve as a powerful tool to foster friendship networks and strengthen social integration.
“While only one team may lift the championship trophy, every participant brings home the true prize of unity – as the bonds of friendship outweigh victory in the arena,” he said.
Ewon added that Independence Day should continue to be celebrated not only as an annual ritual but as a platform to empower communities with healthy lifestyles, solidarity, and resilience – qualities he described as the lifeblood of the Kadamaian people and a pillar of Malaysia’s strength.
