Ewon Praises Hajiji’s Support, Pledges Humanitarian Commitment as SMJ Homes to Be Built for Penampang Landslide VictimsBy
By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
PENAMPANG (Sabah, Malaysia), 3 October 2025 – Compassion and decisive action underscored the response of Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick, as he expressed his gratitude to the Sabah State Government for swiftly approving the construction of Rumah SMJ for families who lost their homes in a recent landslide tragedy.
Ewon, who also serves as Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, confirmed that 23 homes were completely destroyed (total loss) in the disaster.
“I thank Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor for approving the construction of these SMJ Homes. This is not just about rebuilding houses – it is about restoring dignity and rebuilding lives for families enduring the trauma of loss,” he said. 
While the implementation warrant has already been issued to the Penampang District Council (MPPg), Ewon noted that only 14 families have viable plots for reconstruction, while nine others face the challenge of not having suitable land in their villages.
Speaking after visiting displaced families at the temporary shelter located at the Sabah Native Court Training Institute (ILMAN) campus, Ewon highlighted that the humanitarian dimension of this crisis demands more than immediate relief.
Currently, 116 individuals from 27 families remain housed at ILMAN while awaiting the completion of their new homes. To ease their burden, Ewon has allocated funds for site clearing, preparation, and soil filling works for 14 home sites, while also pledging to provide essential household items such as refrigerators, washing machines, gas stoves, tables, and chairs – with deliveries beginning tomorrow.
“I have also allocated RM20,000 for minor maintenance at the ILMAN dormitories, because this facility is not merely a temporary shelter – it is a sanctuary of safety and hope for these families,” he stressed.
In a broader context, Ewon confirmed that 439 heads of households (KIR) relocated to various Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) across Penampang have already received the government’s Bantuan Wang Ihsan (Compassionate Aid), underscoring sustained commitment to disaster recovery.
He further extended his appreciation to Acting President of MPPg, Noemi Deyna Johntren, who also chairs the Penampang District Disaster Management Committee, for her efficient and dedicated disaster response. Gratitude was also conveyed to the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) and cooperative movements from the Federal Territories, who provided food aid, care packages, and even ready meals such as KFC for displaced families.
In every statement, Ewon projected a style of leadership anchored in humanitarian values – demonstrating that politics, at its core, is not solely about power, but a moral responsibility to stand with the people, alleviate their suffering, and restore their lives with dignity.
