By Mohd Khairy Abdullah
KOTA KINABALU (Sabah), 20 Feb 2026 — The donation of canopies to 30 traders at the Sabah Trade Centre (STC) in Likas, delivered by Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, is giving a major boost to local vendors, enabling them to operate efficiently, comfortably, and profitably throughout the Bazaar Ramadan, which began Wednesday, 19 Feb.
Datuk Ewon emphasized that the state government remains steadfast in strengthening small and micro-enterprises, recognizing them as a vital component of Sabah’s economic chain, rather than just a complement to large-scale industrial investment.
“STC’s Bazaar Ramadan provides a real platform for citizens to earn a livelihood. It strengthens the small business ecosystem and ensures economic opportunities reach the grassroots level,” he said after officiating the bazaar site and personally presenting the canopies to members of the Persatuan Usahawan Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil Kota Kinabalu (PUPPKKK).
On the future of STC, he noted that several redevelopment proposals have been received and are being carefully reviewed before being submitted to the Sabah State Cabinet for final approval.
In the interim, the Jabatan Pembangunan Perindustrian dan Penyelidikan (DIDR), as the landowner, has signed an agreement with POIC Sabah, a ministry agency, to manage and maintain STC and its surrounding areas until a permanent development plan is finalized.
PUPPKKK has also been granted permission to run the bazaar and evening trading activities in designated parking zones without affecting daytime parking for civil servants and nearby visitors — a balanced approach that safeguards both local commerce and urban functionality.
Datuk Ewon further stressed the urgent need to upgrade basic facilities in the area, including road repairs, pedestrian walkways, and parking maintenance, to ensure safety, comfort, and a vibrant experience for traders and visitors alike.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, POIC Group Chief Executive Datuk Fredian Gan, DIDR Director Siti Nur’ain Abdullah, and PUPPKKK Chairman Ramzih Ruzin.
