KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rural Development Ministry welcomes input from every ethnic-based association in the state to assist in developing infrastructure in their respective areas.
Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick acknowledged that many associations in the state have their own businesses that require infrastructure facilities such as roads, electricity and water.
“There are many ethnic-based associations in Sabah, they are more aware of the needs in the villages where the members of the community themselves live,” he told reporters after officiating the Chinese New Year celebration and dinner of Tombonuo’s entrepreneurs and contractors yesterday night.
Ewon said the government will always provide support in terms of infrastructure facilities but the business operations should be carried out by the community itself.
He also advised business people and entrepreneurs not to be too dependent on government assistance.
Meanwhile, Tombonuo People’s Association president Dr Akian Ah Kiew said the association that has existed for the last 20 years was determined to boost the economy of its people.
According to him, the association has almost 90,000 members in 13 districts in the state including in Pitas.
“In an effort to boost the economy of the Tombonuo community, the association is involved in several business activities including construction and tourism,” he said. – Bernama
