KOTA BELUD: The On-Site Training and Community Service Program (PLTKK), organized by the Contractor Service Centre (PKK), has successfully benefited the residents of Kampung Terintidon with the refurbishment of their community hall (Balai Raya).
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the initiative reflects the government’s approach to empowering Bumiputera contractors while also delivering added value to local communities.
“Through PLTKK, Bumiputera contractors have the opportunity to undergo hands-on technical training, enhance their skills, and earn Continuing Contractor Development (CCD) points from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
“At the same time, community facilities are upgraded for public use,” he said during the Meet-and-Greet Ceremony with Kampung Terintidon residents and Bumiputera contractors from the Kota Belud district today.
Ewon shared that the Balai Raya in Kampung Terintidon was not only refurbished, but also equipped with solar lighting. Its walls, windows, and other facilities were repainted to enhance comfort for the villagers — all funded under a RM50,000 allocation.
He expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in the project and hoped the upgraded facility would be fully utilized and well-maintained by the community.
As of July 31, a total of 2,622 Bumiputera contractor companies in Sabah have registered with PKK and received Bumiputera Status Certificates, including 1,123 Grade G1 contractors.
Ewon emphasized that PKK’s continued efforts to empower Bumiputera contractors and strengthen collaboration with communities reflect the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life, particularly in rural areas.
During the program, the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) also held a Madani Cooperative and Entrepreneur Sales (JMKU) event, offering 50% discounts on essential goods such as rice, flour, and cooking oil.
Of this, 30% was subsidized by SKM, while the remaining 20% was funded by the Kadamaian State Assemblyman’s Office.
“JMKU not only helps ease the cost of living through affordable prices, but also expands the market for local entrepreneurs and cooperatives,” he said.
As the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Kadamaian, Ewon also announced a Sentuhan Kasih allocation of RM26,000 to support various needs in the village.
This includes the construction of a toilet hut, tagal hut (for fish conservation), entrance gate for the community hall, church kitchen, and a concrete footbridge.