TELUPID: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick will give due attention to the pressing need for another Tamu Desa (a local market) and Bank Rakyat ATM services here.
He said this is essential to facilitate the people, particularly traders, in carrying out cash withdrawal transactions at any time without needing to travel to the nearest town.
“The construction of another Tamu Desa is also important for the comfort of the community, especially for entrepreneurs and small traders,” he said when met by the media at the Christmas Open House event organised by the Telupid United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Division at the Kampung Telupid Hall here Saturday.
Ewon, who is also Upko President, said that banking services are urgently needed in the area, as entrepreneurs can keep their sales income and withdraw cash at any time without having to go to the nearest town for financial transactions.
“Therefore, to fulfil the need for banking services, we proposed to Bank Rakyat to open a branch or provide ATM machines or mobile services to facilitate entrepreneurs in saving and withdrawing their income,” he said.
Regarding the Christmas celebrations, Ewon expressed hope that such celebrations could further strengthen the existing unity among the people of Sabah.
“Regardless of differences in race and religion, we unite as Malaysians living in harmony, especially when celebrating festive occasions such as Christmas, Aidilfitri, Kaamatan or Chinese New Year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the organising chairman Felix Joseph Saang said the Christmas celebration brought together representatives from all denominations and other faiths to enliven the event, which was attended by approximately 2,000 people.
The Telupid Upko Division Chief also welcomed all developmental efforts in the district to be realised with the facilities provided by the Government for the benefit of the people through his advocacy to the higher authorities.
“Thank you to the leadership or Government that is always attentive to the needs of the people here. Furthermore, this Christmas and New Year Open House serves as a platform to unite the people, regardless of various beliefs or ideologies,” he said.
The event was also attended by local leaders and was made lively with choir performances by representatives from various church denominations as well as special performances by local artists Leles and friends.
