PENAMPANG — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, Ewon Benedick, has praised the contributions of the WRS Four Wheel Drive Club for its active role in disaster relief missions across the state.

Ewon, who also serves as the club’s honorary patron, described WRS as one of the more active community-based organisations, particularly in delivering aid to disaster-affected areas.

“As the honorary patron and a member of this club, I am proud of its strong involvement in community service, especially in delivering assistance to disaster victims,” he said.

In recognition of its continued efforts, Ewon announced a contribution of RM20,000 from his ministerial special allocation to support the club’s ongoing activities.

He made the remarks while officiating the club’s 11th Annual General Meeting and dinner held in Penampang on Sunday.

Ewon also congratulated Thomson Teo on his re-election as president, along with the newly appointed committee members.

Highlighting the entrepreneurial background of many WRS members, Ewon noted that the Sabah state government is opening up new opportunities through the development of industrial parks in Kota Belud, Kudat, and Kimanis, as well as the expansion of industrial areas in Lahad Datu.

He added that the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah is implementing several initiatives, including interim measures to address congestion at Sepanggar Container Port and the rollout of SME-UP entrepreneur grants this year.

Ewon expressed hope that the club would continue to grow and remain a strategic partner to the government in delivering community programmes and humanitarian assistance.