Monday, June 27, 2016

Penampang: Changing Landscape

The landscape around Penampang has changed. The changes will accelerate once the Pan-Borneo Highway is completed. The change can also come about due to a change in life styles of the people here.

Penampang has lost its rice fields. Rice farms extended from Penampang itself to as far away as Tombovo and Tua'ui (Terawi), Putatan. The small pocket of rice fields at Kodundungan in the vicinity of Donggongon Town may disappear sooner or later. The vast ride farms were once the pride of Penampang. Now, it is not very clear what product Penampang can produce that can benefit the people here, particularly Kadazans.

Most of the former rice fields are lying idle. Land situated along the highway had been purchased by the rich either for residential or commercial purpose.

Another new feature around Penampang are the ugly hills. In the past, these hills enhanced the beauty of the countryside. There are a lot of hill cutting here for years where the subsoil is sold to building contractors. The construction of the dual-carriageway is making the state of things worse. These contractors do not care one little bit about preserving the beauty of Penampang. After all, they are mainly concerned about making a lot of money. 

Penampang that cannot be recognised
If a foreigner who had visited Penampang some fifty years ago happens to come here today, he will not recognise this place. He may think that he has come to another place unless he sees the signage. What are the physical features that can connect the present to the past? Could these be preserved?

Even a local who had not visited Penampang for a long time may be bewildered at the pace of development at Penampang. He will not be able to find the shops that he frequented. He may be amazed while wondering what all these developments will do to Penampang and its people.

Donggongon
Donggongon is undergoing rapid change. It has expanded which is a good thing. But Donggongon has become unsightly. There are canopies and stalls almost everywhere without anyone, including the authority, giving a thought to aesthetic consideration.

Even the area where the statue of the Late Peter Mojuntin had been relocated is being encroached upon by hawkers. Is monetary consideration the rule of the day? If the "Mojuntin Square" is improved, it can be a tourist attraction, helping to spin money for Donggongon businesses.

Penampang Products
At this point in time, the only  product that the natives of Penampang can boast about are agricultural produce particularly the famed Babagon pineapples and vegetables from Togudon at Gunung Mas and Moyog, an area located at the foothills where the road to Tambunan starts to steepen. Vegetables are also grown at Kg. Potuki and Kg. Maang but these are not by locals. (Note: Potuki has ceased to be within the Penampang District.)

What else? I cannot think of any. I am lost!


Check this out - Penampang in the Future


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