The councillors comprising the district Chiefs namely: OKK Laiman Diki bin Siram, Majimbun Majangkim, Tan Pin Hing, Ewan Empok and Ahsai Ghani; Chinese Kapitan: Foo Ah Kau (Penampang), Wong Nam Fatt (Telipok), Chin Nyuk (Menggatal), Chin Tsun Yin (Inanam) and Ng Swee Hock (Putatan); Property Owners: Mr. W. C. Collard (Lok Kawi Estate) and Julius Makajil (Penampang).

Malays (mostly of Bruneian descent) and Bajaus are Muslims (they domiciled in the sub-district of Putatan and its surrounding town of Petagas).

[4] The mission work was undoubtedly an important catalyst not only in religion dissemination among the native population of Penampang but also in providing education.

The population is divided among the larger communities and the total area of the district as follows: Historically, the main economic activity in Penampang has been the cultivation of wet rice and other agricultural-based economies.

In recent years, due to rapid economic boom and its close proximity to Kota Kinabalu, Penampang observes a rapid growth in the secondary and tertiary sectors of economy resulting in a major decline in the traditional agricultural activities.

Lands traditionally used for cultivation of wet rice are increasingly sold for commercial and industrial purposes despite prohibition by the local authorities.

Penampang is generally considered as a stronghold of the Kadazan-Dusun community and serves as a main centre for their political and cultural development.

The building has a unique basket-shaped architecture with decorative cultural motif panels of the indigenous people of Sabah.