THE Negri Sembilan government has allocated RM300,000 to repair and upgrade basic infrastructure in two villages near Chuah in Port Dickson for the benefit of its residents.
During a day-long visit to villages in the area, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the funds were allocated to repair jetties and build storage space for fishing equipment at Kampung Bakar Arang and Sungai Bawah here.
“After surveying the area and chatting with the residents who are mainly fishermen, I felt that improving the infrastructure was the top priority.
“Repairing the jetties and upgrading facilities would enable these folks to go about their daily work without encountering any problem,” he said.
Mohamad said more than 400 people used the jetty in Sungai Bawah daily as the village is a short ferry ride away to Sungai Pelek in Selangor, where some of the residents work.
Checking it out: Mohamad (right) visiting the damaged jetty at Sungai Bawah in Chuah recently. “People here use the jetty from early morning until late night and it is important that it is in good condition and able to accommodate that amount of traffic,” Mohamad said.
He said Sungai Bawah also had the potential to become an eco-tourism site with its mangroves which are a sanctuary for wildlife.
“You can take a boat ride out on the river to see the mangroves, which is a sanctuary for birds and aquatic life,” he said.
Chuah Barisan Nasional service centre co-ordinator Yit Lee Kok expressed his gratitude to Mohamad for resolving the issues faced by residents of the villages.
“The residents had approached me for help to repair the jetties as they depend on it for their livelihood.
“I am glad that the Mentri Besar immediately agreed to visit the villages and see for himself what needs to be done,” he said.
He said the state goverment had also recently upgraded stretches of road in Sungai Bawah which was prone to flooding during high tide.
“The state has allocated the funds to improve infrastructure and facilities here for the convenience of the residents.
“The jetty is quite worn out, so it will be good that it gets a facelift,” he said.
Lee Siew Mei from Sungai Bawah said she was pleased that the jetty in her village was finally going to be repaired.
“You have to tread carefully on it as it is quite rickety and some sections look like it might collapse anytime.
“So many people use the jetty daily and I am so happy that it is going to be improved,” she said.
Fisherman Ahmad Johari said he was taken aback when the Mentri Besar announced the allocation during his visit.
“I didn’t expect it and when I heard that they were going to build facilities like storage space for our equipment and a proper place for us to sell our catch, I was overjoyed.
“I also think it’s a good idea to turn the area into an eco-tourism site. That way, we will be able to preserve our natural environment for future generations,” he said.
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