Pulau Bum Bum not a nest for illegals — Ramlee
SEMPORNA: Pulau Bum Bum is not a nest for illegal immigrants or smuggling activities.
Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Ramlee Marahaban said the island was occupied by about 30,000 villagers, 90 per cent of them being Bumiputera.
Ramlee said no illegal routes or locally known as “Lubang Tikus” used by illegal immigrants were found in the area although it was located close to the border.
“Most of the illegal immigrants are at areas that can give them an opportunity to generate income.
“Pulau Bum Bum is never their choice as the people here conduct their own activities to generate income,” he said.
Ramlee, who is also the Bugaya assemblyman, said efforts were currently implemented to develop Pulau Bum Bum and the people.
He said among the efforts to support the development of this area would be a mini Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) to be built to provide facilities for people and to attract investors.
“The setting up of a mini RTC will also provide opportunities for the villagers to expand their businesses and upgrade some infrastructures.
“This mini RTC will also complement the development of Pulau Bum Bum, which has the potential to become known for its beautiful beach and handicraft,” he said.
Earlier, while officiating at the tuberculosis screening program at Kampung Egang Egang Melanu yesterday, he told the people to always pay attention on their health.
He also encouraged the people to get involved in activities implemented by the district health office to get more information about their health.
Also present were District Officer Dr Chacho Bullah and district health officer Dr Shameer Khan Sulaiman.