Pulau Salak folk assured of govt support

SANTUBONG: The state government is committed to implementing development programmes and projects in Kampung Pulau Salak in order enhance the social-economic status of the residents there.

Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said even though the village is located on an island and houses only about 100 families, the government would continue to see to it that their welfare is well looked after.

“This is our commitment to the islanders so that they too will be able to benefit from the many government development programmes. As such, I urge the villagers to continue to give their full support to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government so that all physical aspects of development can be implemented as smoothly as possible on the island,” he said in his address during the ‘Pulau Salak Berselawat III’ programme, held in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration there yesterday.

Penghulu Wahit Mat was also present.

Dr Abdul Rahman, who is Pantai Damai assemblyman, added that Kampung Pulau Salak has many economic and tourism potential that the villagers could capitalise upon.

“Among the uniqueness of this village are its beautiful natural surroundings — an attraction to nature lovers.

“I suggest that the villagers take part in the tourismrelated activities that have been introduced by the government.

“They could, for example, organise regular tours around the island using ‘tambang’ (chartered boats) to attract even more tourists to the island,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rahman believed that the unique ‘Pulau Salak Berselawat III’ programme would also attract more tourists to the island.

Earlier, the villagers on board about 20 ‘tambang’ toured the island as part of activities in the Maulidur Rasul celebration.