23/09/2025

TUESDAY | SEPT 23, 2025

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Pulau Betong set to become model village

Over RM70m invested in mangrove conservation TUMPAT: The government has allocated over RM71 million since 2006 for the planting and maintenance of mangrove trees and other suitable species nationwide, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari said the allocation covers research and development, monitoring and public awareness programmes. “Up to this month, 3,820ha of coastal and mangrove forest areas have been planted with over nine million mangrove trees and other suitable species along the country’s coastline. “This achievement is supported by more than 120 research studies that serve as key references, along with the active involvement of 13 NGOs and local communities,” he said in a speech read by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim at the National Celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem and the National Social Forestry Carnival 2025 on Sunday. Johari said the initiative not only strengthens efforts to preserve mangrove forests and coastal areas but also creates economic opportunities for local communities. He highlighted notable successes of the programme, including the mangrove planting initiative at Delta Kelantan, Pantai Senok, which has developed into an eco-tourism destination, and the charcoal industry in Larut, Matang and Selama, Perak, which continues to contribute to the national economy. “In addition, research and learning centres in Kuala Selangor, as well as new economic opportunities in Pulau Ketam, Perlis and three areas in Sarawak, have been gazetted as fully protected zones, generating over RM3 million annually. “In Sabah, the areas planted since 2006 have become a vital source of seafood for local communities.” Johari emphasised that the government will continue its sustainable mangrove and coastal forest conservation efforts. – Bernama Sabah tops with over 2,300 places of worship, says chief minister TUARAN: Sabah has the highest number of mosques in the country with 1,127, alongside 1,222 surau statewide, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He stressed the figure was not a boast, but a reflection of the state government’s commitment, together with the Muslim community, to strengthen Islamic teachings and position houses of worship as hubs for the development of the ummah (Muslim community at large). “What matters most is ensuring these places of worship are enriched with activities in knowledge, dakwah (preaching), education and unity, so they are recognised not just by name but by their achievements,” he said in a statement after opening the Abu Hassan Ar-Raudhah Surau. The new surau adds to Tuaran district’s tally of 69 Islamic places of worship, comprising 38 surau and 31 mosques, in line with the population growth and rapid development of the district neighbouring Kota Kinabalu. “The government is confident this number will continue to grow in step with Tuaran’s rapid progress.” Hajiji also thanked the Bugis community for playing a central role in building the new surau through cooperation, gotong-royong and community donations. He added mosques and surau also help to strengthen brotherhood, unite communities, spread knowledge and foster social and economic development. – Bernama

BALIK PULAU: Pulau Betong is getting more than just a facelift – it is being turned into a model village under the government’s Kampung Angkat Madani initiative, with 23 projects set to revamp facilities, brighten up community spaces and give its eco-tourism appeal a serious boost. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the programme aims to close the gap between urban and rural communities by upgrading basic amenities in villages. “We focus on what can be improved so that people in villages have the essential infrastructure they need,” he told a press conference at the Pulau Betong fishermen’s jetty. Unlike conventional development projects managed centrally, Kampung Angkat Madani puts villagers at the heart of planning. “What’s important is that we do it with the cooperation of the local community. We listen to what they feel is most urgent and we prioritise those projects first.” He explained that this bottom-up approach involves not just federal ministries but also state agencies, local authorities and villagers themselves, ensuring projects are more responsive to local needs. Pulau Betong, home to 1,200 residents (90% Malay and 10% Chinese), relies on fishing, farming and small industries. Government assessments found its facilities in need of urgent attention, while its eco tourism potential remains largely untapped. “Pulau Betong has many attractions that can draw visitors. “Beyond infrastructure, we want to create o Revamp under Kampung Angkat with 23 projects to upgrade facilities, boost eco-tourism and create more income opportunities for locals: Minister Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Amir Hamzah (centre) said Pulau Betong, which is home to 1,200 residents who rely on fishing, farming and small industries, has many attractions, but its eco-tourism potential remains largely untapped. – TC KHOR/THESUN

community clean-up activities. Besides Pulau Betong, Kampung Bukit Indera Muda, Kampung Guar Perahu and Kampung Terus in Permatang Pauh have also been chosen as Kampung Angkat Madani this year. The finance ministry is coordinating the Pulau Betong project with the Southwest District and Land Office in Balik Pulau and the Prime Minister’s Department’s Implementation Coordination Unit. Nationwide, the initiative covers 200 villages under Budget 2025, with a total allocation of RM200 million. Amir stressed the initiative is not just about upgrading facilities but also about shaping future opportunities. “The spillover we want is not only better infrastructure but also chances for people here to do business and improve their livelihoods.” Also present were Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhamad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Pulau Betong assemblyman Datuk Mat Tuah Ismail and officials from the finance ministry.

opportunities that can stimulate local business.” The village already has 24 homestays and draws visitors with its beaches, mangrove swamps, fishing spots, durian orchards and oyster and prawn farms. Amir said growth in tourism can spill over into more income opportunities for locals. By end-2025, 23 projects will be completed in Pulau Betong, including upgrades to Surau Al-Hidayah, Masjid Ar-Raudhah, the village hall and library, as well as improvements to roads, parking areas and the jetty. Several community spaces are also being upgraded, such as the Dataran Kuala Pulau Betong recreational area, jetty toilets, the riverside at Kuala Sungai Betong and the village cemetery, which will soon feature floodlights and beautification works. A new hawker centre and tourism-themed sculptures are also planned to make the village more welcoming to visitors. Beyond physical works, the programme will support residents through tuition classes for students, skills workshops and

‘Stronger foresight needed in land management’ PUTRAJAYA: Land administrators and officers at all levels must handle their responsibilities with greater care and strategic foresight, as land issues in Malaysia are becoming increasingly complex, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Acting Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. now escalated into serious flashpoints. “Take the redevelopment of PKNS flats in Kampung Baru, for example. Previously, there were no major disputes over land status. But now, the Kampung Sungai Baru issue has become a major point of contention,” he said when officiating at the 9th National Land Day celebration yesterday. developers, it creates confusion, especially when there’s no clear distinction between Malay reserve land, ordinary land, freehold and leasehold status. This is something we must rectify. The government must lead the narrative, not developers or politicians,” he said.

Johari also underlined the need to strengthen federal-state collaboration in land governance to avoid overlapping policies and costly project delays. “In the past, we didn’t face such issues. But now, after 68 years of independence, the structure and governance at state level have evolved. Many state-managed policies may no longer align with the federal government’s direction. “This is something we must take seriously. Even if certain problems haven’t surfaced yet, they may become future challenges. As we move forward, we must remain vigilant.” – Bernama

Johari, who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister, stressed that Malaysia’s land management now demands a forward looking approach that hinges on closer federal-state cooperation to ensure land, as a national asset, is managed strategically, efficiently and inclusively. “In the past, we may have taken land matters lightly. But today the country is moving forward. We need to be more focused and proactive in dealing with challenges we have never faced before.” Citing the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment dispute, Johari noted that land matters once considered straightforward have

Johari said the lack of consensus in Kampung Sungai Baru has stalled developers, while political sentiments have fuelled tensions, requiring the involvement of enforcement agencies such as the police and Federal Reserve Unit during recent disputes. As such, he urged all stakeholders, including developers, politicians and government departments, to strictly adhere to official definitions and policies on land, warning that the development narrative must be led by government. “When opinions are split and political actors enter the fray, along with opportunistic