PAKAN: Close cooperation between the community and elected representatives will continue to be prioritised as part of efforts to ensure that rural development is more inclusive and competitive.
Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade and Investment as well as Pakan Assemblyman, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, said that a development approach that makes use of local resources can open up new economic opportunities for local communities.
According to him, the success of the homestay programme at Rumah Sibar in Lubuk Lemba, Ulu Sarikei, demonstrates the potential of community-based tourism in generating income for residents.
“This approach shows that the tourism sector can serve as a sustainable economic source if it is properly managed and involves the active participation of the community,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of a Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project at Rumah Kanyan, Nyalak Ladong, here on Saturday.
In this regard, he allocated RM100,000 to implement a road construction project leading to the jetty, which he described as a catalyst for new economic growth, particularly in the community tourism sector.
Meanwhile, he said that the upgrading of the Women’s Bureau hall not only provides facilities for local residents, but also places emphasis on comfort and safety, including improvements to the ventilation system and the provision of a fire hydrant.
At the same time, he encouraged residents to make use of available land for agricultural activities such as oil palm and rubber cultivation in order to steadily increase their income.
“Unity among the community, along with cooperation with elected representatives, is the key to driving rural economic development,” he said. -UKASnews
