PADAWAN: The Bengoh tourism development plan is being strengthened through improved facilities and an enhanced visitor registration system to make the area a more organised and safer nature destination.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the plan includes repurposing the old hall as a Tourist Registration Centre equipped with internet access and parking facilities, as well as collaborating with international tourism experts from New Zealand to raise safety standards and provide training for tour guides.
“These efforts will make Bengoh more organised and safer for visitors,” he said during the Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Bengoh Rais, held at the Kampung Bengoh Rais Multipurpose Hall recently.
He also expressed his commitment to upgrading access to natural attractions such as hot springs, waterfalls, caves and mountains in Bengoh, Semadang, Tajur Rembung, Assum and surrounding areas.
Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman, emphasised the concept of “natural capital,” referring to sustainable tourism development based on natural resources to create income opportunities for locals through guiding services, village products and local economic activities.
On the agricultural front, he highlighted plans to build a hill paddy factory for the Padawan area, a RM9 million agricultural road project currently under tender, and the introduction of modern agricultural techniques such as hill terracing in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
He stressed that the smooth implementation of planned projects requires the consent and cooperation of villagers, particularly landowners.
Dr Jerip called on the community to remain united and support development efforts heading towards 2026, which has been declared the “year of assessment” by the Premier.
He expressed his appreciation for the residents’ support thus far and hoped that the cooperation will continue to be strengthened for the progress of Kampung Bengoh and the entire Mambong constituency.
