TANJUNG MANIS: The opening of the Batang Rajang Bridge on March 27 triggered an unexpected increase in the number of vehicles, causing congestion in Sarikei Town and the Batang Paloh Ferry area.
According to Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, this phenomenon proved the success of infrastructure development that had been planned for a long time and is now having a direct impact on mobility and the local economy.
“The number of vehicles is increasing, especially during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration atmosphere which is so lively this year.
“This is the blessing of development that the people can see and feel for themselves,” he said during his speech at the Kuala Rajang Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri at the Tanjung Manis IKS Hall on Friday (April 4).
He also stressed that the opening of this bridge is part of the long-term planning that began since the opening of Tanjung Manis in 1990, although it was affected by the global economic crisis in the late 90s.
“Although at that time the population was still small, we continued planning because we are confident in the great potential of the Rajang Valley area as a whole,” he explained.
With various development projects that are being implemented and will be implemented, he is optimistic that Tanjung Manis will emerge as the heart of the development of the Central Region.
Among the projects that will be implemented include the expansion of the Tanjung Manis Airport, the construction of hotels and golf courses under the management of PUSAKA as a complement to the tourism sector in addition to major industries such as timber and shipping.-UKASnews
Meanwhile, yesterday (Apr 5) during the Aidilfitri celebration at the Belawai Village Community Hall, Len urged Belawai Youth to prepare to seize job opportunities that will be created through several new development projects planned in the area.
He said the implementation of projects such as the Belawai Waterfront, the construction of hotels and various other development initiatives will open up greater participation for local residents in achieving local economic growth.
“So far, the economy in Belawai has only focused on marine products and agriculture. However, with this structured development, we want the community to be directly involved, not just be observers,” he added.
He added that the planned projects require careful planning and a certain period of time before they can be realised, but the results are expected to bring significant changes to the socio-economic landscape of Belawai.
