By Noor Adzman Baharuddin
LANGKAWI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has approved a RM7 million jetty for some 160 fishermen in Kampung Sungai Cenang here.
He said the jetty, which also includes a 1km-long inlet, would boost the livelihood of the residents in the fishing hamlet which was badly affected by the tsunami six years ago.
"I have come here to listen to you directly and I share your concerns.
"You may be a small community but you have a big heart and are very successful in your endeavours.
"I hope you will be happy that I have approved your application for a new jetty," he told some 100 fishermen who had congregated at a coffee shop, run by the villagers, yesterday upon learning that Najib was making a surprise visit to their village.
Najib, who was on holiday with his family here, had decided to visit the village as part of his "walkabout" programme, an activity which he started since taking the helm of the government in March last year.
Today's walkabout, as with those in the past, was well-received by the fishermen who gave him a standing ovation and a thunderous applause when he made the announcement.
"I thank you for coming here and I am very humbled by your warm reception and kind hospitality.
"I love the ubi kayu rebus (boiled tapioca) eating it with grated coconut and sugar and teh O kosong (tea without sugar) is very good.
"Thank you and from my observation from the various walkabouts, I am very happy that the people are strongly supporting the various socio-economic programmes that the Barisan Nasional government is carrying out," he said.
Meanwhile, chairman of the village's marine product management committee, Asri Shaaban, said the residents were very happy that Najib decided to visit them.
"We have read about his walkabouts and were well aware that many people have benefited from his visits.
"This is truly a big day for us. We lost all our boats and fishing gear to the tsunami in 2004 and the government quickly came to our aid.
"Now, the government has again come to our aid with a new jetty and waterway since the present river is getting too crowded and polluted.
"Thank you Datuk Seri Najib for coming to see and hear us out," he said.
Although fishing is their main source of livelihood, the fishermen also run the small coffee shop where Najib was treated to the kampung-style tea reception.
The fishing community here also sells fishing gear and runs a small boat and engine repair workshop.
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment