BATU KAWAN: The Public Service Department has adopted Pulau Aman under the Madani village adoption programme, allocating RM2.5mil to develop it into a tourist attraction and improve the living standards of its residents.

"The Public Service Department has identified several key areas for upgrading, including jetties, drains, and playgrounds, refurbishing multipurpose halls, and constructing a nature trail around the island," said chief secretary to the Government, Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

"We will also implement and complete beautification measures this year, emphasising facilitating the villagers’ daily lives," he said after the adoption ceremony on Pulau Aman on Sunday night (May 5).

He said that the department also aims to make Pulau Aman an Art and Heritage Tourism Island and a tourism hub.

"The houses will be painted in vibrant colours like a renowned village in Spain to attract tourists, and sculptures will be installed at various spots. Beautification and infrastructure enhancements will be ongoing," he elaborated.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the department is also identifying potential aquafarming and aquaculture projects. These programmes include human capital development programmes, e-digital training, and English and Mandarin courses.

He stated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had introduced the Madani Village Adoption programme in Budget 2024.

During the adoption ceremony, the Public Service Department expressed gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for his generous donation of 47 sacks of rice to the families on the island.

Pulau Aman is a traditional fishing village on a 116.5-hectare island, located approximately 16 nautical miles from Seberang Perai and 8km from the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge. It has a population of 250 people comprised of 47 families and is accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride from the Batu Musang Jetty in Batu Kawan.

Among its attractions are the revered breadfruit tree recognised as the oldest in Malaysia, the 234-year-old Telaga Mas, the Ar-Rahman Mosque built in 1817, and an eco-tourism trail encircling the island. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/06/public-service-department-adopts-pulau-aman-as-madani-village-with-rm25mil-allocation