PENANG Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving the traditional villages in the state.
Jagdeep said thus far the state government has identified more than 600 traditional villages across all the five districts in the state and was looking into ways of enhancing the liveability of these villages.
“Earlier, I had attended the state technical planning committee meeting in which we discussed the matters on preserving our traditional villages.
“We are still finalising things pertaining to this as we are now looking at the characteristics of the villages identified for the preservation work.
“It is important for us to retain our traditional villages in the midst of rapid development. I would like to reaffirm here the state government’s commitment towards it.
“We will be also discussing the matter with the Federal Government,” said Jagdeep after launching the pocket park at Kampung Masjid Sheikh Eusoff on April 19.
Also joining Jagdeep during the launch were Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer and Datok Keramat Village Community Management Council (MPKK) representatives.
According to Jagdeep, the newly-opened pocket park (Kampung Masjid Sheikh Eusoff) was part of Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) transformation project costing RM48,000 and was borne by the council itself.
“This site where the pocket park has been built was formerly a dumpsite which eventually became a breeding ground for pests, such as snakes.
“The transformation project (pocket park) took half a year to be completed and I am glad that it has brought cheer to the children in the neighbourhood. It feels good to see the smiles on their faces.
“This is also in line with the state government’s vision in ensuring a greener, cleaner, safer and a healthier Penang.
“I would like to thank the MBPP, Datok Keramat MPKK and also my service team for their contribution in realising the project,” added Jagdeep.
Meanwhile, Yusof Yaacob, who is the chairman of Masjid Sheikh Eusoff, hoped that more transformation projects would take place at villages to create a quality living environment.
“This pocket park project might be something small to others but it is something significant for the villagers here.
“Now, the children have a place to be used for their leisure activities. Prior to this, they would be only playing within the compound of the neighbourhood.
“I hope that more rejuvenation projects such as this would be done at the villages in Penang. On behalf of the villagers here, I would like to convey our heartiest thanks to YB Jagdeep,” said Yusof.
After the launching ceremony, Jagdeep, who is also the Datok Keramat assemblyman, contributed grocery items to a total of 700 recipients in conjunction with the fasting month.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix Alissala Thian