A BADMINTON court here in Bandar Cassia has been equipped with new features to provide a more conducive playing environment for its users.
Having been mismanaged for some time in the past, the Bandar Cassia Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall, which was made into a badminton court recently, is now being managed by its members.
Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the MPKK here had last year requested an allocation to carry out necessary activities to revamp the hall and turn it into a badminton court.
“Upon the request, we approved RM40,000, which was used to upgrade the facilities here, mainly to instal badminton mats and others.
“I also understand that former Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik had also contributed RM20,000 from his allocation previously to assist the MPKK members to instal lights inside the hall.
“The community is big here in Bandar Cassia, and it will continue to grow considering the rapid residential development here.
“This is part of the state government’s vision of promoting healthy living among the local communities in the state,” Chow said in his speech before launching the badminton court in Bandar Cassia today.
On another matter, just behind the hall, an urban farm has been set up under the ‘Farmers to Farmers’ programme, courtesy of the state Department of Agriculture.
It is led by caretaker Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin.
According to the Department of Agriculture deputy director Nurliana Samsudin, a total of RM30,000 was allocated by Norlela’s office to implement this project.
“The allocation was given by YB Norlela’s office to us to materialise this initiative.
“Now, we have appointed the Bandar Cassia MPKK to manage this project,” Nurliana said when asked to comment on this initiative earlier.
Also present earlier was the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Later, Chow and his entourage visited the Bukit Tambun Jetty where he announced that a boat worth RM79,500 has been purchased to promote eco-tourism there.
He said the boat, which was handed over to the Kampung Bagan Bukit Tambun Village Community Management Council (MPKK), can accommodate up to 12 passengers at any one time.
“The addition of this boat can help to promote island hopping, fishing and attracting tourists to visit the famous fish cages here.
“The Kampung Bagan Bukit Tambun MPKK had previously requested from us an allocation to purchase the boat.
“Hence, their request has now been fulfilled,” said Chow, who is also Batu Kawan MP.
Bukit Tambun former assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said the addition of the boat caters to the needs of tourism.
Bukit Tambun MPKK chairman Chew Kean Nam said the tourists can also view the sunset in the area.
Among those present were Goh and Kampung Bagan Bukit Tambun MPKK chairman Esther Oh.
Story by Kevin Vimal and Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud