SEBERANG Perai boasts tremendous potential for eco-tourism across its districts, offering diverse natural landscapes and attractions from north to south.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow made this observation during his visit to the Juru Auto City eco-park site today, as part of his ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ in the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency.
He was accompanied by Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.
“Today, I had the opportunity to visit several places in each constituency of the Batu Kawan parliamentary area.
“Now, we are here at the Juru Auto City eco-park to further understand about the site, an initiative spearheaded by Juru Auto City.
“The Juru Auto City has always been a strategic partner for the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) as well as the state government in advancing green initiatives and sustainable development,” Chow said.
Chow said Juru Auto City has embraced good practices concerning the utilisation of natural resources, recycling practices, and has organised various awareness campaigns on environmental issues.
“The Sungai Juru eco-tourism project was approved by the state government five years ago.
“Maybe it took time to complete this project because it needed to develop a concept that aligns with the theme of eco-tourism.
“I am happy that the partnership between the private sector and government has become fruitful, creating a new eco-tourism site now,” Chow said.
Chow, who is also the Batu Kawan MP, said the involvement of the private sector is crucial in enhancing the state government’s development, with the Juru Auto City eco-park site serving as a testament.
“I believe many developers are interested in using the tagline ‘eco-tourism’ in Seberang Perai from north to south.
“Among the eco-tourism sites located in Seberang Perai are Kampung Agong, mangroves forest in Penaga, and several locations along the Sungai Muda can be developed as eco-tourism sites.
“Other than that, the Air Itam Dalam forest, fruit farm in Bukit Mertajam and fishing village in Bukit Tambun can be seen as the eco-tourism initiatives, including the eco-park at the Juru Auto City,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, Juru Auto City founder Garry Teoh said a study on ecological species will be conducted for the next nine months and a mechanism to protect the species will be then constructed.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi