BUKIT Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik has suggested that Pulau Aman be made a new tourist destination in view of ‘Experience Penang 2020’ at the Hari Raya open house jointly hosted by his office and the office of Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto at the Batu Musang jetty in Batu Kawan today.
Goh took the opportunity to say this in his speech in the presence of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Penang Development Corporation general manager Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar, Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry Penang office director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang.
“One of the reasons to host the Raya open house here (Batu Musang jetty) is to promote Pulau Aman and Batu Kawan,” said Goh, adding that there was tourism potential if Pulau Aman and the jetty have better infrastructure.
It takes about five minutes by boat from the jetty to reach Pulau Aman.
Also present were Nibong Tebal MP Datuk Dr Mansor Othman, assemblymen Gooi Hsiao Leung (Bukit Tengah), Mustafa Kamal Ahmad (Teluk Ayer Tawar) and Yeo Keng Chuan (Kulim).
Chow, who said he has once visited Pulau Aman in 1981 as a Universiti Sains Malaysia student doing community work, had the opportunity to taste the island’s ‘Buah Sukun’ (breadfruit) at one of the stalls at the Raya open house.
“I remember the fruit looked like a durian from afar but when seen from near distance, it has no thorns. It can be cooked, fried or used to make curry,” Chow recalled in his speech.
On the Raya open house itself, he said it was a unique celebration that fostered the spirit of unity among all citizens irrespective of race and religion.
“We put aside our differences and focus on our similarities. This will strengthen our society and prepare us to face any challenges. When we stay strong and united, the new Federal Government will grow in strength and make further progress.”
Chow thanked the Batu Kawan residents for their support in giving Pakatan Harapan to administer Penang for the third straight term.
He also commended the various parties such as the Village Community Management Councils (MPKKs), state and Federal agencies, MPSP, police and Fire and Rescue Department for making the event a success.
Kasthuriraani, on her part, also thanked all the parties involved, including the police personnel and firemen for their sacrifices during the Raya celebration.
She said she also welcomed those who have ideas on how to promote their kampung in view of Visit Malaysia Year 2020 and Experience Penang 2020.
Young and old visitors enjoyed a moderate spread of Raya delicacies and those below 12 years old received ‘duit raya’ to add to their merriment.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Law Suun Ting
