Jebasingam (second from right) briefing Sultan Ibrahim (in pink) about the new information centre that will be built in Pulau Besar.
MERSING: Visitors and holidaymakers will soon be able to enjoy the convenience of a new one-stop information and service centre with a variety of public amenities that will be built in Pulau Besar here.
The Pusat Informasi dan Perkhidmatan Taman Laut Sultan Iskandar would also function as a Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) for Mersing’s group of islands, offering public services and facilities such as exhibition centre, surau, clinic, police station and a cafeteria.
Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar launched the project’s implementation plan during his two-day Kembara Mahkota Johor to the Mersing islands on Sunday.
East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John said that the construction of the centre is expected to start in March next year.
“The project is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2018 and was part of ECERDC and the state government’s strategic implementation plan to transform Mersing into a premier tourist destination,” he said.
He said once completed, locals and tourists will be able to access the services offered by government agencies at the RTC, including the Mersing District Council and Southern Region Marine Department.
Jebasingam added that ECERDC is also working with the relevant government agencies through the Johor Economic Planning Unit (Upen) to build and improve basic infrastructure in Mersing and its islands.
“In line with sustainable tourism development, upgrades and construction projects have been completed in Pulau Sibu, Pulau Aur and Pulau Tinggi while construction of a new jetty for Pulau Pemanggil will begin in March next year.
“We are also looking at improving water supply at Pulau Besar, Pulau Aur and Pulau Sibu,” he said, adding that several ongoing upgrading projects were also being carried out in the Mersing mainland.
Some RM29mil was spent by ECERDC to upgrade infrastructure and facilities on Mersing’s group of islands to support tourism development programmes and meet the needs of local communities.
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