Stepping up connectivity

Putrajaya is hosting its 10th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

THOUGH much of Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad’s time is taken up by issues in Kuala Lumpur, his ministry also ensures that Putrajaya and Labuan receive equal care.

For Putrajaya, Khalid said the ministry was looking at several possible areas to upgrade the administrative centre.

“We want to make sure that most of the ceremonial activities such as National Day and other celebrations are held here.

“At the same time, we want to study the possibility of increasing its tourism appeal and there are talks about developing the tourism sector in Putrajaya.

“Currently, most tourists come here for a day trip but we want to introduce more activities here so they can stay longer,” he said.

“We are also studying the question of having an LRT or monorail system for Putrajaya. A monorail system was proposed in 2003 during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s time as the fourth prime minister, but the project was shelved in 2004 due to budget constraints,” he explained.

Connectivity is also on the cards for Labuan. Khalid said the ministry aimed to have high-speed ferries operating from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan.

“We are negotiating with various parties to purchase catamarans that can do the trip within two hours,” he said.

“We are also looking at adding marine and aquaculture activities for the locals there,” he disclosed.

Previously, the ministry had assisted 10 families in Kampung Air to obtain licences for catching anchovies.

“They did not have licences previously and faced enforcement from Marine Department.

“Now we have helped them get licences and they are getting quite a good return. Their income has consequently increased to a few thousand ringgit a month,” said Khalid.

There are also plans to revive the halal hub in Labuan. The RM86mil Halal Hub Complex is built on 7.2ha land in Kiansam and consists of an office building, warehouse complex and a processing plant.

However, none of the halal product manufacturers are currently operating from there. Khalid hopes to change this.

“The ministry is getting a few foreign companies who are interested in having their products penetrate the Muslim market and the Middle Eastern countries, to set up operations at the Kiansam halal hub.

“They know if they get halal certification in Malaysia, their products will be easily accepted by the people from the Middle East,” he said.