Mohd Jafni (middle, in light blue) with Hazlina (on Mohd Jafni’s right) taking a group photo after the launch of the Sedili RKK at Pantai Teluk Mahkota in Kota Tinggi.
THE Johor government has introduced three Special Area Draft Plans (RKK) for rural area development within the next 15 years.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the three RKKs were in Tangkak, Endau-Rompin and Sedili.
“The state government together with the Town and Country Planning Department (PLAN Malaysia) has carried out research on the best way to develop these rural areas.
“Residents in affected areas are given one month to review the plans, share their concerns, suggestions and raise objections.
“The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will help in getting the project implemented,” said Mohd Jafni when contacted.
After the review period, the plans will be tabled again along with suggestions and objections before they are presented to the State Planning Committee (SPC).
“The final decision will be made by community leaders, village chief, council president or district officer on which project is to be given priority.
“Each RKK focuses on the best development plan for the area,” he said, adding that the general idea for the development was to increase the people’s socio-economic well-being.
He explained that the Tangkak RKK involved developing the town and public transportation between Muar and Melaka.
“The Endau-Rompin RKK will focus on developing a biodiversity protection area called Asean Heritage Parks.
“In Sedili, the focus will be on developing the area’s ecotourism since 80% of locals are fishermen,” he said, adding that Sedili was the second largest supplier of fish in Johor after Endau in Mersing.
Meanwhile, Kota Tinggi District officer Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil said the Sedili RKK, which was part of the Kota Tinggi District Development Plan (RTD), had been chosen for SPC’s consideration.
“There are two RKKs under the Kota Tinggi RTD – Sedili and Sungai Rengit – where areas of potential development include the upgrading of roads and tourism sites,” she said.
“The development of the oil and gas industry and tourism products in Punggai are areas of interest in Sungai Rengit.”
She added that annual international sports competitions were also held in Punggai.
“For Sedili, the focus area is on improving facilities for fishermen, infrastructure and tourism attractions,” she said.
