Bagan Datuk Waterfront Square has transformed a once-dubbed “cowboy town” in Perak into an attractive tourist destination, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said development of the square had made the town one of the popular spots among domestic tourists, especially on weekends.
“It has been a game changer. This town used to be called a cowboy town, even described as a backwater, but now I get complaints about traffic congestion every weekend; that is a good ‘problem’ for this town,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk MP.
He said this when speaking at the opening of Bagan Datuk Waterfront Square, which was attended by over 500 guests and residents, reported Bernama.
The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah graced the opening alongside Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the square consisted of several project components, including the construction of the Bagan Datuk Tourist Jetty Terminal, recreation and leisure facilities, as well as conservation of shoplot facades and road upgrades in Bagan Datuk town.
“In addition, the Waterfront Square landscape is enhanced by a coconut shell replica with a fountain, the BD Walk building and a replica of a ‘jong’ (ancient trading vessel), which features children’s playsets and historical exhibits inside and on top of the vessel,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that with the development of the square, both locals and visitors could now spend leisure time with their families while enjoying the sunset against the scenic backdrop of the Sungai Perak estuary.
“Other attractions such as children’s ride-on car rentals, local busking groups, and stalls have further enlivened the weekend night atmosphere at the square, helping boost the local community’s socio-economic vibrancy,” he said.
