(From second right) Ng handing a mock cheque to Kampung Bagan Hailam village chief Loo Cheng Boon while Erma Izalira and Zuraimi (right) look on.
Selangor government has allocated RM308,000 for beautification and clean-up efforts at 77 villages.
Recipients, including new villages, fishing villages and reorganised villages, will each receive a RM4,000 grant to conduct relevant activities.
State government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the grant was part of the New Village Rejuvenation Programme, starting with Kampung Bagan Hailam in Port Klang.
“These villages will be assessed by district Land and Mines offices to select the top three ‘Best Exemplary Villages’ in each district.
“Winners of the programme will serve as a benchmark to drive overall improvement.
“They will also receive prizes and monetary incentives,” Ng told reporters during a press conference following the launch.
“Evaluations will be completed by October, with the ‘Best Exemplary Village’ announced in November.
“A two-day ‘New Village Festival’ will be held in November, potentially in Pandamaran New Village, to further promote exchange and collaboration,” he added.
Rubbish accumulated along the shores of Kampung Bagan Hailam. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/ The Star
The launch of the programme gathered villagers at Kampung Bagan Hailam for a gotong-royong session to clear waste from the seaside.
According to villagers, Kampung Bagan Hailam is at the lowest point of Sungai Klang, so rubbish tend to accumulate along the shore.
Ng said the programme was one of the state government’s initiatives to encourage residents to actively participate in cleaning and beautification efforts.
“Activities under the rejuvenation programme include large-scale clean-ups, beautification, planting flowers and establishing mini parks, renovation and repainting of public facilities as well as setting up community notice boards that encourage recycling.”
Ng said rising management costs faced by local authorities for waste disposal had become a significant burden, accounting for 40% of total expenditure.
“If new villages can be transformed into clean, distinctive tourist landmarks, it will not only improve the quality of life for villagers but also help the state government address waste issues, achieving a win-win outcome,” he said.
Also present at the launch were State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) local authority section senior assistant director Erma Izalira Jumain and Rantau Panjang village chief Zuraimi Mohaini.
