KOTA BELUD: The installation of solar lights in Kampung Pangkalan Abai here has transformed this fishermen’s village into a bright and safe place that is buzzing with community activities.
This transformation has not only brightened up the roads and alleys in the village, but also ignited a new spirit among the villagers, especially youths who return home late from work and those heading to the mosque.
Kampung Pangkalan Abai village head Saipudin Amin said the facilities under the Madani Adopted Village programme have made it easier for about 800 residents to carry out various community activities, including the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (VPS).
According to him, projects in the village included the installation of solar lights, construction of a VPS hut and a room for Muslim final rites.
It also includes upgrading the drainage system in the mosque and school areas, repairing dilapidated houses and providing a funeral van.
“With the solar lights fixed, the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and VPS volunteers can now carry out night patrols more effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and thefts,” he told Bernama.
Saipudin said the funeral van is also being used in surrounding villages.
“There is indeed a significant difference since this village became a Madani Adopted Village, especially in terms of faster project implementation,” he said.
He added that villagers appreciated the initiatives, which have improved safety and contributed to the local community’s well-being and quality of life.
Single mother Siti Azirah Jilan, 36, said residents are now more confident and comfortable moving around at night.
The Rela member said installing solar lights along the village’s main road has also given her confidence to carry out night patrol duties with other members.
“Through this programme, my house has also been repaired. This is my heritage home. The roof is worn out and the children’s bedrooms get wet every time it rains.
“This assistance is very meaningful for us who do not have the financial means to repair it ourselves,” she said.
For pensioner Jahim Bunul @Mohd Nordin, 65, funeral arrangements have now become easier with the new van and room for final rites in the Darul Naim Mosque compound.
Meanwhile, VPS member Sekin Onong, 41, said under the programme, the VPS hut that was previously dilapidated has been upgraded to a more comfortable facility and is complete with air conditioning, facilitating their work at night.
He said 25 members take turns working in shifts to assist Rela members in patrolling at night.
“With the VPS post at the village entrance and more frequent patrols, the level of safety in the village has improved. Since July, there have been no reported cases of break-ins and thefts,” he said.
The development projects are implemented by the Home Ministry, which involves an allocation of RM1mil.
