PUTRAJAYA: The economy of Kampung Pulau Aman has been revitalised and community facilities significantly upgraded under the Kampung Angkat Madani initiative, following targeted development programmes implemented by the Public Service Department (PSD).
PSD director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the department prioritised initiatives that delivered the greatest value to villagers, focusing not only on infrastructure improvements, but also on strengthening income-generating opportunities.
He said one of the most significant initiatives was the upgrading of a neglected trail. “PSD upgraded a neglected trail and it attracted more visitors and even government departments to hold recreational programmes in Pulau Aman.
“This benefits the economy of Pulau Aman residents, as the increased number of visitors coming to the island for recreation contributes significantly to the income of the residents’ association,” he said in an interview recently.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan said 12 development projects were approved for Pulau Aman, involving RM1.86 million in allocations.
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Among the most crucial was the upgrading of the jetty, which was in a dilapidated condition. A proper jetty, Wan Ahmad Dahlan said, is essential for the safety and convenience of residents and visitors.
Other projects, he said, include developing a funeral management facility, as residents used to conduct funerals outdoors due to a lack of proper facilities.
“PSD also did some drainage upgrades, as monsoon rains caused flooding because of tiny and clogged drains. Upgraded drains prevent bad odours and stagnant water,” he said.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the department organised 23 programmes costing about RM569,000, which included boat handling and tourist guide training courses in English and Mandarin.
Other initiatives included education-related programmes with the National Institute of Public Administration, such as English classes, leadership courses and upgrading the local school, including the installation of a smartboard.
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He said the village’s overall transformation was made possible through close collaboration with multiple government agencies, as the RM2.5 million allocation alone was insufficient for all the upgrades.
“Through collaboration with government departments such as the Prime Minister’s Department’s Implementation and Coordination Unit, Rural and Regional Development Ministry state government and district offices, we were able to maximise the impact.
“This approach allows us to deliver projects that may not have been possible with PSD’s allocation alone. It reinforces the idea that we must stop working in silos and instead work as a team.
“Through teamwork, we can achieve larger and better outcomes despite limited resources. This is something government departments should practise consistently,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
