Sungai tengas: The launch of a portable container system (PCS) at Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas here is set to enhance access to basic facilities for rural communities in the area.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the PCS was among initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) through KEDA. He highlighted that KEDA is the first agency to successfully realize the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic collaboration between KKDW and Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd through the Rural and Regional Petrol Station Network Development Project with BHPetrol. BHPetrol has allocated RM45 million for the development of 10 petrol stations, including those in Sungai Tengas.
The project at Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas, costing RM1.2 million, aims to ensure rural residents receive sufficient subsidized fuel supplies without having to travel far. The construction of the station began on October 15 last year and operations commenced on February 11 this year. Mahdzir stated that KEDA had made the site available for the station and appointed Koperasi Pengusaha Stesen Minyak Mini Wilayah Utara Berhad as the project operator, considering its extensive experience in managing petrol stations.
This initiative is expected to improve the quality of life and stimulate daily economic activities among residents, particularly farmers and small traders around Sungai Tengas, benefiting about 80,000 people. Local resident Abdullah A Rahman, 56, expressed gratitude, noting the villagers previously had to travel about seven kilometers to refuel. Zaharul Adnan, 54, echoed this sentiment, appreciating the convenience of having a station nearby rather than traveling to Selama, Perak, or Kampung Sungai Salleh.
Johari Syafie, 70, noted the new station brings much-needed convenience following the closure of a local station about 10 years ago. He mentioned that residents often travel to Selama, Perak for essentials, and now they can refuel locally before making the trip.