Kuala terengganu: The federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved nearly RM22.9 million for the implementation of nine projects in Terengganu between January 1 and April. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot stated that the projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) include new builds, as well as upgrades to facilities, intended to further boost the state's tourism sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the projects include building and upgrading tourism facilities at Pulau Bidong State Park in Kuala Nerus, constructing a public jetty for tourists to Pulau Tenggol, along with other facilities in Dungun, and upgrading existing tourism facilities in Hulu Kekabu, Guntung in Setiu. Additionally, there will be improvements to signage and pathways throughout the Islamic Civilisation Park in Kuala Terengganu.
During the 12th Malaysia Plan period, MOTAC approved 76 projects worth RM31.26 million in Terengganu. Shaharuddin mentioned this at the handover of the Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment, and upgrading project for the Terengganu State Museum Board. Present at the event were State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong and Terengganu Tourism director Datuk Tengku Mohd Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman.
Shaharuddin highlighted that the RM5.2 million project represents more than physical development, but a significant effort to preserve, elevate, and strengthen Terengganu's cultural heritage. With upgraded, more modern, and safer facilities, Terengganu Cultural Village is set to become a more attractive and competitive tourism destination, further contributing to local economic growth and the state's tourism industry.
The Cultural Village serves as a platform to showcase the uniqueness of local arts, customs, traditional architecture, and way of life to future generations. Shaharuddin reminded all parties that these facilities must be properly maintained to avoid over-reliance on federal government funding.
The Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment, and upgrading project by the Terengganu State Museum Board include several components, such as the Laman Warisan Hall, pavilions, walkways and footbridges, toilets, as well as traditional structures like Rumah Nelayan, Rumah Bujang Selasar, Rumah Bujang Berkembar, Rumah Limas Belanda, Rumah Tele, and Istana Tengku Long. Approved under the Ministry of Finance's Special Allocation (COVID-19), the project began on May 24, 2023, and is expected to be completed on March 3, 2026.