Kuala Paka:The reclaimed region near the Sungai Paka estuary holds significant potential as a new tourist attraction, potentially drawing more visitors to Kuala Paka. The area offers picturesque views of the river estuary and the sea, making it an attractive spot for recreational development, which could also boost the local economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zamri Zakaria, chairman of the Kuala Paka Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP), highlighted that despite an increase in visitors, particularly on weekends, the area remains underdeveloped and underutilized. He emphasized the need for basic facilities such as roads, lighting, a food court, walkways, and sheltered seating areas to enhance the visitor experience.
Zamri also mentioned that there had been a previous proposal to develop the site into a tourist attraction following the completion of the breakwater project. However, this plan has yet to be realized. The breakwater project, completed in 2023 at a cost of RM132.25 million, involved constructing six T-shaped groynes spanning about 600 meters to protect the Sungai Paka estuary from coastal erosion.
Kamarudin Puteh, chairman of the Kampung Cacar Baru JPKKP, suggested that the area's natural beauty and scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for a new hotel, which would provide more accommodation options for tourists. This development could meet the needs of visitors, as Paka currently has only one three-star hotel. Additionally, he proposed the construction of a new tourist jetty to facilitate access to Pulau Tenggol, a popular destination for diving.
Kamarudin noted that the reclaimed area currently has only a private jetty used by local boat operators. Improved facilities could boost tourism in Paka and create business opportunities for local residents through tourism-related services.
In related news, Terengganu State Tourism Department director Datuk Tengku Mohd Arifin Tengku A. Rahman stated that they would consult with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and other relevant agencies to assess the site's suitability for development. This is crucial due to the reclaimed land and breakwater structures, which require careful evaluation of soil stability, structural safety, coastal erosion, and flood risk to ensure all safety concerns and potential risks are addressed before proceeding with development plans.