Kg Kuala Mengkuang Has Potential As Ecotourism Destination

BUKIT MERTAJAM,  May 23 (Bernama) -- Kampung Kuala Mengkuang has strong potential to be developed into an eco-tourism destination by leveraging its natural beauty, traditional gastronomy and community-based activities, while also boosting residents’ income.

Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP) chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said the village offers various attractions that could be promoted, including its traditional village atmosphere, river surroundings, murals, local cuisine as well as agricultural and livestock activities carried out by residents.

“I believe this effort can be realised through collaboration among various agencies, including MPBPP, the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) and other relevant parties.

“I see that this village has its own unique charm, especially its traditional food and gastronomy, which are very appealing. We want to introduce proper management, including tourism routes and related facilities, so that more visitors will come here,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib Kuala Mengkuang Eco Ride 2026 Programme in Kubang Semang today.

The programme was also attended by the Penang Governor’s wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah and the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Earlier, the Penang Governor cycled 14 kilometres around the Kampung Kuala Mengkuang area, accompanied by programme participants and local villagers.

The group also stopped at several key attractions, including the Kuala Mengkuang Sculpture site for a symbolic tree-planting ceremony and the mural-painted Kuala Mengkuang railway bridge.

According to Khalid, Kampung Kuala Mengkuang, which was selected as a MADANI Village under the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), had benefited from various development initiatives involving both physical and non-physical projects aimed at improving the residents’ quality of life.

He said completed infrastructure projects included the upgrading of road corridors, construction of village landmarks, river deepening and repair works, installation of solar-powered lights, construction of halls and kindergartens, as well as mosque upgrades.

He said the initiatives not only enhanced basic amenities for residents but also created income-generating opportunities for the local community through economic activities such as goat rearing and cultivation of fruits such as Polynesian plum or Tahiti apple, locally known as amra or kedondong.

“In fact, this village created its own history when the mural art project on the railway bridge received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records. The area has since become a popular attraction for visitors to take photographs and enjoy fishing activities.

“Kampung Kuala Mengkuang is also expected to become a model village and one of the best MADANI Villages in Malaysia in the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA