SejaTI MADANI Tour Boat Venture Set To Boost Income For Kg Masjid Tok Ku Residents

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 11 (Bernama) -- A tour boat venture to be operated by residents of Kampung Masjid Tok Ku here is expected not only to generate income for the local community but also to boost water- and nature-based tourism in Terengganu. 

Kampung Masjid Tok Ku Federal Village Development and Security Committee chairman Syed Husein Helmi Tuan Rashid said the 12-passenger boat, valued at RM138,000, was received two weeks ago under the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) programme. 

He said the community chose to run a tour boat business because of the village’s proximity to Sungai Terengganu, which offers scenic routes to iconic locations such as the drawbridge in Kuala Nerus, the Crystal Mosque and the Islamic Civilisation Park. 

“We see great potential in river tourism as demand for cruises along Sungai Terengganu continues to grow. There has also been a surge in demand for squid jigging and fishing activities over the past few years, especially among tourists from outside Terengganu,” he told Bernama at Kampung Masjid Tok Ku here. 

He said that although the service is expected to begin in the next three to four days, bookings are already nearly full until July. 

Syed Husein Helmi said at the moment, he and other villagers are completing several facilities on the boat to meet operational specifications before launching the service. 

“The Sungai Terengganu river cruise package will be priced at RM30 per adult and RM15 per child, while squid jigging and fishing activities will cost between RM1,200 and RM1,500, depending on the duration and package selected,” he said, adding that the boat is equipped with various facilities, including a toilet. 

He said profits generated from the project will be channelled towards the welfare of Kampung Masjid Tok Ku residents, including for assistance during emergencies such as storms and other disasters. 

He added that if the venture generates higher income, they plan to acquire another boat to expand the business. 

Meanwhile, Kemaman Port Authority chairman Datuk Azan Ismail, who officiated the launch of the tour boat, said the initiative by Kampung Masjid Tok Ku residents in making full use of the SejaTi MADANI programme should serve as an example for other villages, especially those located near rivers. 

“I am confident that with proper management and maintenance, this enterprise will be sustainable and bring greater returns to the local community,” he said. 

Azan said the project under the SejaTi MADANI programme reflects the federal government’s commitment to helping local communities explore new economic opportunities and improve their standard of living. 

-- BERNAMA