BRIGHTER NIGHTS LIGHT UP THE LIVES OF PANGKALAN ABAI RESIDENTS

By Suraidah Roslan

KOTA BELUD, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The installation of solar lights in Kampung Pangkalan Abai has transformed night time at this fishermen’s village, which used to be dark and quiet, into a livey, bright and safe place that is buzzing with community activities.

This transformation, undertaken through the Kampung Angkat MADANI (KAM), or the MADANI Adopted Village programme, has not only brightened up the roads and alleys in the village, but also ignited a new spirit among the villagers, especially the youths who return home late from work and the senior citizens who often head to the mosque.

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Kampung Pangkalan Abai village head Saipudin Amin said the facilities provided through the KAM programme, make it convenient for about 800 residents to carry out various community activities, including conducting Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS).

According to him, the implementation of projects in the village included the installation of solar lights, the construction of a SRS hut and a room for Muslim final rites, upgrading the drainage system in the mosque and school areas, repairing dilapidated houses and providing a funeral van. 

“With the solar lights fixed, the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA) and SRS volunteers can now carry out night patrols more effectively, thereby reduce the risk of accidents and theft cases,” he told Bernama.

Saipudin said the funeral van provided great benefits not only to the residents of this village, but also to the communities in surrounding villages who needed the service.

“There is indeed a significant difference when this village becomes a MADANI Adopted Village, especially in terms of faster project implementation compared to other projects that take a long time for application approval,” he said.

He added that the villagers greatly appreciated the initiatives under the KAM programme, which not only improved safety, but also contributed to the well-being and quality of life of the local community.

Single mother Siti Azirah Jilan, 36, said that previously they would often worry about going out to settle some matters at night due to the darkness in the village, but with the presence of solar lights, the residents are now more confident and comfortable moving around at night.

The RELA member said that the installation of solar lights along the main road in the village has also given her confidence to carry out night patrol duties with other RELA members. 

“Through this programme, my house has also been repaired. This is my heritage home. The roof is worn out and every time it rains, the children's bedrooms are definitely wet. So, this assistance is very meaningful for us who do not have the financial means to repair it ourselves,” she said.

For government pensioner Jahim Bunul @Mohd Nordin, 65, funeral arrangements have now become easier with the new van and room for final rites in the Darul Naim Mosque compound, which benefit the surrounding community. 

Meanwhile, SRS member Sekin Onong, 41, said that through KAM's initiative, the SRS hut that was previously dilapidated has been upgraded to a more comfortable facility and is complete with air conditioning, thus facilitating the SRS team's work at night.

He said that 25 SRS members take turns working in shifts to assist RELA members in patrolling at night.

“With the SRS post at the village entrance and more frequent patrols, the level of safety in the village has improved. Since July, there have been no reported cases of break-ins and theft,” he said.

The development projects under KAM in Kampung Pangkalan Abai, Kota Belud, implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, involves an allocation of RM1 million.

KAM is a MADANI Government initiative to bridge the gap between urban and rural development by providing basic facilities, economic and social opportunities and better community spaces.

-- BERNAMA