DEVELOPMENT SHOULD EXTEND BEYOND CITIES, ICONIC LOCATIONS – AB RAUF

ALOR GAJAH, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Development should not be limited to cities and iconic locations, on the contrary, rural areas like Masjid Tanah also deserve opportunities to progress while preserving their heritage and identity, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

He said that in view of this, the state government has planned several development initiatives in Masjid Tanah to ensure a better future for its residents.

He said these initiatives include the West Coast Expressway (WCE) project, the Melaka–Dumai Bridge, and a new Masjid Tanah–Sungai Udang route connecting the Sungai Udang–Paya Rumput–Ayer Keroh Highway to Melaka city.

“Although Masjid Tanah is more than 30 kilometres away, we will position it as a prime location for living, raising families and retirement.

“However, these plans require a stable government and a conducive political environment, thus, we must work together to ensure we leave a positive legacy for future generations,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Karnival Masjid Tanah: Kampung Kita event.

Ab Rauf said that the true strength of development and well-being lies with villages that are united and a community that looks after one another.

On the organisation of the carnival, he said it is intended to inspire the younger generation to value their roots, take pride in their village heritage, and see villages as a source of identity and future inspiration.

He also said that the carnival supports the state government’s broader goal of positioning Masjid Tanah as a symbol of unity, progress, and a balance between heritage and development.

Ab Rauf added that some 40,000 visitors and participants attended the carnival, which featured over 30 programmes and activities, including religious, sports, intellectual, and artistic events from Dec 18 to today.

At the event, six awards were presented to individuals from Masjid Tanah who excelled in their fields and contributed to local development. Recipients included Salam Specialist Hospital managing director Datuk Zainal Bachik (Entrepreneurship Figure), Melaka State Sports Council director Mohd Asri Ninggal (Youth and Sports Figure), TRX City Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azmar Talib (Academic and Professional Figure), and former Masjid Tanah member of parliament Tan Sri Abu Seman Yusop (Special Figure).

-- BERNAMA