KAMPUNG BONGSU PPK PROJECT TO BOOST QUALITY OF LIFE WITH NEW SETTLEMENT

By Afifitri Muhammad

KUANTAN, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The Area Development Project (PPK) in Kampung Bongsu, Lanchang, Temerloh, announced under Budget 2026, is expected to serve as a catalyst for improving the quality of life by developing a new settlement equipped with comprehensive basic infrastructure and social facilities.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the main scope of the PPK includes site preparation and the construction of houses for the resettlement of flood-affected residents, those involved in the Sungai Semantan integrated river basin project (PLSB), as well as recipients of the e-KASIH Housing Assistance Programme (PBR) and the Temerloh District Poverty Eradication Focus Group Committee.

“In addition, the PPK implementation scope also covers the provision of essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, water and electricity supply, as well as the construction of social amenities including multipurpose hall, surau, playgrounds and other necessary facilities,” he told Bernama today.

He said the preliminary estimated allocation for the project, which will benefit 153 families, is over RM25 million, although the final amount will be determined based on the development plan prepared by the consultant appointed by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

Meanwhile, he said that the project proposal was presented to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his capacity as chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), during his visit to the Temerloh District Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) on Nov 14, 2023.

“This proposal stems from the major floods that struck Temerloh in 2014 and again in 2021/2022, as well as the recurring floods caused by the overflow of Sungai Semantan during the annual Northeast Monsoon. In addition, several of the beneficiaries are residents affected by the Sungai Semantan PLSB Phase 1 project,” he said.

Wan Rosdy added that the proposed PPK site was also selected due to its proximity to the participants’ original villages, ensuring that their existing economic activities can continue uninterrupted once they relocate to the new settlement.

“Access to public services such as healthcare and education for PPK participants will improve significantly, as the new area is well-connected to both public and private health facilities.

“Education access will also be easier, with paved roads enabling smoother movement compared to their previous settlements, some of which were vulnerable to being cut off by floods, particularly during the monsoon season,” he said.

He added that the implementation of the PPK is also aligned with the state’s poverty eradication agenda through the provision of planned housing sites to support various housing assistance schemes. These include the Rumah Rakyat Al-Sultan Abdullah (Ru’RASA), the Prosperous People’s Housing Programme (PPRS) under KKDW, and the Pahang People’s Housing (RRP), which will enter its sixth phase in 2026.

“With the provision of well-planned and safe housing sites, low-income groups eligible for assistance such as the PBR will enjoy more conducive living environments, free from disaster risks, and equipped with complete basic facilities,” he said.

Wan Rosdy added that the village’s location - close to existing development networks and future planning areas - is a significant advantage, ensuring that the resettlement process does not disrupt the residents’ current sources of income.

“Among the developments planned in the surrounding area are a private hospital, an East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station and a smart city project, all of which are expected to generate economic spillover for local residents. These initiatives are anticipated to create job opportunities and stimulate economic activity in tandem with the area’s growth,” he said.

On Oct 10, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the Budget 2026, announced the development of Kampung Bongsu in Temerloh.

-- BERNAMA