PEKAN, November 22 :The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) today officially launched a new community centre in Paloh Hinai, which is expected to benefit some 500 families from the surrounding areas of Taman Selasih, Kg. Paloh Hinai, Kg. Tanjung and Kg. Terlang.
The new community centre is one of the 38 projects in Pekan undertaken by ECERDC since 2010 to-date under the Federal Government’s Special Fund initiative to develop the areas formerly administered by the Development Authority of Pahang Tenggara (DARA) and Jengka Regional Development Authority (LKWJ) in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
Built using the funds channeled through ECERDC, the new community centre boasts of a multi-purpose hall and a badminton court, and includes basic amenities such as restrooms, storage area and parking lots. It was officially launched by the State Assembly Representative (ADUN) of Chini, YB Dato’ Abu Bakar Harun here today.
ECERDC Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Jebasingam Issace John said the Paloh Hinai community centre will serve the community’s social needs and will become a hub for activities and community events for many years to come.
“The establishment of this community centre is a strong proof of the Government’s inclusive approach in ensuring that all Malaysians, including the rural populace in the former areas of DARA and LKWJ, are able to enjoy progressive development and modern facilities just like their urban counterparts,” said Dato’ Issace.
These projects include the upgrade of roads, drainage, community centres, multi-purpose halls, sport complex, bus terminal, prayer halls (surau), mosques, hawker stalls and construction of a futsal court in Kampung Temai and other facilities in Pekan, just to name a few. In total, the projects have benefitted more than 100,000 residents the Pekan district.
The Special Fund for former DARA and LKWJ areas was established in 2010 by the Federal Government to ensure the continued development of the areas following dissolution of the agencies in 1997.
Between 2010 and 2012, the Federal Government has allocated a total of RM150 million via ECERDC for the six districts and town councils namely Maran, Rompin, Pekan, Bera, Jerantut and Temerloh.
The funds have been used to implement 291 projects, comprising strategic and micro development initiatives, as well as operational and maintenance works as identified by ECERDC and the state government which has benefitted some 659,000 local residents.
The projects include the RM10.8 million Integrated Transportation Terminal in Bandar Tun Abdul Razak, Jengka which is currently under construction.
In addition to the projects implemented under the Special Fund, ECERDC is also undertaking various other projects in Pahang such as the Pekan Heritage Tourism Development, Pekan Automotive Park, Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre, and the Panching Water Treatment Plant in Gambang.