Kg Tinata on the brink of further Development

By AVV

16 November 2024

KOTA BELUD: Hadlee Panchai serves as the Village Development and Security Chairman (JKKK) of Kampung Tinata, a rural community with a population of 435 residents. The primary sources of income for the villagers are agriculture and rubber tapping, which play a crucial role in sustaining their livelihoods.

In terms of infrastructure, Kg Tinata boasts a football field, a community toilet, and a volleyball court, providing essential recreational facilities for the residents. However, there are significant needs for improvement, including the development of access roads, agricultural roads, and a community hall to enhance social and economic activities within the village.

Every Saturday, the village hold a market that features 15 women participants who sell a variety of products, including used clothing, traditional cakes, fresh fruits, seafood, and fresh meat. Despite its importance, the village market is relatively small, measuring just 14 feet by 7 feet, which limits its capacity to accommodate more vendors and attract a larger customer base.

Nestled in a secluded corner of the countryside, this village is accessed via a winding gravel road that meanders through verdant landscapes, revealing the serene beauty of nature at every turn. Surrounded by rolling hills the community thrives in a harmonious relationship with its natural environment, embracing the tranquil rhythms of rural life.

The villagers, celebrated for their warmth and camaraderie, form a close-knit community where everyone knows one another. They cherish a lifestyle that values tradition and a deep connection to the land, nurturing a sense of belonging that has been passed down through generations.

This picturesque village, remote yet inviting, offers a serene escape from the bustling world beyond. Here, community ties run deep, and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings enriches the lives of its residents, fostering an enduring peace and contentment in their daily lives.

Yet, despite its charm, the village lacks facilities for tourism and is not actively promoted as a travel destination.

The locals, perhaps unaware of the marketing potential that could showcase their idyllic lifestyle, have overlooked the elements that could attract visitors. With its stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and welcoming atmosphere, this hidden gem has so much to offer, just waiting to be discovered.

This may all change, however, following Hadlee’s recent attendance at an event focused on evaluating the Kadamaian Development Master Plan for 2020-2035.

The study, conducted by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), has been appointed as the consultant for this critical assessment.

The primary objective of the study is to prepare a comprehensive report that assesses the achievements of the Kadamaian Development Master Plan. It aims to ensure that the needs and aspirations of communities like Kampung Tinata are adequately addressed in future development initiatives.

One significant area of focus is the tourism sector, where discussions highlighted the potential for enhancing activities and expanding tourism products. The emphasis on eco-tourism and rural tourism positions Kadamaian as a premier eco-tourism hub, capitalizing on its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In addition, the commodity sector was underscored, with efforts aimed at encouraging downstream agricultural activities to generate higher incomes for the community. There is a robust commitment to enhancing the economic viability of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, making them modern, dynamic, and competitive.

The initiative also delves into entrepreneurship and crafts, seeking to cultivate successful and competitive local entrepreneurs. There is a firm commitment to elevating Kadamaian's craft products to a world-class standard, showcasing the unique talents and resources of the community to a broader audience.

Infrastructure, facilities, and public administration were also critical focus areas. Plans are underway to ensure that public facilities and utilities are accessible to all segments of society. The development of existing towns will include modern infrastructure and amenities designed to stimulate commercial activity. Furthermore, effective administration and management of the Kadamaian area are essential for sustainable growth.

Human resource development was recognised as a priority, with an emphasis on cultivating quality, skilled, and dynamic human resources through targeted education and training programs. This empowerment will equip the community with the necessary skills to thrive across various sectors and contribute to the overall development of Kadamaian.

“I am very pleased to have attended the event, as it serves as a crucial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and benchmark for assessing the needs in the Kadamaian area,” he said. “This is particularly important for improving access roads to the village and agricultural areas, as well as addressing infrastructure needs in Kadamaian.”

“Additionally, the event helped identify the necessity of organizing workshops and courses aimed at boosting the village economy,” he continued, noting that the invaluable knowledge he gained will be shared with the villagers.

“I will continue to encourage the community to participate in available courses offered by government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). I hope that they will all receive assistance, ensuring that our development plans—for the people and infrastructure—come to fruition,” he emphasised.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to our State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, for his dedicated efforts in developing Kadamaian. The preparation of this Kadamaian Development Plan is a testament to his hard work and commitment to advancing our constituency.”