ROMPIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today launched the 310m boardwalk connecting Kampung Tekek to Kampung Air Batang at Pulau Tioman here.
Najib, accompanied by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Rompin member of parliament Datuk Seri Hasan Ariffin, and Tioman assemblyman Datuk Mohd Johari Hussain, spent over half an hour touring the RM1.6 million project.
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) project, implemented by the Tioman Development Authority (TDA), began construction on Sept 22 2015, and was completed on Feb 6.
Previously, residents of both villages and tourists had to use a hilly trek linking the settlements.
Kampung Tekek chief Zulkaini A. Hamid said the boardwalk has made it easier for students from Kampung Air Batang to go to their school in Kampung Tekek.
"This walkway for bystanders and motorcycles bring many benefits and even in cases of emergencies. Villagers or tourists can now easily travel to buy basic daily necessities and send their children to school," he said.
He added that the boardwalk can boost tourism at Kampung Tekek, which is also the administrative centre of the island.
Also present during the event was ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, and its Pahang general manager Datuk Mohd Mazlan Sharudin.