Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas PCS Enhances Access To Basic Facilities For Rural Communities

BANDAR BAHARU, April 13 (Bernama) -- The launch of a portable container system (PCS) at Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas here is set to enhance access to basic facilities for rural communities in the area.

 Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the PCS was among initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) through KEDA.

“KEDA is the first agency to successfully realise the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic collaboration between KKDW and Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd through the Rural and Regional Petrol Station Network Development Project with BHPetrol.

“BHPetrol has allocated RM45 million for the development of 10 petrol stations, including those in Sungai Tengas, Bandar Baharu, Kedah; Kampung Awah, Temerloh, Pahang; Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, Johor; and Tumpi Rapat, Jeli, Kelantan.

“Alhamdulillah, today we are launching the first one in Sungai Tengas.Kedah is the first to be involved in this programme,” he told reporters after officiating the Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas PCS near here today.

Mahdzir said that the project at Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas, which cost RM1.2 million, would ensure that rural residents receive sufficient subsidised fuel supplies without having to travel far.

“The construction of the station began on Oct 15 last year and it began operations on Feb 11 this year,” he said.

According to Mahdzir, KEDA had made the site available for the station and appointed Koperasi Pengusaha Stesen Minyak Mini Wilayah Utara Berhad as operator of the project, taking into account its extensive experience in managing petrol stations.

“This initiative helps improve the quality of life and stimulate daily economic activities among residents, particularly farmers and small traders around Sungai Tengas,” he said, adding that the programe was expected to benefit about 80,000 people.

Meanwhile, Desa KEDA Sungai Tengas resident Abdullah A Rahman, 56, said that previously they had to travel about seven kilometres to refuel.

“This station is of great help to the villagers. Thank you to KEDA and all those who worked on this project,” he said.

Desa KEDA Sungai Buloh resident Zaharul Adnan, 54, said that the existence of the station had made it easier for residents to refuel without travelling long distances.

“Previously, we had to go to Selama, Perak, or Kampung Sungai Salleh, about 10 kilometres away, to refuel, but now it is much closer,” he said.

Another resident, Johari Syafie, 70, said the opening of a new station had finally brought much-needed convenience to residents in the area following the closure of a petrol station about 10 years ago.

“We usually go to Selama, Perak to buy essentials, so we can now stop here to refuel before heading there,” he said.

--BERNAMA