Abd Aziz Pushes Eco-Agro Tourism Development To Transform Batu Talam Economy
RAUB: Batu Talam assemblyman Abd Aziz Mat Kiram is intensifying efforts to transform the constituency into a thriving eco-agro tourism destination as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the local economy and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
The veteran politician, who has represented Batu Talam since 2007, believes the constituency holds enormous untapped potential due to its fertile land, natural forests, rivers, waterfalls and agricultural resources.
According to Abd Aziz Mat Kiram, the Eco-Agro Tourism (EAT) initiative is designed not only to boost tourism but also to create sustainable economic opportunities for local residents, including youths, small entrepreneurs and indigenous communities.
Speaking during an interview at the UMNO Raub office recently, he said his leadership approach has always focused on maintaining close ties with residents and understanding grassroots issues directly.
“I prefer spending time with the people, listening to their concerns and discussing local development plans together with village heads and community leaders.
“The responsibility entrusted to me is not only about administration but also about ensuring that the people enjoy better welfare, economic opportunities and quality of life,” he said.
As the chief of UMNO Raub, he explained that Batu Talam’s unique geography makes it highly suitable for eco-agro tourism development.
The constituency includes traditional Malay villages, Orang Asli settlements, Felda communities and multi-ethnic residential areas, creating a diverse social and cultural environment that could attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
He said the EAT initiative combines ecotourism activities with agricultural experiences, allowing visitors to explore fruit orchards, vegetable farms and local food production while enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
Among the projects being promoted are MD2 pineapple cultivation, fertigation farming and small-scale food industries such as the production of the well-known sambal hitam.
“These projects are important because they create employment opportunities while also promoting local products and strengthening the rural economy.
“We want the local community to become active participants in tourism and economic growth instead of being left behind,” he said.
Abd Aziz Mat Kiram added that various government agencies, local administrators and village development committees are working together to ensure the success of the EAT programme under the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (Prospek).
The initiative is aimed at helping low-income groups, small entrepreneurs and villagers improve their living standards through sustainable economic activities.
Several tourist attractions within Batu Talam are also being upgraded to support the tourism sector.
Among them are Taman Eko-Rimba Lata Lembik and Pusat Rekreasi Sungai Sia, which are known for their scenic landscapes and eco-friendly recreational activities.
Visitors can also experience nature-based accommodation such as farmhouses and environmentally friendly chalets built near agricultural and forest areas.
Another unique attraction in Batu Talam is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, the first gibbon rehabilitation centre in Malaysia established by wildlife conservation activist Mariani Ramli.
The conservation centre has become a special attraction for eco-tourists interested in wildlife preservation and forest biodiversity.
In addition, the cultural heritage of Orang Asli communities in Pos Satak and Pos Buntu is being incorporated into the tourism programme through traditional dance performances and handicraft activities.
According to Abd Aziz Mat Kiram, the EAT development programme is expected to benefit more than 3,000 residents across Batu Talam.
He said the long-term vision is to position Batu Talam as one of Pahang’s leading rural tourism destinations while simultaneously strengthening its agricultural economy.
“We want Batu Talam to become a model for sustainable rural development where tourism, agriculture and environmental conservation can grow together.
“At the same time, the people will enjoy better economic opportunities and improved living standards,” he said.
He added that the projects are currently progressing according to schedule and have already begun producing encouraging results.
Abd Aziz Mat Kiram expressed hope that continued support from government agencies, local communities and private sector players would accelerate the development of the EAT initiative for the benefit of Batu Talam and the wider Raub district.
-wilayah.com.my
