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Transforming Bagan Datuk

Driving along kampung roads have a calming effect on me. Going on the long-winding and seemingly endless journey, with trees lined up by the roadside and Metallica songs blaring on the stereo, works wonders whenever I need “me time”.

Different routes invoke different emotions and mental images. The Alor Gajah-Central Malacca-Jasin Highway, for instance, as I head for my hometown down south, would remind me of my mother’s cooking; the Ipoh-Lumut road would give me that going-to-the-sea feel and the Kuala Kangsar road would have me imagining the unique designs of the traditional labu sayong (gourd-shape water containers).

Just the other day, I found a new route on the way to cover the proclamation of Perak’s 12th district, Bagan Datuk (formerly Bagan Datoh).

Admittedly, it would take me numerous drives just to explore this place because the road to the town is meanderingly endless with swaying coconut trees, and dark and mysterious oil palm estates. As I go further southwest towards Bagan Datuk, the vast green padi fields left me wanting more.

Bagan Datuk has so much to offer. The federal and state governments are upbeat about the changes that will be brought to develop the district, known for its coconut production (among the biggest in Malaysia).

Among the areas the state government will focus on is Pulau Sembilan, which is popular for its blue tears (plankton) night viewing, and Beting Beras Basah, a sand bank located at the mouth of Sungai Perak.

The sand bank is of historical and cultural significance to locals. Legend has it that the boat carrying the first Sultan of Perak, Sultan Muzaffar Shah, and his entourage was stranded on the sand bank and would not budge. It was only after he had thrown his crown into the river that his men managed to free the boat.

From then on, at the coronation of a sultan, a visit to Beting Beras Basah is a must. According to tradition, the new sultan must dip his foot into the river as a symbolic gesture to formalise the coronation.

Another project is the industrial park, covering 1,375.93ha from Bagan Tiang to Bagan Sungai Belukang, estimated to attract investments between RM44.73 billion to RM53.68 billion in investments within 10 to 15 years.

The park, expected to create 20,000 jobs, is among 11 projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

For better accessibility, the Hutan Melintang road and the West Coast Highway from Taiping, Perak, to Banting, Selangor (200km from Bagan Datuk) would be upgraded to cut travelling time. To improve network coverage, more communication towers would be built.

Development, however, comes with a price and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is Bagan Datuk member of parliament, is well aware of it.

As he delivered his address during the proclamation ceremony graced by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah at SM Sains Bagan Datoh on Jan 9, Zahid called on the people to embrace development and steer away from negativity in the form of rejection, slanderous remarks and social problems.

He said the spiritual aspect of development would be given attention to ensure a more balanced approach in development while protecting traditional and historical values.

The residents welcomed the announcement and hoped that the projects would be attractive enough to keep their youths there.

I, too, am eager to see how the district, with agriculture produce as its main source of income, will grow. I look forward to visiting Bagan Datuk more, if only to enjoy the scenic drive.

Nuradzimmah Daim is NST Perak bureau chief. A fan of rock music and a coffee addict, she loves talking to people, but appreciates alone time by doing yoga or reading thriller novels

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