Abdul Rahman (centre) inspects the 250-metre river embankment project at Kampung Poyan. – Ukas photo
LIMBANG (July 2): A 250-metre river embankment project at Kampung Poyan is expected to strengthen flood mitigation efforts while unlocking greater ecotourism potential in the Bukit Kota constituency, said its assemblyman Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
The State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development said the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project will be implemented in two phases, with RM500,000 allocated for the first phase this year and another RM500,000 for the second phase in 2027.
Speaking during a site visit to the project on Tuesday, Abdul Rahman described the initiative as a long-term investment that would improve riverbank protection while enhancing the attractiveness of Sungai Poyan as an ecotourism destination.
He encouraged local residents to organise community and cultural events at least once or twice a year to attract visitors, including tourists from neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.
He said such programme would help generate economic opportunities for local communities while promoting Limbang’s cultural and natural attractions.
To ensure the sustainability of the river environment, he also urged the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to carry out regular river cleaning and maintenance works to keep the waterway in good condition.
During the visit, Abdul Rahman also inspected preparations for the International Festival Kedayan Arts and Culture Limbang 2026, which will be held at Kampung Nauran.
“The festival serves not only to preserve the Kedayan community’s cultural heritage but also to position Limbang as a cultural tourism destination capable of generating economic spillover for local residents,” he said.
Present were Limbang Division deputy resident Marie Cotilla Louise, Limbang district officer Sulaiman Engal, DID Limbang divisional engineer Iwan Halmi, JKR Limbang civil engineer Aizatul Nabilah Suhermanto, Kampung Sungai Poyan village head Shahrin Aji, and Kampung Nauran village head Musiv @ Affendi Mohidin.
