Malaysia: Fishing villages in Tanjung Piai ideal for eco-tourism but homestays and chalets yet to get CFO or licences

PANG WENXI The Star 8 Mar 17;

PONTIAN: Despite the state government’s enthusiasm in transforming Kukup and Kampung Air Masin’s fishing villages built on stilts in Tanjung Piai here into international eco-tourism destinations, several drawbacks have yet to be overcome.

Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng said that many of the homestays and chalets in Kukup and Kampung Air Masin have yet to receive a Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO).

“Many of these chalets and homestays were built by the homeowners.

“Although they have a land title for their building, most of them have not been issued a CFO and have not obtained business licences to operate as chalets or homestays,” he said during Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s visit to SJK(C) Ken Boon in Kukup Laut here on Sunday.

“Because the homeowners do not have the CFO, many are unable to apply for insurance and business licences to keep their premises and operations secure,” he said.

He said that there were a total of 75 buildings built on stilts in Kukup and Kampung Air Masin that were operating as chalets and homestays.

Following the announcement by Mohamed Khaled on the new road linking Tanjung Pelepas in Gelang Patah to Tanjung Bin here, which will be built by 2020, more people are expected to visit Pontian.

Wee said that following the completion of the road, Tanjung Piai, which includes Kukup and Kampung Air Masin, could be transformed into a travel industry, in line with the state government’s plan to make the state an economic powerhouse.

“By turning Tanjung Piai into a travel industry, it will not only provide job opportunities for the locals here but also allow locals to operate businesses such as chalets, restaurants and other services,” he said.

He added that the multiple breeding farms in the area could also propel Tanjung Piai to become an aquaculture industry.

Wee proposed that by ensuring the businesses operating in the fishing villages were licensed and in good condition, the homeowners would be able to operate their businesses safely and also aid in the economic growth of the state.

In his speech, Mohamed Khaled said the fishing villages in Tanjung Piai had huge potential to attract tourists, adding that locals would benefit from the establishment of the area as a tourist hotspot.

He added that several other future projects approved by the Federal government would also be of benefit to the residents of Tanjung Piai, such as a road linking Pekan Nanas directly to Tanjung Piai.

He said that a task force under the Pontian district officer Onn Jabbar would be put together to examine the buildings and businesses in the fishing village, before carrying out the necessary procedures to legalise the businesses.

Also present at the visit to SJK(C) Ken Boon at Kukup Laut here was Johor Tourism, Domestic and Consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, state secretary Azmi Rohani, Tanjung Piai Umno chief Datuk Md Othman Yusof and Onn Jabbar.