BOOSTING AGRO-TOURISM The Johor government will consider converting Pulau Pisang in Pontian here into an agro-tourism attraction. Johor Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries exco Ismail Mohamed said the suggestion, brought up by Johor Farmers Association (PPNJ), would be forwarded to Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin soon. PPNJ had suggested for the island to be used for cattle breeding and birds’ nest harvesting as the area was also a natural habitat for swiftlet. “It is a good idea as we want the island to be a tourist attraction at the same time, able to generate income for the agriculture sector,” he said after launching PPNJ’s 35th annual general meeting here. Ismail added that the initiative on PPNJ’s part was positive as such activities could benefit various parties especially in the agriculture and tourism sectors. He said the Johor Economic Planning Unit would conduct feasibility study of Pulau Pisang to study the viability of turning the island as a cattle breeding centre and birds nest harvesting. Meanwhile, PPNJ chairman Datuk Seri Saipolbahari Suib, who mooted the idea, said about RM4mil would be needed to implement the first phase of the project. “This includes the building of three swiftlet houses and the purchasing of 1,000 heads of cattle,” he added. However, Saipolbahari said that the idea was still in its planning stages and the proposal would be handed to the state government soon. Pulau Pisang is located in the southern part of Johor, some five kilometres away from Benut town in Pontian and 12km away from Pontian Kechil. It also houses the Pulau Pisang lighthouse operated by the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority in an agreement signed between the late Sultan Ibrahim and Straits Settle-ments Governor Sir James Alexander Swettenham on Oct 6, 1900. thestar.my/News/Community/2013/10/02/Boosting-agrotourism-Plans-to-use-Pulau-Pisang-for-cattle-breeding-and-birds-nest-harvesting.aspx
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 08:22:15 +0000
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