Tangkak declared as tourism district

Tangkak has been declared a tourism district in line with the Johor State Planning Master Plan 2016-2020 to turn the tourism sector as the main contributor to the district's economic growth.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Hamim Samuri said Tangkak was lucky to have been blessed with wonders of nature, especially the Gunung Ledang, which were capable of attracting tourists and nature lovers.

"For a start, the ministry has agreed to provide an allocation of RM200,000 to create a mini magic garden next to the Tangkak Mosque, and an allocation of RM800,000 to improve the landscape of Tangkak toll plaza area with Gunung Ledang plants species and the Bukit Gambir toll plaza area with Johor state forest plants.

"Besides, I also agreed to approve the allocation of RM200,000 to set up a big electronic screen at Dataran Ledang to enable local residents to watch football matches, especially those involving the Johor Darul Ta'zim squad."

He said this at the declaration ceremony and the launch of Tangkak District Council Strategic Development Plan 2016-2020 in conjunction with Johor Tangkak 2016 Semarak programme organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry at Dataran Ledang here Saturday night.

Also launched at the event was a Coffee Table Book titled 'Biodiversity of Gunung Ledang-Mountaineering the Nature' produced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Hamim, who is also Ledang MP, said there were 22 old and new tourism products identified in the draft of Tangkak District Local Plan 2016-2020, which include the Sawah Ring, mushroom farm, lobster fishing activity in Sungai Muar, as well as textile centre in Tangkak town.

"Tourism sector could create and offer many employment opportunities, such as in the field of hospitality, transportation, light industry and other tourism-related activities, so local residents must grab and use this

opportunities wisely to earn extra income.

"In the future, several new attractions will also be built in Tangkak, including a racing circuit in Gerisik and a furniture exhibition centre, to lure more visitors to the district," he added.