Relocation seen as best fix for Langkawi's Bukit Malut, with rebranding proposed
A resettlement plan stalled for more than two decades is now being pushed as the way to redevelop the village and reshape its image.
LANGKAWI – A proposal to resettle the Bukit Malut community, stalled for more than two decades, is now seen as the best solution to spur development in the area while shaping a new image for it.
Among the recommendations put forward by relevant parties is restructuring the existing settlement, including rebranding the village to create a more positive image, lift investor confidence and boost tourism in the area.
A security agency source said Bukit Malut is estimated to have about 800 land-based housing units and 500 units built over water, requiring more orderly development planning to accommodate population growth.
“The proposed restructuring of the area must be carried out in a planned manner, focusing on relocating the water-based settlement, which is described as no longer suitable for long-term development.
“That means any new construction involving houses over water can no longer be allowed, to prevent the growth of unplanned settlements,” the source told Utusan Malaysia.
The newspaper reported a day earlier that Bukit Malut is not a Rohingya settlement as has been widely claimed — including assertions that 15,000 people of the ethnic group live there — but that the majority of residents are from the Kedah Malay Muslim (MIK) community, with its own distinct historical background.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Na'eim Ajis, a lecturer at the School of Government, College of Law, Government and International Studies (COLGIS) at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said studies and authorities' data show about 92.2 per cent of the 5,500 residents hold MyKad.
The same source said a police post in Bukit Malut has also been proposed to strengthen security and give confidence to residents and outside visitors.
“At the same time, efforts to correct public perception of Bukit Malut are listed among the priorities in the area's development plan,” the source said.
Such steps, the source said, are believed capable of transforming Bukit Malut's image from one often linked to various negative perceptions into a more orderly, safe community with development potential. – UTUSAN
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