Five years ago, most residents of the Kampung Seberang Ramai area in Kuala Perlis relied on the sea for their livelihood. Today, the area has reinvented itself as a community-based tourism destination, ushering in a new chapter of economic growth driven by more diverse sources of income.
Following a transformation programme launched in 2020, the area is now collectively known as Kampung Warna-Warni Seberang Ramai, where traditional kampung houses are painted in vibrant colours, and beautiful gardens abound.
The villagers also offer choley motorcycle (Thai-style three-wheeled motorcycle) rides to tourists, and sell traditional kuih and snacks to earn a living without depending solely on the day’s catch.
Kampung Tengah Seberang Ramai Rukun Tetangga committee member Nor Erwan Abd Rashid, 44, said the transformation has revitalised the local economy, particularly for residents who previously depended on fishing and seasonal businesses.
“Previously, about 40% to 50% of the residents here relied on the sea to make ends meet.
“But since being transformed into a tourism area, we have seen a significant shift, with tourist arrivals becoming an important source of income for the community,” he said during an event recently.
Nor Erwan said the growing number of visitors has also benefited small traders, particularly those selling traditional Perlis delicacies such as Perlis laksa, kuih spera, pulut udang, putu beras, bepang, kuih putu kacang, dodol and halwa maskat.
Kampung Warna-Warni Seberang Ramai comprises seven villages – Kampung Tengah, Kampung Hujung Tanjung, Kampung Tandiap, Kampung Seberang Alor, Kampung Baru Seberang, Kampung Seberang Jaya and Kampung Pulau Ketam – with a combined population of about 3,000.
The transformation of the area was the brainchild of the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the project was carried out with the support of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra Perlis, as well as various government agencies, private sector organisations and the local community.
Nor Erwan said the success of the transformation programme must be sustained through the continued commitment of residents to maintain the area’s cleanliness and overall appeal.
“Certain lanes in the area have been entrusted to residents to ensure they remain attractive, while some neighbourhoods have set up community donation funds to finance the maintenance of their landscaped areas.
“In the past, littering was a major issue here, but today residents are far more conscious about keeping their surroundings clean. We hope this area will remain vibrant, clean and continue attracting visitors,” he said.
The transformation has also created new income opportunities for local youths, including choley motorcycle rider Muhammad Andhar Hakim Abdul Rahman, 26, who now divides his time between assisting fishermen in the morning and taking tourists on village tours in the afternoon.
“This job has helped supplement my income while giving me the opportunity to introduce my village to visitors,” he said.
The tourism-driven economic spillover has also benefited trader Saodah Yunus, 76, from Kampung Tandiap here, who runs a stall selling fruits, chips and dried fish at the nearby jetty.
“The arrival of tourists has boosted my daily income. This area has become beautiful. People support us and many buy our products. I hope it will become even more attractive, livelier and continue to prosper,” she said. – Bernama
