KAMUNTING: The Government’s efforts to put up more streetlights have been well-received by villagers under the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency.

Homemaker Rosmawati Ismail, 55, who lives in Kampung Perak, said she and many others were particularly concerned about the 6m-long tunnel at the entrance to their village.

“There is a highway above it, so we have to use this tunnel to go in and out of the village,” she said.

“Before the streetlights were installed, it was completely dark. I heard many stories from my neighbours about snatch thieves lurking there.”

Rosmawati added that she used to worry about her three children, aged 21 to 29, whenever they had to go out at night.

The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development started the project in 2003 with Tenaga Nasional Berhad as the project implementer.

“Now that the streetlights have been installed, everyone feels safer. The village also looks lovely at night under the glow of these streetlights,” she said.

Rosmawati’s neighbour Sazuana Sabri, 28, who works as a babysitter, said she used to carry pepper sprays whenever she went out at night.

“Ever since the Government started installing the streetlights in the village, I feel more comfortable going out at night,” she said.

Retiree Mohd Anuan Hussein, who lives in Kampung Pinang Seberang, said that before there were streetlights, only youths could be seen loitering outside at night while the elderly folk would stay indoors.

“With the Government’s efforts to install more streetlights, villagers like me no longer have to fear for our safety when we walk outside at night,” said the 73-year-old.

Mohd Anuan, who lives with his wife and two-year-old granddaughter, said he hoped the Government could continue its efforts.