Mohamed Khaled (right) visiting Kampung Kuala Masai.

JOHOR BARU: The state government, through Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), has identified a total of 17 traditional villages in Iskandar Malaysia for a pilot project to preserve and further develop them.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the 17 traditional villages were part of the total of 45 villages situated in Iskandar Malaysia, which qualify to be involved in the pilot project.

“The development will be carried out based on the villages strength or specialty where the objective is to preserve the traditional elements of these villages although they are surrounded by mass development in the state.

“There will be a lot of opportunities offered to the villagers in the project to help further increase their family income and boost the economy,” he said in a press conference after visiting Kampung Kuala Masai here yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled also said the pilot project would start with the two villages first - Kampung Kuala Masai and Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru - before proceeding to other villages in stages.

For Kampung Kuala Masai, he said it was suggested that the village open up seafood restaurants as most of its villagers were fishermen and can supply a variety of seafood to attract more tourists to their village.

For Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru, a floating market was among the ideas that were suggested.

He said cooperation from all parties was vital to ensure the project was successful.

“We hope to engage with as many villages as we possibly can for the benefit of all,” he said, adding that the project started early this year.