The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH), continues to strengthen rural economic development through the official handover and launch of two river cruise boats, KHALIFAH 1 and KHALIFAH 2, to Koperasi Warisan Seberang Takir Terengganu Berhad (KOWARIS).

The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Dr. Roslan bin Mahmood, Deputy Secretary-General (Development), KKDW. The Terengganu Drawbridge River Cruise Project, implemented under the KKDW's Desa Lestari Programme, involved an allocation of RM1 million, with KETENGAH acting as the Implementing and Paying Agency. Both Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) cruise boats, measuring 45 feet x 10 feet, are equipped with air-conditioned cabins and twin outboard engines with 250 horsepower each, to enhance river tourism services in Seberang Takir.

This initiative is expected to become a new local tourism attraction, in addition to opening up income generation and employment opportunities for the community, especially the 64 KOWARIS members, the majority of whom are low-income fishermen. KETENGAH hopes that these facilities can be optimally utilised through efficient and systematic cooperative management to ensure the sustainability of the project and continuous economic benefits for the local community.

This effort reflects KETENGAH's continuous commitment to empowering community economy and supporting inclusive and sustainable rural development.