Daniel Lim
Near the intersection of Jalan Tengah and Jalan Taripas in Kuala Belait, on a grassy open space next to a lagoon, residents of RPN Kampong Panaga gather every weekend to relax and enjoy the calm and picturesque waterside scenery.
Vendors and entrepreneurs set up shop, selling food, drinks, clothes and fishing accessories to visitors of all ages.
It was only recently that the local villagers decided to turn the scenic location into a weekend rest spot.
“The lagoon wasn’t part of the village at first but villagers raised the idea to make full use of the space and transform it to a location to do business and a place to relax,” said Acting Village Head of RPN Kampong Panaga Mohd Arifin bin Abdullah.
A committee was formed to decide how to best make use of the space, eventually deciding that the convenient location would be a good place for activities and a weekend tamu.
“After discussing with the village’s residents, the open field located beside the lagoon, which we named ’Panaga Lagoon’, is now serving as a community centre for business owners and entrepreneurs of the village,” said Mohd Arifin.
The acting village head said he hoped the community will continue to collaborate and give rise to more business opportunities.
“The activities held here have been well-received since it started in January, and it has been ongoing ever since,” said head of the Panaga Lagoon Committee Khairul Abidin bin Md Yassin.
“Alhamdullilah, we not only received positive feedback from visitors but also from vendors who expressed interest in setting up their booths and stalls and promoting their businesses,” he said.
“We are still trialling with activities here and the committee also has plans to host various fun events and activities at the lagoon that will help enliven the atmosphere of the village,” he said.
