Bandar Seri Begawan- After having received an award with its tourism industry as a natural selection for its 'One Village, One Product' initiative, which has given the village stronger winds to sail further, Kg Sungai Matan, strategically located among the serenity of the Brunei River and the doorstep of Brunei's rich bio-diversity, is now looking to expand its existing project and enrich its product to a much wider product portfolio and go beyond just tourism.

After receiving first place in the Bronze category for its 'Fishing Village and Homestay' project at the 2nd Excellent Village Award (AKC) 2012 yesterday, the Village Head of Kg Sg Matan in an interview with the Bulletin said preparations are under way to expand its current project with support from the Tourism Development Department through the 'Know Your Country' (KNK) initiative.

Pg Hj Abdul Rahman Pg Hj Zainal added that the village will open new homestays and further expands the services further to cater for the increasing number of visitors.

He said by 2013, the village will have a cultural stage built for tourists and visitors to experience cultural performances from the village.

As part of Kg Sungai Matan's drive in expanding its array of products, they are coming up with the production of a local snack, Keropok Lekor, and also shrimp paste, locally known as 'belacan'.

Another project aiming towards not just profits but also environmental sustainability, he said, would be the making of handicrafts and products from recycled newspapers and junk. "We are encouraging our village people to recycle and convert them into useful products which we have exhibited at the award ceremony," he added.

Looking to the future after winning the award, the village hhief said their efforts were not just aimed at winning the award but also in helping to generate the economy of the village and for the welfare of its people.

"We strive to transform our village as a place that can generate economical and sustainable benefits for the MPK itself and the village's people," he added.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin