The Rural and Regional Development Ministry is prepared to collaborate with other government agencies to develop village areas along the country's river banks with various economic projects.

Its minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said besides agriculture projects, tourism and fish breeding could also be developed to improve the residents' standard of living.

"With proper planning and commercialisation, using various methods and modern technology, the projects can provide lucrative income for residents."

Ismail Sabri was speaking to reporters after a reception and handing out aid to Sungai Pahang caged fish breeders in Kampung Kuala Triang, near Bera in Pahang yesterday.

He said there were old villages and areas along river banks in the state which had been successfully developed with various projects, hence benefiting the residents.

- Bernama