By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, July 29: The concession given to a company to develop Borneo Highland Resorts has been terminated by the State government.
In disclosing this, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision was made last year after the company Country Height failed to fulfill the agreement to develop the area after more than 10 years.
“The Borneo Highland Resorts has been given concession to the public listed company more than 10 years ago where the state has 30 per cent equity.
“However, we were made to understand that the company did not fulfill the agreement, so the State government decided to terminate the agreement between Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) and the company,” he told reporters last night.
He has earlier officiated at the opening of Bidayuh Mystique Festival 2022 organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP) at St Paul Parish Hall, along Jalan Borneo Height.
Abdul Karim said the State government was prepared in the event of a legal battle in the case.
“Whether the case will be legally contested, we will wait but the State government is prepared,” he stressed, adding that it would be sub-judice for him to comment further.
According to Abdul Karim, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been given the responsibility to take care of the area at the moment where the decision was made during the last cabinet meeting.
The minister pointed out that the state government has a thorough plan to develop the area, which is more than 5,000 acres to become a prestine tourist destination and modern agriculture activities.
“The state government has a thorough plan to develop the whole area both for tourists destination and modern agriculture that will benefit the local communities,” he remarked.
He also said that he will more than happy if his ministry be given the responsibility to develop the area.
Present was Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Willie Mongin, who is Puncak Borneo MP and patron of PSBP. — DayakDaily
