By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Dec 6: Sarawak wants the federal government to allocate more funds for the construction of tourism infrastructure in the State, including public toilets, parking spaces, and other amenities.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told reporters this today at a press conference following the ‘Sarawak Tourism’s Next Gen Digital Platform’ event at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
“Normally, the federal tourism ministry will assist with our State’s tourism infrastructure, so we are hopeful that our new (federal) Minister of Tourism (Dato Sri Tiong King Sing) will be able to address all of our concerns,” Abdul Karim emphasised.
When asked what areas he would discuss with Tiong regarding the State’s tourism infrastructure, Abdul Karim said: “Well, tourism in Sarawak cannot avoid the natural wonders that we have, such as the jungles and natural parks, and tourists now come to Sarawak not for shopping, but to experience nature.
“So, we need to build good facilities for them, such as public toilets and parking spaces, and we’re hoping that the federal tourism ministry will come over and assist us.”
He also asserted that facilities such as public toilets and parking spaces cannot be simply delegated to the local councils.
“So far, I’m pleased to see another Sarawakian appointed as Malaysia’s tourism minister.
“At least he is a Sarawakian, so it will be easier to communicate and call him up to discuss (matters regarding the State’s tourism).
“Kalau orang Sarawak, they will never forget about Sarawak, and that is certainly how people view him, so I’m very pleased and will wait for him to settle in before paying him a courtesy call,” Abdul Karim added when asked to comment on the new federal tourism minister. — DayakDaily
