By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Dec 6: The ‘Borneo Heights Destination’ magazine was launched today to promote pristine tourist destinations in Padawan area.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said more such magazines will be published in the future to promote the area, which is rich in adventure and nature.
“In Padawan area, we have plenty of (tourist destinations) to promote and share.
“So for this magazine, it is just a beginning because we will come up with more editions as time goes by to promote the nature, Bidayuh cuisine, festivals and culture,” Dr Jerip told reporters after the launching ceremony.
According to Dr Jerip, who is Mambong assemblyman, Padawan has 45 waterfalls and 48 caves, hot-springs, and an authentic Bidayuh longhouse to promote to both locals and outsiders.
Dr Jerip also said infrastructure like roads are already connected to the villages which have plenty of waterfalls and caves.
“For the waterfalls, we are improving the accessibility like jungle trekking to ensure safety, particularly for children,” he stressed.
He pointed out that Internet coverage will also be improved at three villages—Kpg Sting, Kpg Nyegor and Kpg Muk Ayun—situated at the upper reaches of Bengoh dam.
Dr Jerip also pointed out that RM20 million has been approved under Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) to improve the Kpg Sapit road to R3 of Public Works Department (JKR) standard.
“With all these in place, Padawan area will be greatly benefit from the tourism sector,” Dr Jerip pointed out.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Jerip said he has received feedback that Padawan is such a beautiful place.
He also said that the magazine will be distributed to hotels across Sarawak.
The magazine, he said, will also be distributed to airlines like AirAsia and MASWings as a way to promote Padawan.
He hoped that all tourism players will help promote the magazine to both local and international tourists and be part of the success story of the tourism industry in Padawan and Sarawak as a whole.
At the ceremony, Dr Jerip also presented 200 uniform vouchers to 14 schools in Mambong constituency, each worth RM200 from Yayasan Sarawak.
Also present were Siburan district officer Ranum Bari, Sarawak Administrative Officer (SAO) from Padawan sub-district Julius Scott Sapong, Persatuan Usahawan Bidayuh Penrissen (PUBP) chairman Jores Sedek, who helped with the publication of the magazine, chief editor & creative direct of the magazine Associate Prof Dr Qistina Donna Lee, who is also Deputy Dean (Research and Commercialisation) Faculty of Applied & Creative Art from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and chief executive officer of GKCDA Datu Ik Pahon Joyik. — DayakDaily
