By DayakDaily Team
NIAH, Sept 22: A flagship programme for Niah Caves is being explored to further elevate the Unesco World Heritage Site as a major tourism attraction and drive a wider tourism circuit linking Miri, Niah, and surrounding communities.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Deputy Foreign Minister Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni said this followed a discussion on the future direction of the Niah Caves with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“One of the things mentioned by the Sarawak Premier was for us to think about how to elevate Niah Caves by having a flagship programme.
“The programme should not be a one-off event but must have a plan spanning at least five, 10 or even 15 years,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Park Guide Training Programme organised by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) at Niah National Park here on Monday (Sept 21).
The Sibuti MP said Niah’s Unesco status should be leveraged to attract more visitors and generate economic spillovers for local communities.
“Miri, as a gateway, together with the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road networks, allows Niah National Park to be connected with other tourism attractions.
“The involvement of local communities is also important to ensure tourism development at Niah Caves brings economic benefits to residents in the surrounding areas,” he said.
According to SFC records, Niah National Park received 29,426 visitors in 2025, including 3,329 international tourists, and is expected to reopen as early as October this year.
Lukanisman said the Park Guide Course also strengthened community involvement in efforts to preserve Niah National Park’s natural treasures and heritage.
He hoped the park guides would serve as ‘mini ambassadors’ in introducing visitors to Niah’s history, heritage and unique natural environment. — DayakDaily
