KUCHING, August 18: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing recently brought local communities from Bakun, Murum and Baleh to visit Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu to expose them to ways lakes can be transformed into tourist attractions.
He hoped such a trip could spark the creativity of the community to turn the lakes in the Bakun, Murum and proposed Baleh hydroelectric dams (HEPs) into money spinners.
“We have three big hydro lakes, but we haven’t utilise them to the fullest,” said the deputy chief minister. “We must develop these assets in stages.”
To draw in local and foreign tourists, Masing said “accessibility is a prerequisite”, to be followed by “attractions” and top-notch marketing and promotions.
“With the development of local talents, we may be able to keep these destinations attractive and sustainable,” he opined, adding it would generate revenue for the locals and state.
At present, Bakun and Murum HEP Dams are already in full operation, while the one in Baleh is still under construction. The Bakun lake is the size of Singapore, has a spectacular scenery and is dotted with more than 2,000 islands. — DayakDaily
