By Karen Bong
DARO, July 17: Belawai is poised to emerge as a new resort town and tourism destination for the Kuala Rajang region under Sarawak’s long-term development plans, with a golf course among the key attractions planned to draw visitors to the area.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that Belawai would be developed into a recreational and holiday destination as part of efforts to unlock the tourism and economic potential of the region.
“Belawai will become a resort. It will be a vacation area and Belawai will have a golf course. It will become an attraction for the whole Kuala Rajang area,” he said when addressing the Leaders with People’s gathering for the Daro constituency in conjunction with the Daro Festival, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel today.
He said the development would be further supported by improved road connectivity linking Daro, Tanjung Manis and Belawai, allowing visitors to explore the region more easily.
Abang Johari said the Kuala Rajang area possesses valuable natural assets, including its coastal landscape, mangrove forests and wetlands, which can be sustainably developed while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
He stressed that tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation, particularly as Sarawak seeks to leverage its natural resources through emerging economic opportunities such as carbon trading.
The Premier also highlighted the role of improved air connectivity in boosting tourism and business opportunities, especially through Sarawak’s own airline, AirBorneo.
He said the state-owned airline would help make travel more affordable for Sarawakians while promoting Sarawak’s products, culture and destinations to visitors.
“We want to serve dabai rice on our own aircraft AirBorneo. When we want to take our families on holiday, we always worry because ticket prices keep increasing. Economy class can cost RM700, and a return trip can exceed RM1,000 for one person.
“So with our own airline, once a year, if you want to go on holiday, the price can be RM375 or RM399 to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, including baggage, while passengers can enjoy dabai rice and Sarawak brand’s water called ORKID,” he said.
Abang Johari said Air Borneo would also help bring more tourists to Sarawak, allowing visitors arriving in Kuching to travel to destinations such as Daro and Kuala Rajang.
“When tourists come to Kuching, they can travel by motorcycle from Kuching to Daro to look for terubok fish. This means business will increase with the presence of tourists,” he said.
He added that Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had suggested expanding the airline’s network to destinations such as Jeju Island in South Korea, which shares similarities with Sarawak’s Delta Geopark that has been recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
“Insha-Allah, our planes will fly to Jakarta, ASEAN and East Asia. We will no longer depend on others; we will have our own aircraft. Sarawakians must broaden their minds and see the world so that we can gain ideas on how to develop our State,” he said.
Abang Johari said the combination of tourism infrastructure, improved connectivity and sustainable development would position Kuala Rajang as a new growth area while bringing greater economic benefits to local communities.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad were among the distinguished guests present at the event. — DayakDaily
