By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 19: The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM241.02 million to improve tourism facilities across national parks and nature reserves.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the initiative, managed by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), involves the implementation of multiple projects aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and position totally protected areas (TPAs) as prime eco-tourism destinations in the region.
“A total of 14 projects were approved for the improvement of tourism facilities at national parks and nature reserves and adjacent locations with a total ceiling of RM120,510,830 and three projects were approved under Projek Rakyat amounting to RM71,277,830 to improve and enhance tourism facilities at Niah National Park and Sadong Jaya Mangrove.
“Additionally, five projects were approved under 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) amounting to RM21,333,000 to improve and enhance tourism facilities at Santubong National Park, Lundu Tourist Support Centre at Lundu and Sematan, Kubah National Park, Similajau National Park and Matang Wildlife Centre; and six projects were approved under Alternative Fund amounting to RM27,900,000 to improve and enhance tourism facilities at location Gunung Lesong, Batang Ai and Sabal National Parks,” he said when presenting his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
On the geotourism product development of Sarawak Delta Geopark, Abdul Karim said his ministry is collaborating with other relevant agencies and tourism operators in developing and packaging geotrails for Bau, Padawan, Bako and Santubong areas for promotion by tour operators.
“This will complement the existing tourism packages as other tourism destinations in the State,” he added. — DayakDaily
