By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 9: The road from the Jalan Sultan Tengah roundabout to Damai will be upgraded into a dual carriageway under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Apart from this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that hotel accommodations will also be upgraded to meet tourism needs especially international tourists.
He said these projects will augur well with the newly launched Sarawak Delta Geopark which has been recommended by the Sarawak government to be recognised as a National Geopark and Unesco Global Geopark.
“As for (the upgrading of) Santubong Resort, it is still under planning. We have plans to develop it with a facility for astronomy observation and an allocation has been obtained,” he told a press conference after launching the Sarawak Delta Geopark at Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong today.
On concerns that infrastructure development around the area will have an impact on the natural environment, Abang Johari emphasised that the government will strive to strike a balance between development and environment.
“We will not limit the development surrounding the area but as I have mentioned, there must be a balance between development and conservation of the natural environment.
“We cannot over-develop and that’s why we have SPA (Sarawak Planning Unit), as planning is crucial in developing urban areas and housing in the utilisation of land. If they can co-exist, that’s our way,” he said.
He added that this was the reason that the Sarawak Coastguard was established to protect Sarawak’s long coastlines and territorial waters from the intrusion of foreign vessels.
“We also take care of our (coastal) border. We have Talang Satang National Park and Tanjung Sepak which is a famous diving spot where the Japanese shipwrecks are located.
“We want to promote the areas for tourists. We must guard our national parks as (we are aware) that many precious valuables have been stolen from the three Japanese shipwrecks,” he added. — DayakDaily
