by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 21: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) signed a concession agreement with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL), renowned for managing nature-based tourism sites in Sabah such as Kinabalu Park and the Laban Rata Rest House at Mount Kinabalu, to operate and enhance tourism facilities in two of Sarawak’s iconic national parks; Niah and Tanjung Datu.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), under the 20-year agreement, with an option for a further 20 years, SSL is granted operating and development rights for accommodation and food & beverage services in both parks. The initiative supports Sarawak’s goal to advance eco-tourism, promote community-based tourism, and preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
SSL manages nature-based tourism facilities in Sabah, including Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata Rest House, Manukan Island, and Poring Hot Springs. It is now bringing its award-winning conservation-tourism expertise and model to Sarawak.
At Niah National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 40,000-year-old archaeological legacy and limestone caves, SSL is expected to begin upgrades by the end of 2025. Plans include new accommodations, dining facilities, a swimming pool, and bars, all designed to preserve the site’s environmental and historical integrity.
Meanwhile, in Tanjung Datu National Park, renowned for its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity, a boutique eco-retreat featuring private villas, a spa, and a restaurant will be developed over the next three years. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable design, passive cooling, biophilic elements, and low-impact construction.
This public-private partnership reflects the Sarawak government’s long-term strategy to strengthen protected area management while stimulating the local economy through environmentally responsible tourism.
The concession agreement signing ceremony was officiated by SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran and SSL president Dato Zarazilah Mohd Ali and witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan representing Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
Also present to witness the ceremony were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary to the State Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and other senior officials. – DayakDaily
