By DayakDaily Team
BAU, May 16: Tasik Biru is poised to become the site of Sarawak’s privately-owned zoo, ushering in a new era for the Bau district as a promising tourism hub in the Borneo region.
In a TVS news report, Tecktonic & Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Lee Chin Teck shared that the zoo’s development is part of the larger Tasik Biru Resort City project.
“This zoo will serve as a major driver for tourism growth in Bau.
“We are in the process of applying for a license from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), and if approved, construction will commence this year with an estimated cost of RM30 million,” he announced during the launching of Bau District 205th Anniversary celebration, Tasik Biru Festival 2025 and Tasik Biru Resort City on Thursday (May 15).
The event was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The zoo is designed to house a diverse range of exotic animals, including tigers, lions, and giraffes, and will be strategically located next to the historic Blue Lake, an area renowned for its gold mining history dating back to 1820.
Lee revealed that the inspiration for the zoo stemmed from his visits to several zoos across Southeast Asia and the world-famous Butchart Gardens in Canada, which was once a limestone mining site.
“This zoo will be more than just a place to observe animals. It will be part of a broader development that includes hotels, apartments, a theme park, and a lakeside boulevard, transforming Bau into a premier tourism destination comparable to Sunway,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the project to ensure the sustainable and responsible restoration of the former mining site.
“Bau is no longer a distant destination. With this development, it will evolve into a modern, competitive tourism hotspot in Sarawak,” Lee added.
Through the Tasik Biru Resort City development and the opening of the 11th Lepapa branch in Bau, over 250 job opportunities have been created for local residents.
“This is our 11th branch, and this year, I plan to open new branches in Selangau and Lawas, each expected to be three times the size of our current locations,” he revealed. — DayakDaily
