By Jacob Achoi
BAU, Feb 23: The proposed Bau Gold Mining Museum and Park is in the process of being sited, says Second Assistant Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep.
He said the appointment of consultants and designers and the open tender will follow after the completion of the siting process.
“For the RM15 million Bau Gold Mining Museum and Park, which was initiated in 2017, it is in the process of being sited, and we are working very hard to get it done,” Henry told reporters at his residence at Bung Konis during a media appreciation hi-tea programme recently.
He added that a meeting was held last week with the Land and Survey Department, Economic Planning Unit, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and State Planning Authority, among others, on how to move forward and expedite the project.
“For the project, we are very serious to get it started and done,” the Tasik Biru assemblyman pointed out, adding that the RM15 million allocation was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in December last year.
Henry asserted that the project will become a landmark for Bau given the historical importance of gold mining in Bau since about 200 years ago, and which also gave birth to Bau town.
He went on to explain that the museum will be similar to those in Australia and New Zealand, but having the added advantage for visitors from Asean countries to visit because of the relative nearness compared to the earlier mentioned two countries.
“We will be at the losing end if we don’t tap into the gold mining history that we have here (in Bau),” he asserted.
On mining activities, he said no mining activities are being carried out in Bau at the moment, and hoped that the government would relook into mining leases to develop the land for other purpose.
Henry also revealed that he is looking into increasing trading bays for hawkers in Tasik Biru, given the location’s vibrancy due to the completion of Tasik Biru Resort City.
“Step by step, we are looking into ways for our local businessmen to do business in the area,” he added. — DayakDaily
