By DayakDaily Team
SRI AMAN, Aug 14: The RM1.5 million Benak Viewing Tower project at the Sri Aman Waterfront is expected to become a new attraction to strengthen the tourism sector in Simanggang town.
According to Sri Aman Resident Mahra Salleh, representing Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, the project would take nine months to complete and is expected to be ready by May 2027.
He said the two-storey, 10-metre-high tower would be equipped with toilets and facilities for visitors to observe the tidal bore phenomenon and view wildlife along the Batang Lupar, particularly crocodiles.
“This will be another landmark for us in Simanggang town, and given the project’s location at the Simanggang Waterfront, it is expected to become a focal point for the public to watch the tidal bore.
“For example, visitors can go up the tower to watch the tidal bore or observe the wildlife here, particularly crocodiles, as Batang Lupar is well known for its crocodiles. Tourists, especially those from outside Sri Aman, can come here to watch the tidal bore and crocodiles.
“The tower will also serve as a facility during the Benak Festival, with amenities such as toilets and space for the public to take photographs,” he said after the symbolic handover of the Benak Viewing Tower project site in here today, as reported by TVS.
Meanwhile, he said the RM4.5 million Pangkalan Ikan Bulu (Ikan Bulu Centre) project was now at the final evaluation stage and was expected to be implemented in the fourth quarter of this year.
He said the project would feature a cafe, stalls, and a market, providing visitors with a more organised space to purchase ikan bulu and enjoy local food.
“The estimated cost is RM4.5 million. It is currently at the final stage of the process and may be implemented in the fourth quarter of this year. We will first proceed with the tower project, followed by the second project, which is the Pangkalan Ikan Bulu,” he said.
He said the implementation of both projects was expected to provide tourists with more destination choices while stimulating local economic activity.
The arrival of more visitors is also expected to benefit traders and the local community through increased business activity and tourism-related economic opportunities. — DayakDaily
