By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Dec 12: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) fully endorses any initiative which helps to put Sarawak on the world map.
MTCP permanent secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee stated this before launching the ‘Malaysian Naturalist – Sarawak’s Biodiversity at a Glance’ magazine, which was held today at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II in Petra Jaya here.
“The ministry provides a large number of event grants to organisations that submit proposals to the ministry in accordance with promoting tourism in the State,” Hii said.
He also emphasised that this is in line with Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, as the State’s aspiration is to promote Sarawak as the preferred destination for ecotourism and business events.
“We need to empower the local community and conserve our biodiversity, arts, and cultural heritage, and we will do so in a responsible and sustainable manner,” he added.
The ‘Malaysian Naturalist’ special edition “Sarawak’s Biodiversity at a Glance”, published by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), will introduce readers to Sarawak’s natural and wildlife wonders.
The special edition magazine includes articles on caves and hidden landscapes below and above ground, forests and plants, wildlife, and the people of Sarawak.
Hii commended MNS’ initiative to publish the magazine, noting that the ministry is proud to support such a project and anticipates more in the near future.
He also proposed that MNS organise a bird-watching festival with the ministry’s support in the future to further promote what Sarawak has to offer to the world and international markets.
“We did organise an Asian Bird Fair in 2018 or 2019, and we can look into collaborating on a bird-watching festival.
“We can give you grants as we have a lot of event grants. So, propose to us, and we can consider doing a bird watching festival in Buntal,” he told MNS.
Hii also said that Sarawak is focusing on the five pillars of tourism promotion, which are Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF).
MNS is a volunteer organisation which has focused on conservation and environmental education for over 80 years.
However, the Kuching Branch is relatively young as it was only established in 1997.
The special edition magazine is available at RM60 per copy. To purchase the magazine, contact the MNS secretariat at 016-8909468 or email mnskuching@gmail.com.
The purchase of the special edition magazine will support the society and its work.
Also present at the event were MNS president Vincent Chow and MNS Kuching Branch chairperson Rose Au. — DayakDaily
