By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 27: Sarawak’s national parks, crucial eco-tourism destinations, are plagued by poor maintenance and rundown facilities, and urgent action is needed to address these issues instead of hiding them, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Calling for a critical reassessment of park infrastructure which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Abdul Karim highlighted long-standing problems such as ageing chalets, water shortages, and poor management at popular destinations such as Bako, Kubah, and Mulu National Parks.
He warned that these conditions risk damaging Sarawak’s reputation as a top eco-tourism destination.
“When tourists, like those from Europe, plan their trip to Sarawak, they do their research first. Like us when travelling, they would ask: Is the place safe? Is it hygienic? How is the food? But always at the top of the list are security, safety, and facilities,” he told a press conference when officiating the flagging off ceremony for D’Drift 2025 at DayakDaily office today.
While acknowledging that eco-tourism is Sarawak’s main tourism product, Abdul Karim was forthright about the deficiencies in park management. He cited Bako National Park, Sarawak’s most visited national park, as a glaring example of neglect.
“Look at the chalets, look at the water problem. Sometimes those in charge of managing these places try to hide the issues from my ministry. But you cannot hide from tourists. When they see problems, they post them on social media,” he said.
He also revealed an incident where park authorities attempted to stop providing basic amenities such as towels and soap in the chalets. “I barked at them. Why? You don’t expect tourists to bring their own towels and soap,” he added.
Abdul Karim did not mince words about the conditions at Kubah National Park either. “The chalets at Kubah are totally run down. How many years do you need to take to upgrade? Tourism brings in revenue, so look at it from that angle,” he stressed.
He urged those responsible for national park management to uphold their “amanah” (duty and responsibility) by ensuring that Sarawak’s eco-tourism sector remains competitive and appealing.
“We must admit, there are lots of things that we need to do. We are not here forever. When we are entrusted with responsibility, we must do it well,” he asserted.
On whether Kuching has enough shopping malls to accommodate tourists, Abdul Karim said Sarawak should strengthen the handicraft industry and focus on offering unique cultural experiences rather than more retail outlets.
“Visitors do not come to Sarawak for shopping malls. If they want shopping, they go to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Jakarta. They come here for a different experience,” he explained.
He highlighted how tourists from China often describe Sarawak as a “lung-cleansing” destination due to its pristine environment and warned that pollution could severely damage the region’s eco-tourism appeal.
“Think outside the box. If food services are a problem in national parks, outsource them. If facilities need improvement, don’t wait years to act. Don’t hide. We need to be open and critical of ourselves to improve,” he concluded.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau, deputy permanent secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Desmond Douglas Jerukan, STB director of Stakeholder Relations Mary Wan Mering, and Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) president Peter Sibon were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
