SIMANGGANG: The government should be prepared to consider several factors to ensure that the tourism industry in Sri Aman Division develops rapidly and becomes a major contributor to the economy of its residents.
In making the call, Sri Aman 2022 Benak Festival Organising Committee chairman Elvis Didit and said the town needs a more suitable place to hold events such as bazaars and food festivals in the future so that the roads and pathways to shops are not closed.
“It would be great if we had a Simanggang Town Square, where all the tents can be set up in one place and not scattered like they are now.
“Secondly, the aspects of peace and unity between the races that exist now must be preserved and enhanced. Therefore, the residents of Sri Aman Division need to show the people throughout the country that this is the birth place of peace and that we are the true example of the Malaysian Family.
“Thirdly, there must be cooperation and agreement between all parties,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Sri Aman Benak Festival which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here, today.
Elvis, who is also the Deputy Resident of Sri Aman Division said that the tourism industry in Sri Aman Division has great potentials which are based on culture, adventure and nature (CAN), food and sports.
“With the establishment of the Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada), efforts to explore the tourism potentials have already been made and we are grateful to the Sarawak government for the allocation of RM1.5 billion approved to develop the infrastructure and economy in the Sri Aman Division, including developing interesting places.
“The first is tourism products that are based on CAN, where two areas have been identified and approved as ecotourism centres, namely the Gunung Lesung Ecotourism Complex and the Batang Ai Ecotourism Complex, which will become Sarawak’s new tourism landmarks when fully completed.
“In addition to that, the Benak Seduku Recreation Park will offer various recreational and tourism facilities through the concept of Community-Based Tourism,” he said.
The second, Elvis said are tourism products based on food and the third based on sports.
“With the relocation of the capital of the Republic of Indonesia to East Kalimantan Province in the next few years and the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, the Coastal Road and the Second Trunk Road are also believed to contribute to the development of the tourism industry in this part more vigorously.
“Therefore, it is logical for us to prepare from now on so that the opportunities that will be served later do not fall into the hands of others.
“We are fortunate to have the Sri Aman Development Plan 2021-2030, the Sri Aman Master Plan 2021-2030 and the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2020 – 2035 as important guidelines that can be referred to and used,” he added.
