SIBU: The Sarawak government is actively developing rural areas, including Durin, said Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
He said the government is likely to approve an application to upgrade the Durin old jetty and transform it into a tourist attraction with a waterfront.
“I believe the (Dudong) assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had sent in an application for a waterfront to be built on the banks of Durin Bazar.
“Waterfronts for Limbang, Kanowit, Song and Selangau have all been approved. So I believe the application (for Durin) may be in the process of approved.
“So, let’s pray and I believe YAB Premier will evaluate the development in rural areas, including Durin,” he said when met by reporters after inspecting the old jetty here yesterday (June 19).
The Tasik Biru assemblyman also said that the jetty under the Public Works Department (JKR is no longer in use because the banks are “becoming islands and the water is getting shallower”, making it difficult for boats to deck.
Therefore, if the area around the jetty is converted to a waterfront or riverbank, it could become a new tourist attraction in Durin, he said.
Meanwhile, the deputy chairman of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Central Region, Teo Boon Siew said that the yearly Durin Festival will be held at Durin Bazaar.
However, the festival is unable to accommodate a large number of visitors because of limited space.
Therefore, he said the move to upgrade the old jetty will not only attract and accommodate more visitors during the festival, but it will also provide a new recreational space for the local community.
