KUCHING: Fourteen national parks (NPs) in Sarawak will open to the public on June 17.
According to State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, they are Kubah NP, Gunung Gading NP, Tanjung Datu NP, Santubong NP, Talang-Satang NP, Wind/Fairy Cave NP, Batang Ai NP, Samajaya NP, Maludam NP, Gunung Mulu NP, Lambir NP, Niah NP, Loagan Bunut NP and Pulong Tau NP.
He added that Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) would be opening four more NPs on June 22.
“They are Bako NP, Semenggoh WC, Kuching Wetland NP and Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef NP,” he told a press conference on the daily Covid-19 update held at the Old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building on Monday (June 15).
On the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of NPs, Abdul Karim said leisure and adventure activities, nature walk, caving, snorkelling and scuba diving with/without company of park guide, wildlife viewing activities and expedition activities in totally protected areas and wildlife centres were allowed.
“However, for leisure trekking, only a maximum of 10 pax per group are allowed to enter at any one time per trail. For adventure trekking, only a minimum of two and maximum of eight people per group are allowed.
“Only specific forest trails not exceeding three to five-hour walks are allowed to be accessed while only a minimum of two and maximum of eight people per group are allowed for adventure caving anytime and they must be guided,” he added.
Abdul Karim also announced that museums, galleries, archives, handicraft centres and memorials would open to public on June 17 but the SOPs must be observed.
For the creative industry sector, production house and studios can start operation of their production activities for music, filming, videography, photography, graphic design and animation with effect from the same date by observing the necessary SOPs.
Abdul Karim stressed that the production companies must observe and comply with the regulations and licensing conditions under Akta Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (Akta 244). They must have filming permits issued by the state government.
“The filming production crew have to provide their travelling records for the past four weeks for applications of the necessary licence and permits before they can start their operations.
“It is compulsory for all the production crew to download MySejahtera and COVIDtrace Sarawak,” he added.
Abdul Karim said all music/dance/theatre schools and photography studios were also allowed to operate with effect from June 17.
For more details on the various SOPs, visit the ministry’s website at mtac.sarawak.gov.my.
