SOME RM379.87 million has been channelled towards creating new tourism products in Sarawak by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry was allocated RM472.33 million by the state government.
The ministry also received RM13.99 million from the federal government to implement various projects.
Abdul Karim said product development was important to attract new visitors and sustain repeat visitors.
Adding on, he said more tourism products would also help to lengthen the visitors’ stay in the state while enriching their experience to indulge in Sarawak’s unique culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals.
“Tourism industry requires a refreshed facet for Sarawak’s tourism to attract returning and new visitors.
“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), we have proposed many new products, including improvement to national parks, public waterfront, and recreational space.
“Meanwhile, heritage tourism is another emphasis where many museums and old forts will be upgraded and open to the visitors,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
Abdul Karim said among the completed projects were the Borneo Cultures Museum, upgrading of Old Sarawak Museum, the Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre, upgrading of World War II Heroes Memorial Park, upgrading of tourism facilities at Archaeological sites in Gua Sireh, Serian, and Gua Niah, Miri.
Others are the footpath and railing in front of the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, linkway and railing from Fort Margherita to Darul Hana Bridge, tourism facilities at Tusan Beach, Peliau, Miri as well as upgrading of tourism facilities at Niah National Park and Simunjan Esplanade.
Projects that are ongoing and targeted to be completed this year, include upgrading of tourism facilities at Pangkalan Sapi, English Tea House at Fort Margherita, Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism as well as upgrading of tourism facilities at Fairy and Wind Cave, Bau.
Meanwhile, among the list of projects to be completed from 2023 to 2024) are the proposed Heritage Gallery and Resource Centre at Long Terawan, Tutoh, Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum, the construction of Jetty and other facilities at Santubong for Kuching Wetland NP (RAMSAR site) Tourist Embarkation and the development of eco-tourism facilities at Santubong National Park.
Abdul Karim thanked the implementing agencies involved such as the Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Museum Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) for their commitment to ensure projects were completed on time even though they might be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years.
