PADAWAN: The Sarawak Government has planned to take over the Borneo Highland Resort to develop and promote it as a tourism and modern agriculture centre.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government hoped to turn it into a holiday destination following the termination of Borneo Highland Resort development joint venture (JV) with a public-listed company in 2020.
He said the state government had terminated the over claims the property developer had failed to address contract breaches.
“We are disappointed that the company has failed to be developed and promoted as a tourist spot among the locals and visitors. Thus, we had terminated the agreement as they failed to fulfil (the agreement),” he said, adding the state government had 30 per cent equity through the Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA).
For now, he said, the maintenance of Borneo Highland Resort has been undertaken by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP). As to whether it would go to court or not, Karim refused to comment further as the matter could be sub judice.
“I can’t say more because of the sub judice, but on the other hand, the government has a detailed plan to develop the place as an attractive resort,” he told the media after officiating the Traditional Dance Competition held in conjunction with Bidayuh Mystique Festival at St Paul Bunuk Parish Hall here yesterday.
Also present was the Deputy Minister of Plantation Industry and Commodities who is also the Patron of the Penrissen Segu Bunuk Association (PSBP), Datuk Willie Mongin.
Karim said there were already various interesting plans to develop the 5,000-acre resort as a tourism and modern farming centre, to attract visitors, boost the local economy, which will also benefit the community there.
When asked about the Borneo Highland Resort being placed under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Abdul Karim said his ministry would look into the matter.
He said the development can fall under any agency under the Tourism Ministry and he would be very happy to look after it as well.
He said if the cabinet and the Premier of Sarawak asked his ministry to oversee its development, he would be “very happy” to look after it.
“If the state cabinet or the Premier of Sarawak want it to be placed under my ministry, I am happy to take care of it,” he said.
