SERIAN: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has pledged his full support for the proposed enhancement and development of ‘Tagang’ Eco-tourism Park at Sg Kedup, Kampung Terbat Mawang here.
According to him, the establishment of the tourist attraction would be a boon to the socio-economic development of the local community.
He said the enhanced facilities would also serve to attract more visitors not only to Sg Kedup, but also to Serian as a whole with its strategic location.
“The proposal will be endorsed and brought to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to be considered for approval,” he said.
Abdul Karim said this in his speech during a work visit to Kampung Terbat Mawang Tagang Project here on Sunday (Sept 13).
He said the area is also interesting in terms of prominent eco-tourism activities that could be offered in line with the proposed enhancement and development project.
“I would love to see this programme go up one more step so that it can benefit, not just the wildlife, but also the whole of the population at the stretch of road leading here,” he said.
He added that after 14 years of the implementation of the tagang system, the villagers have integrated well with the system introduced by the Department of Agriculture as well as help increase the income of the locals through the sale of fishes.
Apart from the tagang system, Abdul Karim urged the locals to market other tourism products and services such as handicrafts, homestays, agriculture, food and culture, which can also contribute to increasing the income of the people.
Earlier, Abdul Karim was briefed on the expansion and development project of the tagang project by Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben.
Martin noted that three to four acres of land acquisition is required for the proposed project in order to develop and expand the facilities in the project area.
He explained that the enhancement of the facilities involves the construction of a longhouse homestay and leisure facilities for visitors involving a cost of around RM5 million to RM6 million.
“By developing this area, it gives a complete tourism package for the visitors.
“At the same time, it impacts development and increases income for locals who want to venture into entrepreneurship,” Martin said.
The tagang system is a method used to conserve aquatic life such as freshwater fish for the benefits of the local community and was first introduced at Sg Kedup in 2006.
The proposed enhancement and development project at Sg Kedup is located around 39.9km away from Serian town at a commute of 44 minutes.
