Beauty of Bekenu to be exposed once infrastructure in place — MP

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WHITE SANDY BEACH: Bekenu’s best kept secret — Bungai Beach (Pantai Bungai) is slowly gaining popularity.

BEKENU, Miri: The hidden treasures of Bekenu will be unveiled to the world once proper infrastructure is built to give it better access and also a place for visitors to stay.

Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai when contacted by The Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) yesterday said the overwhelming support given by the Ministry of Tourism will create ample opportunity for people to appreciate the flora and fauna in the region.

He is optimistic that the ministry’s support will boost eco-tourism in the area as it will expose what Bekenu and Sibuti districts have to offer to the world.

“The spiral effect of tourism is good for the socio- economic growth of the people in the region as they can also participate and this will boost their income, especially those who live in the rural areas, he said.

“It is also good for the tour operators who can bring tourists to enjoy our tropical rainforest and the many picturesque scenes and landscape, which are a natural paradise,” he added.

He also noted that Pantai Bungai and the nearby white beaches had caught the attention of the public recently as there are recreational facilities, lodge and homestay accommodation available there.

He revealed that the beaches were packed during the weekends as they were accessible via the coastal highway, saying the area would be better developed and promoted in two to three years’ time.

Ahmad Lai was pleased to note that the Ministry of Tourism had seen the huge potential of Bakam Point by introducing a mangrove cruise to allow tourists see mangrove vegetation, crocodiles sunbathing along the river and fireflies at night.

“The area is unique and the government should open up this attraction and sell it to visitors who have never experienced such natural environment and it is very near the city,” he added.

He also mentioned that the well-known Niah Caves at Gunung Subis, which is a heritage site, must be aggressively promoted as a must-visit destination as it is part of Sarawak’s civilisation history and an important archaeological site.

On another note, Ahmad Lai said he would work with the relevant authorities to look at the well-known Sibuti river that was once rich with ‘Ikan Betutu’ and prawns to ensure that the livelihood of fishermen relying on the river were not threatened.

He also acknowledged that the river is now infested with crocodiles and urged those living along the river to be extra careful when navigating or using it.