RM37 mln allocated for 50 tourism projects – Abg Jo

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UNDER the 1st Rolling Plan (2011-2012) of the 10th Malaysia Plan, the federal government through the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has allocated RM37.1 million for the implementation of 50 approved tourism projects in Sarawak.

“To date, 14 projects have been completed, 14 other projects have been awarded to contractors and 22 projects are still at the stage of procurement process (tender and quotation). Most of the 50 projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2012,” said Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here yesterday, Abang Johari pointed out that the Ministry of Tourism was also coordinating and reviewing tourism project proposals worth RM153 million which were to be considered under the 3rd Rolling Plan of the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Among these projects are Bakam Point in Miri, Bekenu Riverfront in Miri, Miri Tourism Corridor, Heritage Trail Kuching, Botanical Garden in Petra Jaya, Sarawak Museum, digital billboards in Kuching and Maritime Museum,” he said.

He added that completion of the jetty at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) by year-end would not only provide unique transportation experience for tourists to BCCK via the river taxi but also give BCCK the competitive edge amongst other worldwide convention centres.

Meanwhile, with culture, adventure and nature (CAN), the main strength of Sarawak, Abang Johari said the state’s national parks, wildlife centre and nature reserves remain the main attraction among both foreign and domestic visitors as shown by the 25 per cent increase in the number of visitors to 487,519 visitors last year from the previous year.

On tourism related activities through Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) approach and Homestay Programme, he said to date a total of 27 villages involving 408 operators had been registered under the Homestay Programme throughout the state.

“For the first quarter of 2012, the programme recorded 1,687 visitor arrivals and estimated income generated was RM239,285,” disclosed Abang Johari, adding that last year saw a total of 12,618 visitors with income generated estimated to be almost RM1 million.