Sarawak to implement two major tourism projects

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INTERESTING: Dancers from the Department of Culture and Arts Azlin Rebi (right) and Stephanie Morsheila David Dumbang look at  photos depicting the history of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud from 1981 till the present at an   exhibition  held in conjunction with a public lecture in Kuching. — Bernama photo

INTERESTING: Dancers from the Department of Culture and Arts Azlin Rebi (right) and Stephanie Morsheila David Dumbang look at photos depicting the history of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud from 1981 till the present at an exhibition held in conjunction with a public lecture in Kuching. — Bernama photo

KUCHING: The government is lining up two big tourism projects to attract visitors from East Asia and neighbouring countries.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday said one of the projects would be the development of the recreational facilities at the lake of a hydroelectric power dam.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg will oversee the feasible studies and implementation of the project.

“The lakes at our hydroelectric power dam areas have high eco-tourism potential which will attract a lot of people.”

Taib indicated his interest to oversee the other project to be implemented near the state’s capital but he did not identify what it would be.

“Tourism is one of the industries that can provide better employment than other sectors of the economy.

“You spend RM1 in investment, you will get two-three fold in return,” he said during a question and answer session after delivering his inaugural public lecture – ‘Sarawak Beyond Today: Challenges and Opportunities’ at Pullman Hotel here
yesterday.

Along with the two major tourism projects, the state also plans to build facilities to enable cruises from China, Japan and Taiwan among other countries to come to the state.

The event was organised by the Information Department and the Sarawak Media Foundation.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani, Information director-general Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and Sarawak Media Foundation chairman Toman Mamora among other state dignitaries and government officials.