NEW HOTEL: Naroden (far left) declaring open 56 Hotel yesterday. Tong is at second left, Nansian (fourth left), Nancy (second right) and Aidel (far right). — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The state government has come out with eco-tourism packages to boost eco-tourism activities in the state.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said the packages were specially tailored with cooperation between the state Tourism Ministry and Entrepreneur Development Unit in the Chief Minister’s Department.
“The eco-tourism packages will be based on the our strengths such as our richness in flora and fauna, culture and multi-racial lifestyles, history, tradition and the uniqueness of our food and arts,” he said when representing Resource Planning and Environment Second Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan at the official opening of Fifty Six (56) Hotel at Jalan Tun Jugah here yesterday.
Also present were 56 Hotel chairman Tong Guek Seng, Industrial Estate Development Assistant Minister Datuk Peter Nansian, China’s Consul-General in Kuching, Li Shugang; Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri, Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Kuching District police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad.
Naroden in his speech gave credit to Tong, whom he knew as ‘Ahui’ since he became an assemblyman in the 1990s, describing him as far-sighted, determined and hardworking. He said Tong’s construction company had grown from a small-time contractor to a big multi-million ringgit player in several sectors, including owning 56 Hotel.
“I urge all contractors, whether Bumiputera or non-Bumiputera to follow in his footsteps. Ahui can be a role model for other entrepreneurs,” said Naroden who is also Resource Planning Assistant Minister.
He said it is timely for 56 Hotel to part of the hotel business in the city, considering Kuching is one of the gateways to the state for tourists.
“If we estimate around 30 million tourists visiting Malaysia in year 2020, we definitely need more hotels, food and drink premises, attractive tourist destinations, taxis, buses and tourist guides.”
As a hotel that will receive overseas or local guests, it is important for provide quality services and obtain halal certification although not owned by a Muslim.
“When a hotel or its restaurants are certified halal, it means that all the services offered are of quality and the food prepared hygienically. Halal food and drinks are not necessarily consumed by Muslims only but also non-Muslims as they also do not want their food and drinks to be contaminated,” he said.
Naroden said the success achieved by Bumiputeras or non-Bumiputeras in any field, including business, is a result of the many opportunities created by the BN government.
“There is no such thing as neglect of non-Bumiputera as the government is fair to everybody. The government wants to see a balance between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera. It ensures that opportunities are there for everybody to grab and be successful,” he said.
56 Hotel is poised to become a favourite with business travellers and holidaymarkers with its strategic location in Kuching’s business district, just 10 minutes away from Kuching International Airport and easy access to everything from shopping malls, medical centres, universities, banks and eateries.
The affordable hotel houses 155 tastefully furnished rooms, each fitted with facilities such as individually controlled air-conditioning, complimentary tea making facilities and a range of entertainment channels on 32-inch LCD TVs.
Non-smoking rooms and rooms for the disabled are available as are a business centre, travel agent desk, room service, laundry service and scheduled shuttle service among others.
For those looking to hold events from a birthday party to a meeting or reunion dinner, the hotel has four versatile well-equipped function rooms that can seat up to 150 persons, theatre style.
Guests of the hotel will also enjoy a wide variety of international cuisine and local delicacies in the comfortable setting of the 56 cafe.
For enquiries or reservations, call 082-575666 or visit the hotel’s website www.56hotel.com.my.