Kuching can be a major tourism draw — Adenan

KUCHING: Kuching has great potential to be a city that thrives on tourism as the major thrust of its economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

Comparing it to popular tourist attractions in other countries, he said Kuching is unique in a sense that it has wildlife centres or national parks located within its periphery.

“Where can you find a city that is only 26 km away from a wildlife centre whose star residents are our world-famous orangutans? What about the Kuching Wetlands National Park that is only 15 km away and the newest addition to national parks within the vicinity of Kuching city? Where else in the world you have four national parks within a 30km radius of the city?

“Kuching city tourism planners and players would do well to capitalise on these potentials in order to enhance its tourist dollar receipts and create spin-offs for other sectors of the economy such as transportation, food, homestays and hotel services,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the 28th Kuching City Anniversary Celebration and Kuching Festival opening ceremony which was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib at MBKS Theatre here on Monday.

He added that the completion of the world-class Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trail by 2020 will also put another feather in the cap for Kuching as an important attraction for tourists.

Apart from being a gateway to nature and adventure tourism, Adenan said the city currently boasts of four private medical centres that have received significant patronage from people across the border in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“Kuching is also having its fair share of hosting international conferences and conventions. The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) which started from humble beginnings 10 years ago,has won 23 bids until June this year.

“This will translate to over RM13.5 million in direct delegate expenditure and over 7,000 in total delegate numbers,” he revealed, adding that SCB also won the right to bid for 25 additional business events this year which will no doubt be a great boost to the economy of Kuching.

On another issue, Adenan called on the people who live in Kuching to do their bit in ensuring that the city, especially its rivers and back alleys, are clean.

“Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) alone cannot keep Kuching city clean. It is the duty of all of us not to dump rubbish and other wastes anywhere we please.

“I urge for all of us to make it a culture for ourselves and our children to keep our surrounding clean at all times,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Dato James Chan called on citizens of Kuching to work together with the councils to ensure the city truly becomes beautiful and liveable for everyone.

“A better Kuching city can be built if we, the people work hand-in-hand with MBKS and DBKU to improve ourselves for our beloved city and like a flower bud, we can watch the blooming of Kuching as a developed and eco city with a prosperous future.”

He also said tens of thousands of people visit Kuching Festival each year with the number increasing year after year.

“It shows how popular Kuching Festival is in getting people out of their homes, congregating at this one place to share communal values. Kuching has 27 ethnic groups and it is most important that we build upon strong community bonding to sustain and build a united and cohesive society in Kuching.

“This is what every city wants and aims to do, and we in Kuching city, do it every year to ensure peace, harmony and solidarity among its people for a better tomorrow.”

Among those present were Youth, Sports and Solidarity Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Bandar of Kuching City North Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.