KAPIT: Plans are being drawn to develop the islands in Bakun Lake into a resort and wildlife sanctuary.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said a cabinet committee had been formed to oversee inland lakes.
“There are clusters of them (islands in Bakun Lake). I want to make those islands and I propose one for a resort and along with it to plant indigenous trees – not the imported exotic species of trees but local ones like Ramin and Meranti. So we have the garden of indigenous Sarawak trees that we planted on the island,” he told reporters on Thursday following a visit to the area.
“The next one I want to make a wildlife sanctuary on those islands where we can put animals there. The islands are surrounded by water at least. They might swim but I do not think so because the land is big enough for them to roam around the areas. That is why I wanted to check the area.”
Masing said Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety Liwang Lagang would chair the sub-committee looking after inland islands in Sarawak.
“Liwan will be responsible for Bakun, Murum, Batang Ai and later Baleh once constructed,” he said.
“That body (sub-committee for inland islands) will be accountable to the government. Right now the islands are nobody’s child. So with the management committee coming in, we have the authority given by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to manage the lake properly.”
Meanwhile, Masing said an alternative 9km road to Lusong Laku through Bakun lake would be constructed.
“Lusong Laku, there is a school, SK Lusong Laku, and a lot of Penan — about 500 of them. Presently the access to SK Lusong Laku is to use the timber track. At one time it was cut off, so there were no food supplies,” he said.
“The road can be built from the Bakun Dam; then Lusong Laku becomes accessible through the lake. Once the 9km road is built by then, we would not depend on the timber track and that will make them accessible — if anything goes wrong with the timber road. That is easier access and more reliable.”