Major face-lift, upgrading set for Niah National Park

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An artist’s impression of the Interpretation Centre and other facilities to be built under the project.

KUCHING: Niah National Park is set to undergo a face-lift as major upgrading and repair works on the park’s facilities including the development of a state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre have commenced.

This was announced at a symbolic handing-over ceremony of the project yesterday from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to Cergas Asli Sdn Bhd (Cergas Asli), the main project contractor.

The project comprises the setting up of Interpretation Centre, ticketing booth cum information kiosk, a multi-unit souvenir shop, public toilet and rest huts; information and interpretation signages as well as a 700m boardwalk.

This project costing RM3.4 million is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

The Interpretation Centre will showcase the history of human civilisation at the Niah caves, cultural heritage of Niah’s indigenous communities, biodiversity and natural assets of the park, and the geological features of the Niah Cave System.

This information will be provided to visitors by means of modern and interactive presentation including the integration of hologram technology which would be a first amongst national parks in Malaysia.

The multi-unit souvenir shop could accommodate six vendors at one time selling a variety of locally produced items.

According to SFC, this development project is expected to be completed in November this year.

Niah National Park which attracts nearly 30,000 visitors every year is a key site for biodiversity conservation and archeology.

Its main attractions include the ancient Niah Cave paintings, ‘death-ships’ and burial site.