Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
SIBU: The state government has plans to introduce amphibious aircraft to spur hinterland tourism in places like Bakun Lake, Batang Ai and Sri Aman.
However, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that this would be done at a later date as tourism infrastructure and air connectivity must be sorted out first.
“Definitely (the state government has plans to introduce amphibious aircraft to boost rural tourism), but at a later date. We have to address tourism infrastructure and connectivity first before even thinking about introducing amphibious aircraft.
“This hinterland tourism products need to be developed first…proper accommodation, jetties, packages and others.
“Once these are in place, only then would we think of providing these aircraft as an alternative route,” he disclosed to The Borneo Post yesterday.
Earlier, Abdul Karim said tourism in Sarawak needed to tap into the beauty of the hinterlands to excite tourists, pointing out that the hinterlands are where the natural beauty of Sarawak is found.
He also said steps are being taken to strengthen air connectivity as an effort to bolster the state’s tourism industry.
“Priority now is to get direct flight connectivity with China apart from having more flights from Singapore (and) Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sibu and Miri,” Abdul Karim added.