Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
SIBU: Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is looking into the tourism potential from the reservoirs and lakes.
Stating that these places have much to offer to tourists, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said apart from the beautiful scenery at the lake resorts, other activities could be developed from watersports, fishing or even boat cruising.
“Lakes can be developed into major tourism attractions of the future,” he said yesterday.
Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, was asked on his ministry’s plan to develop lake tourism, following Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent statement that the state had hydro-electricity power dams in Bakun, Batang Ai, Murum and Baleh, which could become tourist attractions if properly developed, besides generating electricity.
Abang Johari had told reporters after the PBB Zone 8 delegates meeting here recently, that he was looking into the possibility of forming a lake development authority.
Adding on, Abdul Karim said: “Any aspect of our eco-tourism including our lush unspoilt rainforests, caves, wetlands, beaches, lakes and national parks, which could be developed as tourism products, are within our ministry’s radar for development as tourist attractions.
“In view of the huge cost of developing the infrastructure for and connectivity to these attractions, we have to develop them gradually – not simultaneously.”