Chief Minister Wants MPP to Go Big in Tourism

Long House

Sebat Waterfall Near Pueh

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been urged to take the lead in coordinating the development of tourism in Serian, Padawan, Bau and Lundu.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud said these areas could be well developed into integrated blend of nature, beauty, culture, and potential locations for good sports and cultural activities.

“If you think it is going to be a big burden for you, think of the benefit you can get,” he said when speaking at MPP Nite 2012 at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel here last night.

The Chief Minister said people normally came to an area not to visit only one place in particular but if there were a blend of rich and cultural varieties, then Serian, Padawan, Bau and Lundu could be such places in small area of Sarawak that could be visited by tourists.

Sematan Sunset

Borneo Highlands

“For example, Sematan, with its good beaches and clear sea water, coupled with close proximity to a national park, has the potential as seaside resort.Bau on the other hand, has many attractions, from a former gold mine to caves.

 
“Then move over to Padawan, all the way to the Borneo Heights and enjoy some hot baths at Annah Rais and all the way up to Serian and look at some of the border towns,” he said, adding that with nice country ride to a Bidayuh territory, both by coastal and trunk roads, would certainly give the thrills to tourists and visitors.

Serian Ranchan Pool

Taib said both Bau and Serian had been able to attract quite a lot of tourists who came to see how Indonesians and Sarawakians did barter trading, selling cheap items, but more importantly to see a mixture of people who enjoyed trading across the border.

“So you can see if you regard all these areas as one big tourism attraction to sell to the outside world or only to Kuching itself, it can have enough momentum to build a more sophisticated approach to develope tourism in these areas,” he added.

Kuching Airport at Night

He pointed out that the Kuching International Airport was right in the middle if there were interesting events going on in Padawan, Serian, Bau or Lundu areas.

“With the concept of having Councillors engaged in promoting tourism, organising events and sports activities and using beautiful natural scenes for recreational activities, I think MPP can take the lead as it has the experience,” said Taib.

“With your experience and success, and the advantage of having multiple destinations and a lot of attractions, I am sure MPP can set an example of how local councils can take the initiatives to develop tourism because most of these areas are closer to MPP,” he added.

Taib mentioned that the restructuring of the local governments would enable the councils to be more imaginative.

“If MPP wants to take the challenge, I will help you (MPP).

Prepare a master plan for implementation next year.I hope the local District Councils of Lundu, Bau and Serian will work together with Padawan Municipal Council to ensure that they will get maximum return from their efforts,” he stressed.

“I would like to see by the end of this year the master plan on how we can work together.From the coast of Sempadi and all the way to the border area at the Borneo Heights and to the interior areas, there are plenty to offer by way of attractions,” he added.

The Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and 
MPP Chairman Cr Lo Khere Chiang also spoke at the function.

(Source: New Sarawak Tribune Online, 1 March 2012)

March 1, 2012