Sarawak will be a special authority body dealing with the development of lakes, rivers

BETONG, Sept. 26: The Sarawak Government plans to establish a special authority to coordinate and manage the development of potential lakes and rivers throughout the state.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move is among the plans to be implemented over the next five years.

According to him, the authority will monitor development of lake areas including Batang Ai, Mulu, Baleh and Bakun, in addition to natural river areas that have potential for development.

"We're going to build an authority that can develop all the lakes.

"God willing, we will develop an authority that will monitor all our lakes, including potential natural rivers", he said.

Brother Johari said that the approach would allow the development of the lake area to be carried out in a more specific and organised manner including taking into account aspects of facilities and safety of visitors.

He also sees Batang Ai as one of the areas that have potential to be developed through such an approach.

"The Ai Valley is an area that can be developed. If God wills, we'll build the Lake Authority that will take care of all development in the lake area.

"Our development will be more specific and this will make it easier for tourists to come. Both are safety", he said.

Meanwhile, Brother Johari said that the Concrete Division also has a variety of products which could potentially be strengthened as tourist attractions.

Among them are historical and cultural-based attractions such as the Rentap Kubu, in addition to festival visits as well as local community products.

Obviously, the uniqueness can be incorporated into a self-developed tourism package by the local community.

He said the approach not only attracts more visitors, but also opens up new business opportunities for locals.

"Locals can make packages. The package may be local, and it will create a new business for the community", he explained.

He said the development of tourism products in a systematic manner supported by good facilities and safety aspects could potentially strengthen the tourism sector as well as provide economic boost to local communities. - TVS