35
YEARS HENCE: SARAWAK'S TOURISM
Sarawak has a lot to offer in
the tourism industry. It is rich with natural beauty as witnessed from its ten
national parks where the world's largest flower (the Rafflesia), South East
Asia's longest and oldest cave systems (Mulu Caves), and scores of unique flora
and fauna are found. The Land of the Hornbill is also rich in the cultural heritage
of its people. the population in Sarawak comprises of a melting pot of people
from different races and ethnic groups. Each have their own uniquesness and
cultural heritage handed down from generations to generations, e.g., the Iban's
handloom (pua kumbu) and the Bidayuh's thanksgiving dance (Rejang Jarua), blending
harmoniously with the socio-economic changes occurring in the state.
Since the year of independence in
1963 to date, it has truly been a long but fruitful journey for Sarawak's tourism
industry. The importance of tourim development started to gain strength in the
1980s at the Federal level. By mid 1985, the Sarawak State Ministry of Environment
and Tourism (MOET) is established in line with the Federaal policy to accord
priority to tourism development. The goal is to make tourism a major revenue
earner in the country.
Prior to 1985, the state government
involvement in the tourism industry is channelled through the State Tourist
Development Committee (STDC) formed in 1976 to assume the planning, coordination
and promotion of tourism development. Concurrently, the development of tourism
infrastructure like international hotels, e.g., Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach,
roads and transportation access as well as handicraft shops like Sarakraf for
selling local arts and crafts, are undertaken by statutory agencies such as
the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Laand Custody & Development
Authority (LCDA) and private sector funded Sarawak Tourism Association (STA).
In recognition of the growing importance
of the tourism industry in Sarawak's economy and its overall development programmes,
the state governemnt elevated tourism into a full ministry status and Ministry
of Tourism (MOT) becomes a reality in 1995. The launching of the Sarawak Tourism
Board (STB) in the same year to take over the lead in tourism industry. STB
is funded by the state with an initial budget of RM9 million, and works closely
with the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and SEDC in promoting and developing tourism
in Sarawak.
The previous connection of MOT with
the Ministry of Environment's division of MOET underlines how much we value
the preservation of nature and the environment in Sarawak. This brings us to
the main point of Sarawak's tourism concept which is Culture and Adventure amidst
Nature (C.A.N.) Visitors are lured by exotic images and the sense of adventures
like river safari jungle trekking or mountain climbing in the midst of majestic
forests and waterfalls. All the hard work and efforts are deffinitely paying
off as there is a 24% increase in the number of foreign visitors to Sarawak
by 1997, bringing the figure to more than 1 million people from Asia, Europe,
Africa and the United States.
And with Sarawak's inherent beauty
as nature's haven, it has now become an ideal venue for international gatherings
which are directly or indirectly organised by the state government, related
agencies, local authorities and private sectors. Recent events involving
the Ministry of Tourism, Sarawak Tourism Board Private Sectors and other organisations
are:
Third International Great Apes
of the World Conference
The Orangutan Foundation Iternational
(OFI) in collaboration with the Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) and Ministry
of Tourism o(MOT) organised the 3rd International Great Apes of the World Conference
from 3-6 July 1998 in Kuching. Over 150 scientists, conservationists and concerned
citizens from around the world attended the conference. Several important proposals
are highlighted in the conference such as the creation of an orangutan sanctuary
in the swamp forest of Ulu Sebuyau in the Samarahan Division, a fellowship study
to further improve our understandings of the orangutan, a policy which includes
recently passed laws prohibiting the sale of all wild meat, and the Sarawak's
2nd Tourism Masterplan anticipating the gazetting of at least one million hectares
of protected primary forests as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by the
year 2010. In addition, three awards amounting to US$1,000 are given to promote
research on orangutans as a result of the conference.
Rainforest World Music Festival
Sarawak's rich cultural heritage
also came to international attention during the foirst Rainforest World Music
Festival organised at the Sarawak Cultural Village from 29-30 August 1998 by
the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) with financial contributions from the Ministry
of Social Development. The music festival allows the sharing of our local ethnic
music with those from other cuntries through day-time music workshops and night-time
music performances. The success of the festival was evidenced by the jamming
sessions and cultural interchanges of musical ideas, history and instruments
between local bands singers with their counterparts from UK, Australia, Canada,
Philippines and Peninsular Malaysia.
Events such as these serve to demonstrate
Sarawak's capability to host international events and gatherings. Moreover,
its wealth of natural attractions and richness in cultural heritage make it
an excellent platform for nature studies as well as cultural exchanges or discoveries.
In addition, Sarawak is also an ideal place for soft adventures as evidenced
by the successful staging of events such as mountain bike competition, river
safari, jungle safari and cave explorations.
Complementary tourism development
in Sarawak besides the efforts of government agencies and other organisations
direcly involved in tourism promotion and marketing, are other programmes or
projects. The creation of the Millennium Park is one example. While the Millennium
Park is being developed as an integral part of the State Library complex, it
will complement the natural aesthetic appeal of the city of Kuching. The Millennium
Park is an idea by the Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Abdul
Taib Mahmud, whose vision is to see Kuching as the 'Cultural Garden of Sarawak.'
Millennium Park
The Millennium Park is spearheaded
by the Chief Minister's Office through the State secretary Office and State
Planning Unit. The Park is to be situated at the northern side of Kuching City.
This huge park encompasses the State Mosque, Islamic Garden, Minaret Garden
and the new State Library (Pustaka Negeri Sarawak or PNS).
The government bodies involved in
this 21st Century join-effort project are from DBKU, Lands & Survey,
Jabatan Kerja Raya and Sarawak Tourism Board. The departments are working closely
with each together in ensuring the smooth planning and operation of the project
based on their designated area, e.g. linkages of cycle tracks by Land &
Survey, Library Park area by JKR, and so forth.
The main concept behind the park
is to provide an environment where people can gather and enjoy life's simple
pleasures like:
- Spacious and peaceful playground
and picnic areas.
- A serene lake, and abundance
of healthy greenery and fresh air.
- Beautiful and natural scenic
drive, pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes.
- Comfortable and convenient areas
for public performances and art exhibitions.
- Wildlife observation and conservation.
Other initiatives that support tourism
development in Sarawak are done at the local community level. To date, 8 of the
9 divisions in Sarawak have set up their 'Tourism Task Force' with the exception
of Sarekei division. The Resident of each division is the chairman of the task
force. These task forces are entrusted to guide, assist and encourage the local
communities in in understanding the government's tourism development policies
and programs.
And on their own initiatives too,
some District Officers have embarked on certain projects to promote tourism
in their areas. One proactive example is the Mukah District in Sibu.
Mukah : Resort and Waterfront
In order to spruce up its image and
attract more vacationers to Mukah, the Kukah District Office under Encik Philip
Mejin has assisted in putting the wheels in motion for the renovation of its
Mukah Kaul Resort. Under the management of Meruked Beach Resort Sdn Bhd, the
result of the new Mukah Kaul Resort is a quaint and tranquil place to relax
in with its wood theme based rooms and chalets. And for the water enthusiasts,
the resort sits right next to the beach where serene sunrise and sunset can
be viewed with cool breezes blowing from the sea and water lapping onto the
sand.
Another project to promote and beautify
the district is the building of an artistic waterfront park or garden near the
river for people to stroll, mingle and view the town in comfort. Encik Philip
Mejin shows his own pride in the achievements of the district through his willingness
to show visitors around the town, waterfront and resort whilst pointing out
the facilities available. He has stressed that there is a constant need to promote
awareness in the public to maintain the cleanliness of their district for a
healthy living. This attitude shall also have a positive influence on potential
tourists.
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