PLANS TO PROMOTE SARAWAK’S RICH CULTURE, BIODIVERSITY
Recent attractions include a 99m flagpole – the tallest in Southeast Asia – overlooking the Sarawak River, and the new Borneo Cultures Museum, the second largest in the region. To light up the city, the Darul Hana Bridge at the waterfront greets tourists with dazzling lights.
Sarawak’s Premier Abang Johari Openg has big plans to promote Sarawak’s rich culture and biodiversity in a bid to drive the state’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with CNA, he explained about his proposed move to take over domestic carrier MASwings to turn it into a regional airline by the middle of next year.
“It is part and parcel of connectivity that we have to establish between Sarawak and the outside world,” said Mr Abang Johari, adding that it would be a small airline that allows Sarawak to be connected to the Far East and the rest of Southeast Asia.
“Basically, this airline will stabilise airfare between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. As long as we cover the overhead, it’s okay.”
To get ready for the expected increase in tourist arrivals, existing hotels are being refurbished and new ones are being built.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said there will be more offerings next year.
For a start, the Niah National Park in coastal city Miri is set to be listed as another United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site after Mulu National Park.