SARAWAK'S POTENTIAL IN ECO-TOURISM & INDUSTRIAL SECTORS

-THE EFFICIENCY OF DIRECT AIR-LINKS OR CONNECTIVITY CAN BRING IN LOTS OF GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURS TO DRIVE THIS STATE'S BUSINESS ECONOMY-

SARAWAK requires an efficient air network to complement and accelerate the momentum of development particularly in the State's eco-tourism and industrial sectors.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud said this adding that the efficiency of direct air-links or connectivity to bring in a lot of global entrepreneurs to come here and help to drive this state's business economy.

"Although we will not be a shopping centres like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur but we have so many potential eco-tourism attractions that rely heavily on air links needs," he said.

Taib said, the air network is crucially needed to ensure connectivity with the outside world especially for Sarawak is established at the international level in addition to promote our  attractive eco-tourism areas in the state.

"Within the next few years, I believe Sarawak will be the focus of tourists, investors and large entrepreneurs, therefore, we should make a thorough preparation in terms of hotel facilities and other facilities to accommodate such a requirement," he said.

In a related development, Taib said that the constructions of the new Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Headquarters and a new bridge located at "The Isthmus"; Kuching's new central business district (CBD) are currently progressing as scheduled.

"When you are building a new thing, you should give them "room" to develop at their natural momentum before the exceleration of others developments," he said in response to a question when will Ishtmus is expected to be fully completed.

"All progress depends on the development of Sarawak because we will bring a lot of outside organizations here, but if there is no place for them, this effort will be wasted.

When asked how much foreign investment are expected to flow in Isthmus, Taib said that it depends how many International companies will come up and invest in that area however, he is optimistic that Isthmus would attract a lot of potential foreign investors as its located strategically and more conveniently in near the city.

"Thus, we must make room for this development to be able to move in tandem with the momentum of the state economic plan," he said adding that Kuching city will be the new historical and tourism area in Sarawak.

According to Taib, Kuching Isthmus equipped with various facilities including an alternative road to the airport surrounded by other industrial parks; Demak Laut Industrial Park, Samajaya and other administrative areas in Petra Jaya and Kuching.

"At one time, most of the hotels built by the government, but now we can see several large hotel was erected by private sectors such as the Pullman Hotel and Four Points Hotel which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

"This shows, Sarawak became the focus of the world in various sectors today and in Kuching Isthmus will be a new business area to Sarawak in the future," he said.

Kuching Isthmus, located just 8km away from the city centre is slated to be a new CBD, under a massive development plan at an estimated cost of around RM2.8 billion and according to its website, the isthmus was chosen be­cause of its sizeable land area of about 297 acres, strategic location and great potential to be properly planned.

A catalyst project in the form of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) was built for the purpose of taking a definitive foot­hold in the area which would be developed into a vibrant new township with other proposed new projects are hotel, hypermarket, theme park and many more.

Taib was met by reporters at his office located at Menara Pelita at Petra Jaya near the city here earlier today after receiving a courtesy call by the Scouts Association of Malaysia (Sarawak branch) led by Sarawak Scouts Council President Tan Sri Dato Sri William Mawan.

Mawan, who is also senior Minister of Social Development and Urbanization was accompanied by Chief Commissioner of Scouts Association of Malaysia (Sarawak branch) Dustan Meling Undau.

Among the matters discussed was the Scouts Association of Malaysia (Sarawak branch) Fund Raising Dinner in the forthcoming May and the official appointment of Pehin Seri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud as Honorary patron for Scouts Association of Malaysia (Sarawak branch).

-UnReportedNews™®