‘Treat rivers as ecotourism resource’
KUCHING: Assistant Minister for Public Utilities ( Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said rivers can be one of the most important ecotourism resources in his Tarat state constituency and Sarawak at large.
He said he had seen many rivers which, if restored and properly managed, could become popular destinations for both local and foreign visitors.
“Many of these rivers have got sufficient width and depth, which are suitable for recreational activities like picnicking and rafting,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of rivers as a major driver of the tourism industry in many other countries, Sagah called on villages in the rural and suburb areas of Tarat to actively restore and develop their rivers for ecotourism.
He said these villages could do so by participating in the river cleanliness and landscape competition which he introduced in Tarat seven years ago.
The winners, he said, could use the prize money to restore their river landscape and preserve the river system.
Speaking at the competition prize presentation ceremony held at Kampung Pesang, Padawan recently, Sagah said the community could apply their own creativity to restore, beautify and conserve rivers.
However, he said the main objective must be to create awareness among the people— locals and foreigners— on the importance of conserving rivers.
“When changing the outlook for your rivers, you may also have to see how it can boost and sustain the local economy.
“So, try to turn the natural resources around you into a place
Many of these rivers have got sufficient width and depth, which are suitable for recreational activities like picnicking and rafting.
for recreational activities so that it can become a great place to visit,” he said.
Sagah, who was formerly Sarawak Rivers Board chairman, said the competition participants, especially past winners, should try to emulate Kampung Praya in Padawan, which had won the special category three times in a row.
He said Kampung Praya was also experiencing its own set of challenges such as natural disasters, but it still persisted with its goal of becoming champion every year and to become one of the most visited outdoor recreation destinations in Padawan.
He said given most of the villages in Tarat were in the suburbs and accessible by road, the community could also embrace the evolution from an agriculture- based economy to one that celebrates and sustains its livelihood through recreation/ecotourism.
He said all they need to do is to discover the local treasure – the river – which is often hidden right before their eyes.
Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Water Supply)