Belaga has huge tourism potential — Liwan
KUCHING: Belaga has huge tourism potential especially in culture, adventure and nature (CAN) which could be harnessed, said Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang.
He said for CAN to be developed in the predominantly Orang Ulu district, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Youth and Sports ought to assist in its promotion.
“We have a very rich cultural heritage here in Belaga. Besides that, we also have lakes, rivers, jungles and mountains which could be explored for tourism potential,” said Liwan at the district-level Pesta Do Savae/ Ledoh at Uma Sekapan Piit, near Belaga Town over the weekend.
Liwan, who is also Assistant Minister of Water Supply, said other tourism sites such as the
We have a very rich cultural heritage here in Belaga. Besides that, we also have lakes, rivers, jungles and mountains which could be explored for tourism potential.
mammoth Bakun lake, Murum lake, Sg Asap resettlement scheme, Metalun resettlement scheme and Tegulang resettlement scheme and homestay in the longhouses could also be promoted.
“On top of that, tourists and visitors would want to know the cultures and ways of lives of our people from so many ethnic backgrounds,” added Liwan.
On the development of the islands in both Bakun and Murum lakes, Liwan said the state government planned to set up the Lake Authority to develop lakes in the two great dams.
“But when we develop the islands in these lakes, the local people must be invited so that they will benefit,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, newly- elected Temenggong Ajang Sirek, 67, hopes the government will expedite the upgrading of the 34km MejawahBelaga road so that it would become an impetus for other utilities such as electricity and water supply.
“There is an urgent need to improve the road, so we hope it will not be delayed as it has been approved by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to Belaga late last year.
“But so far there is no sign of any work on the project,” he said, referring to the RM50-million allocation which had been approved for the said project.
He also hopes the ministry will provide the necessary financial support for the Pesta Savae/Ledoh next year.
“On my recent appointment as the temenggong of Belaga, I would like to record my sincere appreciation to the relevant authorities. And I promise to work for all races in Belaga, regardless of their race and religious background,” said Ajang who is a Muslim.
The highlight of the festival was the record-breaking ‘Kesut Dance’ of the Kajang community in which 350 dancers took part.
Present were Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai and political secretaries to the chief minister, Michael Mujah and Beatrice Kedoh Tajang.
Datuk Liwan Lagang, Belaga assemblyman