Agro-commerce a big potential in Baram
MIRI: The state government is focusing on developing Ulu Baram into a tourist destination through the Highland Development Agency (HDA).
One of the programmes slated for this includes commercial agriculture, which could work given the vast land there.
In this regard, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau regards the HDA as the ‘catalyst’ for the development of agriculture in the highland areas.
For the record, the HDA is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, leading a committee that comprises Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Baram MP Anyie Ngau and Dennis.
“Baram is a perfect area that is rich with flora and fauna. It has a big potential in agriculture and in this respect, the HDA is planning strategically to develop the area,” Dennis said after flagging off the four-wheel drive vehicle (4X4) expedition here yesterday.
The four-day trip, which began here and would conclude in Long Nakan (Ulu Baram), is facilitated by Oiltown 4x4 Adventure Club.
Baram is a perfect area that is rich with flora and fauna. It has a big potential in agriculture and in this respect, the HDA is planning strategically to develop the area. — Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman
Witnessing the flag-off were club chairman Mohd Suffri and Miri Youth and Sports Office representative Rynnille Elsther Peter.
According to Dennis, tourism based on culture, adventure and nature (CAN) as well as agriculture would be a great platform for Ulu Baram.
“For CAN, Baram has many tourism spots – some are very unique.
“It is a vast area that has lots of virgin jungles. It makes for a worthwhile exploration, especially on board 4X4s.
“We hope that with HAD’s strategic planning, Baram could grow rapidly and more tourists would come and enjoy the culture, adventures and nature there,” he said.
Fifty participants on board more than 20 four-wheel drive vehicles took part in the expedition.
Suffri said these participants also included those from Brunei and Sabah.
When met, Jesselton 4x4 Club president Mohd Rusli Suheli said this was their first expedition in Sarawak.
“We have done a lot of expeditions in and around Kota Kinabalu, but by joining this expedition, we strive to gain experience being in the Orang Ulu hinterland.
“At the same time, it’s a good platform for us 4X4 enthusiasts to bond and foster closer rapport with one another,” he said.