Clean air added value of Sarawak tourism

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Sarawak wants to make environmental quality and clean air part of the economic value of tourism sector including through the use of hydrogen technology for public transportation system Autonomous Transit Flow (ART) in Kuching.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that tourists are now not only looking for shopping and accommodation destinations but also appreciate the clean environment as well as nature-based experiences.

"These days there are few cities that provide clean air. We have this advantage because we are not facing a critical level of pollution", he said speaking at the inauguration ceremony of The Everly Lhesson Kuching Hotel, here today.

According to him, the advantage can also be extended to Lundu and Sematan areas which offer attractions such as sea, islands, cruise activities, turtle viewing and fishing sports.

He said that the diversity gives visitors a choice to get out of the city and enjoy the natural environment.

"This is the main reason why I don't want to use fossil fuels for our ART system and switch to hydrogen as the cleanest energy", he said.

Brother Johari said investments in clean transport should be seen in a broader context as besides providing safe and timely services to visitors, it also helps maintain Kuching's image as a green destination.

He added, sustainability is not just an environmental agenda, it can also be a competitive advantage for the Sarawak tourism sector.