DUN Sarawak: The island of Tun Ahmad Zaidi is an ecotourism destination

KUCHING, Oct 14: Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve covering 547 hectares has the potential to be developed as a recreation, environmental education and ecotourism destination to boost tourism industry in Daro.

Daro Member of the National Advisory Council (ADUN), Dr Safiee Ahmad suggested that the development of the area announced in 2013 should be implemented following the example approach of Bukit Lima Nature Reserve.

"I propose that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) can make it a recreation, environmental education and eco-tourism destination that can be developed in phases like at the Hill Five Nature Reserve on Sibu.

"Small-scale facilities such as hiking trails, visitor information centres and nature observation areas can be provided according to the site's suitability and environmental conservation needs", he said.

He said this while discussing the Bill of Supply (Bill) 2027 at the 19th Sarawak DUN Congress today.

Obviously, the phased development enables the potential of the area to be exploited as a tourist attraction taking into account environmental conservation importance.

In the related developments, Safiee also highlighted the potential of the RM35 million Daro Beltway project as an attraction to out-of-district visitors besides providing recreational space for locals.

He said the development of the riverbank has potential to support business activities in surrounding areas especially in the food, local products and services sector to visitors.

"With complementary attractions and facilities, we want visitors to spend more time in Daro and contribute to the local economy", he said. - TVS