Premier: Recognition of Niah Cave as Unesco World Heritage Site solidifies global attention on Sarawak

BAU (July 27): The official listing of Niah Cave as a Unesco World Heritage Site today has further solidified the global attention on Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari shared the exciting news, which was received from Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is currently in India during the Gawai Carnival Redeems (GCR) tonight.

“I received the good news from Datuk Len while on my way here. Sarawak is now in the global spotlight. Among the candidates considered worldwide, Niah Cave was selected as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

“This recognition makes Niah the second Unesco World Heritage Site in Sarawak, alongside Gunung Mulu National Park. Sarawak now boasts iconic sites that reflect both natural (Gunung Mulu National Park) and cultural heritage (Niah Cave),” he said during his speech at the carnival held at the Bidayuh Cultural Village near the Redeems Centre in Apar here.

In this regard, Abang Johari said that what is needed now is to attract visitors to these heritage sites.

“The Ministry of Transport Sarawak is still discussing the final stages, and by the end of the year, God willing, we will have our own airline.

“This airline will be used to promote Sarawak and bring tourists and business people to Sarawak.”

Abang Johari believes that Sarawak will also be able to attract more visitors as its economy is now in a ‘very structured manner’.

Reflecting on Sarawak’s financial health, he projected that this year’s revenue would surpass last year’s RM13 billion.

“If last year we made RM13 billion, this year will be better. By November, I will inform you how much we have achieved.

“This income will flow back to the people,” he said.