RM7.5 mln Bau Tourism and Cultural Park still in design stage

Dato Henry Harry Jinep (file pic)

By Jacob Achoi

BAU, April 30: The Bau Tourism and Cultural Park (BTCP) is currently still at the design stage, with an allocation of RM7.5 million under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).

Disclosing this, Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the project is sited on a more than 100-acre former gold mining area.

“The BTCP will be similar to Reservoir Park and Taman Sahabat, serving as a green lung for Bau and promoting a healthier lifestyle,” he told a press conference at the Bau District Council (BDC) today in conjunction with the upcoming Bau Cultural and Tourism Festival 2026.

He added that the RM7.5 million allocation under Phase I will also cover upgrading works for trails and jungle trekking routes.

“Our stadium is always packed every evening, so the BTCP will help draw people to this area,” said Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman.

According to him, the site was selected due to its historical significance as a former mining area that needs to be preserved.

Henry also disclosed that an application has been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for Phase II of the BTCP project.

He said MOTAC Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing is expected to visit the site in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Bau Cultural and Tourism Festival 2026 on May 9.

Henry further noted that several initiatives are in the pipeline to attract more visitors to Bau, although details will be kept under wraps for now.

“I will not disclose them at the moment because we want to keep it as a surprise,” he said. — DayakDaily