Sarawak Forestry Corporation accelerates restoration at Niah National Park after floods

MIRI (March 26): Restoration works at Niah National Park are underway, focusing on rebuilding key access routes following unprecedented flooding last year, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.

The Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister made the remarks after a recent working visit to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), where he met with general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran and his team to review ongoing conservation efforts.

“SFC manages 71 of Sarawak’s national parks, and this is an important role as eco-tourism is one of Sarawak’s key tourism strengths,” Chiew said.

During the visit, he was briefed on the closure of major sections of the Unesco World Heritage Site due to severe flooding in 2025.

“The floods were particularly severe, occurring twice within a single year. While immediate intervention was initiated after the first flood, continuous rain and wet conditions have obstructed maintenance efforts.

“This scale of flooding has not been seen since 1963,” he added.

Chiew said current restoration works are centred on reconstructing and rerouting a 600-metre main trail linking Traders’ Cave to the Great Cave.

“Once completed, visitors will be able to access the iconic Great Cave and Painters Cave again. SFC estimates the walkway can be restored within six months, weather permitting.”

He noted that in 2025, the ministry through the Department of National Heritage, allocated RM1 million for maintenance works at Niah National Park, alongside RM395,000 for upgrades to park facilities and the Niah Archaeology Museum.

Describing the park as a key tourism destination in northern Sarawak, Chiew emphasised the need for ongoing conservation.

“Through the ministry, I will continue to support the preservation and conservation of Niah National Park, and monitor progress so it can be enjoyed by both visitors and locals,” he said.

He also highlighted a new mobile application under development by SFC, which uses image recognition technology to identify flora and fauna.

“I will explore ways to support this initiative, as it has the potential to become a valuable tool for tourists and tour guides to appreciate Sarawak’s rich biodiversity,” he added.