Premier: Sarawak to boost eco-tourism with planned Lake Development Authority
Abang Johari (right, front row) and Uggah (left, front row) performing an opening gimmick in the form of harvesting a paddy stem. – Photo by Ukas
KUCHING (June 17): The Sarawak government is exploring the establishment of a Lake Development Authority (LDA) within the next two years to manage and develop lake areas across the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Abang Johari said the move is aimed at providing a structured and coordinated approach to the development of both natural and man-made lakes, particularly as potential eco-tourism destinations.
'In the next two years, we are looking into the possibility of establishing a Lake Development Board that will regulate and manage all our lakes, including dams and natural lakes such as Bengoh Lake,' he said when officiating at the Gawai Dayak JPS celebration held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex in Petra Jaya today.
'This means we will have a more structured approach in developing lake areas, which have the potential to become tourist attractions.'
Among the areas being prioritised is Baleh in Kapit, which he described as having a beautiful river and strong potential for nature-based tourism.
In addition, the Forestry Department and the Agriculture Department have been directed to preserve the environment, including efforts to replant trees such as 'Ensurai' which are a food source for Empurau fish.
'In other words, the lake can be re-enriched with Empurau fish, which will indeed be the main attraction in the area for tourists. This will certainly give a boost to economic development in the area,' said Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning.
This effort will only be successful if implemented by the relevant agencies as a team, particularly by the Civil Service One team, he said.
Meanwhile, the Premier also shared that Sarawak recorded a strong and encouraging financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, which he hopes will be sustained through the remaining quarters of the year.
'I think that in the first quarter of 2025, our performance will be 'not that bad', including our financial position. We hope that for the next three quarters it will continue to be consistent and this will certainly give us an advantage so that we can develop the rural areas, especially.'
Such financial stability will give the Sarawak government an advantage in implementing its development agenda, especially in rural areas that need continuous attention, he stressed.
He also highlighted the progress of bridge construction projects across the state, which will further accelerate rural development and open new economic opportunities.
'The completion of these bridges will open a new chapter in Sarawak's economic development,' he said.
Also present at the function were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik and Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel as well as heads of departments and other dignitaries.
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