KUCHING: With continuous development in Batu Kitang, it will further boost the tourism industry and economic activities in the area.
Kampung Batu Kitang village chief Sharkawi Solek, 63, said he is glad that the Batu Kitang River Tourism Corridor project proposed by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, will turn Batu Kitang into a potential tourist destination.
“As we know there are many attractions in this area and with its rich history, Batu Kitang deserves to be developed as a tourism hub,” he said when met with reporters at the ‘Lan Berambeh at Batu Kitang’ programme at Kampung Batu Kitang Lama on Sunday.
He said among the villages with rich culture and histories are Kampung Batu Kitang, Kampung Lidah Tanah, Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya, Bukit Pancor and Bunga Rampai.
“Furthermore, this area is also famous for its lobsters and this will create another attraction for locals and tourists,” he said.
He also hoped that the Sarawak government will organise more programmes that could include the involvement of youth from the Batu Kitang area.
“Youth must be brought together in developing an area because the majority of those in this village are senior citizens,” he said.
Sharkawi then conveyed his appreciation to Lo and federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri for working together in bringing more development to Batu Kitang.
Meanwhile, Kampung Batu Kitang Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) welfare bureau chairman Sahferi Tambi said he is glad and welcomed the ministry’s effort to develop the tourism sector in Batu Kitang.
“There are many potential tourism products which can be explored more in this area. And by upgrading this river area into a waterfront, it will be able to attract more tourists to enjoy the facilities here,” he said.
He said once the project is completed, it will be able to open up more business opportunities for the locals here and thus improving the economy in this area.