KUCHING: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has urged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to help develop the tourism sector in his area.
He said Puncak Borneo, consisting of three state constituencies, namely Tarat, Mambong, and Serumbu, has numerous potential eco-tourism sites that can be developed.
He mentioned that the area has approximately 30 caves, with the largest being Gua Raya, also known as ‘Taang Raya,’ along with 32 waterfalls, with the most beautiful waterfalls found in Kampung Assum, Bengoh Dam, Kampung Sadir, and Kampung Kiding.
Additionally, there are three hot springs, a river cruise in Kampung Ampungan, a rock maze in Paku, two rafting and kayaking safaris, 25 hiking trails, four longhouses, and 23 homestays and picnic spots, including D’Remin Sapit, Kiyau Sapit, Kaloyan, Libiki, Pesang River Lodge, and Jangoi River Lodge.
“There is also the Borneo Highland Resort, which has a golf course that is currently closed and needs to be revived,” he said.
“Despite being part of the country’s “Tourism Belt,”, the government’s and the Ministry’s efforts are still unsatisfactory.
“Therefore, I urge ministry officers to go to the field to engage directly, provide funding, and support the tourism industry in Puncak Borneo to elevate these tourism products to a higher level,” he said when debating on Budget 2024 at the Dewan Rakyat recently.
On basic infrastructure, Willie said he had requested the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to build roads connecting several villages and upgrade existing roads under the Rural Road Programme (JALB).
He also called for the acceleration of the Rural Water Supply Program (BALB) and Water Reticulation System for Kampung Sibanyis, as the community has been waiting for clean water supply to their homes for a long time.
Furthermore, he requested the installation of a reinforced concrete bridge on the Dahan Estate – BRS road and a Bailey bridge in Kampung Tringgus Bong, emphasising the need for these matters to be prioritised in the state and federal Public Works Department to seek approval and implementation by the ministry.
He highlighted that the people are still awaiting the implementation of Phase 2 of the Rural Water Supply Project for Puncak Borneo, the Sebemban – Gedong Bridge Project, and the Kpg Biya Jaber Road Project, which have been approved.
Willie also requested that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government allocate funds to install street lights along the Kampung Mambong Clinkers and Mambong – Sarig roads, which are currently not lit and hazardous.
