MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg unveiled an ambitious master plan for Niah.
The comprehensive development initiative — the Niah River Protection Project Master Plan’ — aims to transform Bekenu, Lambir, and Sibuti into structured and sustainable developments.
Speaking to more than a 2,000-strong crowd during the Subis District ‘Majlis Melangar Meja’ event in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration yesterday (May 29), Abang Johari said the plan incorporates all development proposals submitted by Bekenu assemblywoman Datuk Rosey Yunus.
“We are recommending that Niah have a ‘master plan’, that is the ‘Niah River Protection Project Master Plan’. Everything Rosey mentioned earlier will be included in this master plan,” he said.
Central to this master plan is the anticipation of Gua Niah, or Niah Cave, being elevated to a UNESCO heritage site.
“Niah will have a structured development once Gua Niah is elevated to UNESCO heritage site status,” Abang Johari added, stressed the transformative potential of this recognition for the area.
The comprehensive development plan covers a wide range of infrastructure projects, including road development, erosion control, and village road projects.
“Meaning, it will involve road projects, erosion control projects, and village road projects. This will of course involve a lot of money. We have made extensive planning,” said the Premier, though he did not reveal the total cost.
“The cost is high because this master plan is comprehensive.”
Key infrastructure projects include the upgrading of roads connecting Bekenu, Beraya, Kejapil, Tusan, Terahad, Bungai, Tiris, Pejuang-Kelulit, and Sepupok Junction, with an estimated budget exceeding RM100 million.
“We will develop the road towards Niah Cave,” he added.
Additionally, there are plans to enhance internet connectivity in the area to cater to the influx of tourists expected with Gua Niah’s potential UNESCO designation.
Further developments include the construction of a bridge in Kampung Bulau and a new housing scheme in the Niah area.
Abang Johari highlighted that the allocation for these projects has already been provided, though exact figures were not disclosed to avoid influencing tender prices.
This structured development is projected to create numerous job opportunities for locals and foster economic growth based on tourism and service industries.
“The development that will take place, once the UNESCO Gua Niah site is approved, will provide jobs for locals and promote development based on tourism and services,” Abang Johari said.
With extensive planning and significant investment, the Niah River Protection Project Master Plan marks a pivotal step in Sarawak’s efforts to elevate Niah as a heritage and tourist hub, promising a new era of growth and prosperity for the area, he added.
Present during the ‘Melanggar Meja’ event was Abang Johari’s wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
Also present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development I (Women and Childhood Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
