SERIAN: Borneo Empurau Farm Resort (BEFR) is expected to play a key role in efforts to harness the unique potential of farming and tourism in Sarawak.
Expected to start operating in the third quarter of this year, BEFR is being primed for inclusion in tourism packages by the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (MATTA).
MATTA chairman Oscar Choo did not rule out the possibility of including BEFR in the MATTA package given its potential to become a major tourist destination that attracts local and international tourists.
He said, in BEFR, it has a local gem that can lift Sarawak’s tourism industry, as it is the place that produces the sought-after empurau fish.
“Although other regions have iconic seafood such as salmon from the North Atlantic and North Pacific, Sarawak proudly presents empurau as one of the most prized fish in our region.
“We have seen for ourselves how this area can be transformed not only for fish farming and agriculture projects but also for tourism,” he said after attending a Chap Goh Mei luncheon at Borneo Empurau Farm, Jalan Kuching-Serian, yesterday.
He said, to promote BEFR, a strong sales and marketing team and an efficient PR team are needed to promote this place to the outside world.
He believes that through the right promotion, empurau can be known globally, opening up opportunities for international tourists to enjoy this special dish.
Choo added, the initiative implemented by BEFR not only highlights the wealth of local produce but also underlines the importance of sustainability and conservation.
“Thus, we encourage all players in the tourism industry to embrace and promote initiatives like this, as it adds great value to destination marketing.
“With support from MATTA and continued cooperation, Borneo Empurau Farm Resort is expected to become a major tourist destination that attracts local and international tourists,” he added.
The 65-acre BEFR is an empurau fish aquaculture centre as well as an eco-agro resort that was developed in 2015.
It aims to increase the supply of empurau that is decreasing in the wild in Sarawak, thereby increasing Sarawak’s income through the export of empurau fish to foreign markets such as China, Taiwan, Japan and Europe.
To date, the centre has developed a fertilisation facility capable of producing approximately 5,000 empurau eggs per year, as well as a breeding aquarium for 1,600 adult empurau, a research and development (R&D) laboratory and training facilities for prospective empurau farmers.
At the same time, the development of the resort also aims to attract local and foreign tourists by providing a unique eco-agro tourism experience.
It can accommodate about 2,000 visitors at a time with 26 chalets and 18-door longhouses.
A multipurpose hall facility with a capacity of 1,000 seats is also provided with a restaurant serving empurau, local food and forest products.
The area also has a mini water theme park, swimming pool, mini zoo, aquaponic growing centre, fertigation farming, organic fruits and greenhouse farming.
