KUCHING: Niah National Park is set to undergo a face-lift as major upgrading and repair works of the park’s facilities including the development of a state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre had recently commenced.
This was announced at a symbolic handing-over ceremony yesterday from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to Cergas Asli Sdn. Bhd. (Cergas Asli), the main Project Contractor.
At the ceremony, SFC and Cergas Asli formally entered into a Contract for the development works which include: the said Interpretation Centre, Ticketing Booth cum Information Kiosk, a multi-unit souvenir shop, public toilet and rest hut; information and interpretation signages as well as a 700-metre stretch of boardwalk.
This project is financially supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia through a funding allocation of RM 3.4 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
The Interpretation Centre will showcase the history of human civilisation at the Niah caves, cultural heritage of Niah’s indigenous communities, biodiversity and natural assets of the park, and the geological features of the Niah Cave System.
This information will be provided to visitors by means of modern and interactive presentation including the integration of hologram technology which would be a first amongst national parks in Malaysia.
The multi-unit souvenir shop meanwhile could accommodate six vendors at one time whereat a variety of locally produced items would be offered for sale.
According to SFC, this development project is expected to be completed in November this year, after which the learning and visiting experience of visitors to Niah National Park would be very much improved.
Niah National Park is an important site for biodiversity conservation and archeology.
Its main attractions include the ancient Niah Cave paintings, ‘death-ships’ and burial site. This national park is visited by nearly 30,000 visitors every year.
