KUCHING: From immaculate beaches and natural wonders, the once quiet small fishing town of Bekenu which lies 46 kilometres from Miri in the north-eastern part of Sarawak, has today boomed into a promising commercial hub.
Known for its breath-taking view of the Tusan Beach, Bekenu town is not only about the magical glowing Blue Tears luminous ocean waters light.
In fact, for its folk like State’s Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Assistant Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus, Bekenu is more than just a wonderland of mother nature.
To her, Bekenu is a hidden gem that has so many savouring treats to be offered, from its historical glories to intangible heritage sites.
“Throughout the years, the people of Bekenu have witnessed various developments especially in terms of infrastructures and facilities.
“Such development in Bekenu today is all because of our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who is committed in transforming rural development.
“Without Abang Jo, I don’t think the implementation of infrastructure development projects in the rural areas can be expedited as they are now,” she said when met by New Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview recently.
Bekenu as a Tourism Hub
Rosey said the implementation of the Sibuti Bridge project and the beautification of the waterfronts along the river banks have been progressing well.
She said the construction of the Waterfront project would be the catalyst for the rivers to become major attractions once its completed at the end of this year.
“We are expecting this Waterfront project will reach completion end of 2021.
“Although there was a slight delay due to the movement control order (MCO) to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction work has resumed and is now progressing smoothly.
“I believe this will help boost visitors’ arrival especially during the regatta festivals.
“Because the town is surrounded by rivers – Sibuti River and Niah River, building the Waterfront will serve as tourism commodity whereby we can use the river as an attraction for visitors.
“They can participate in activities, either paddling the boat or sightseeing, watching the fireflies as well as the crocodiles,” she pointed out.
Rosey added that a bridge and walkways would be developed at the Niah Cave.
She regarded the project which has been approved by the chief minister, as the most long-awaited one by the community.
“Now if we want to reach Niah Cave, we have to take a boat to cross the river, and then walk to reach the entrance of the museum.
“This has been a major impediment for visitors to experience the museum cave,” she explained.
