KUCHING: Private investments are imperative for the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors as their inputs will not only support the development of under-explored tourism destinations but also turn those places into vibrant tourist destinations.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said these activities will help to contribute to the social and economic development of the people.
“However, there are situations where opening new tourism areas or constructing something new in existing areas may have negative impacts on the environment and the society in a profound way.
“The exploitation of natural resources and disregard for cultural heritage can damage the ecosystem concerned and negatively affect the local community,” he said when delivering his speech during the grand opening of Borneo Keranji Farm at Bau here yesterday.
Abdul Karim added that he was happy to see that Borneo Keranji Farm, on the contrary, has shown how it could be done positively.
“Borneo Keranji Farm is an initiative of private investment that embraces responsible tourism from the environmental, economic and community aspects.
“In order to assist the communities, Borneo Keranji Farm also hires local residents from the neighbourhood as employees, thus providing job opportunities to improve their quality of life,” he said.
Abdul Karim revealed that Borneo Keranji Farm is an agro-eco tourism destination that grows all sorts of fruits and vegetables for consumption which in turn promotes healthy lifestyle.
He added that local arts can be found everywhere, on the unused buses which have been turned into bedrooms and dining rooms, as well as the entrance and gardens.
“At night, you can experience stargazing when the sky is clear. You can also cycle in the morning and do some farming in the afternoon. It is a good place for family bonding.
“Borneo Keranji Farm is an exemplary practice of responsible tourism for sustainable development and I hope to see more initiatives as such in the near future, not only in Bau but also the entire Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim concluded his speech by applauding the owners of Borneo Keranji Farm, Ho King Wong and Sim Hui Yong, for their innovation and persistence in developing the tourist attraction into what it is today.
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
