Need for access to National Parks

suppadmin | August 17, 2017

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing’s recent statement that we should have plans to build roads leading to national parks is very timely, both not only from a tourism point of view but also to the socio economic development of the local residents in the area.

The Semenggok Wildlife Sanctuary where the road access has allowed many visitors to come and see the orang-utans is one good example.

Likewise, roads built leading to Bako and Mulu national parks would enable more visitors to experience and appreciate what the state have to offer there.

Recollecting his speech in the DUN way back in Nov 2016 on the same issue, Dato Sebastian Ting recalled sounding out that the people of Miri have requested for the construction of the road from Miri to Mulu National Park.

The road is important for both international tourists and to cater for local residents in Miri Division, Limbang, Lawas, Bintulu and Brunei.

From a logistic point, the road can stop at a river jetty near a kampung and outside the boundary of the national park. The jetty point can be manned by Park personnel and have facilities like secured car parks, café, toilet facilities and shops selling local produce.

Tourists can only enter the Park by river transport from the jetty, thus protecting the natural environment.

The road proposal will not only help open up the Mulu National Park to visitors, both local and international, but will benefit the local community economically, by providing more job opportunities.

Of course, we must also take steps to protect the rare natural environment and not let eco-tourism spoil it in the need for development.