Visit Sarawak 2013 maybe

KUCHING: To the state Tourism Ministry, “Visit Sarawak 2013” is a possibility, but the minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg says it depends on the private sector.

“Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Sarawak and Sabah joining Malaya to form Malaysia. It will be a big and significant year for us, and one that will benefit the tourism industry,” Johari told reporters after the conclusion of the My City Regatta 2012, which was organised by Kuching City North Commission yesterday. “We have a lot of events in the pipeline. We might even declare it ‘Visit Sarawak 2013’. At the ministry level, we are thinking about it.

Getting the feel: Johari trying a police patrol bike after the closing of the regatta at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday. — ANDRE OLIVEIRO / The Star

“We’ll make a decision by the end of February. The thing is, we want the private sector to be very pro active. We need them to be well prepared and there’s less than a year to go.” Johari, however, declined to be specific on the Government’s plans.

In the past, he said that there were plans to organise an ambitious South-East Asian film festival as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. He has also said that tourism events would be held in collaboration with Sabah government. These could include a yacht race from Sarawak to Sabah. At the same time, both governments are lobbying for more airlines to fly more regional destinations from the two states.

On a related matter, Johari said the authorities were focussing on improving crime prevention measures in the city. “We now have a lot of policemen on bicycles going up and down places like Kuching Waterfront. There will be more improvements. Leaving tourists with a good perception is important.”

Johari said plans to extend the waterfront was progressing well. “Eventually, Kuching Waterfront will link up with Sungai Bintangor (which cuts through several traditional villages) via Brooke Dockyard. “We want to start physical works this year, for the extension to be ready by 2013’s Malaysia Day,” he said.

-thestar online.