Astrotourism Pahang Series to woo tourists tourists once border reopens

 

SUBANG JAYA 21 MAC 2022. Pahang State Tourism Exco, Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin (standing, centre) witnessing during signing memorandum of understanding between Presiden MITA, Uzaidi Udanis (second left) and Chief Executive Officer Apadilangit, Hafez Murtza (second right) at D Tandoor, Subang Jaya. - NSTP/ AZIAH AZMEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Stargazing and other astrotourism activities will soon become the latest official tourism products of Pahang.

This initiative was unveiled today during the pre-launch of the Astrotourism Pahang Series.

Through the project, domestic and foreign tourists will be able to experience Malaysia's one and only International Dark Sky Park.

This first-of-its-kind facility in the country will allow visitors to enjoy nature spots in Pahang that have naturally clear dark skies, especially at night.

Such locations are known among astrotourism enthusiasts as being ideal spots for stargazing.

Pahang Tourism, Culture and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, who was the guest of honour at the pre-launch event, said the initiative's main strategic focus was to develop an astrotrourism system in Malaysia.

He said the project will also engage communities to raise awareness about Pahang's iconic dark night sky and use it as a valuable asset.

"The location of Pahang, which is a Penisular Malaysia tourism icon, is suitable for stargazing and astronomy related activities.

"Such activities depend on spots which have very low amounts of artificial lights from the city. We will facilitate the protection of Pahang's dark night sky," Sharkar said at the pre-launch event at a restaurant in Subang Jaya here today.

Also present was Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president, Uzaidi Udanis.

Based on MITA data, the association estimated that it received 2.2 million domestic tourists due to multiple movement controls measures.

This year, the association estimated that it could welcome 9 million tourists following the reopening of the international border.

When commenting on this issue, Uzaidi said that MITA and its members were ready for the reopening of the international border on April 1.

He said that he was thankful for the community in MITA for persevering during the extremely tough times brought about by the pandemic.

He said like many other tourism-related entities, MITA has been coming up with new and innovative ideas to sustain the tourism industry, which has been hard-hit due to Covid-19 during the last two years.

"We have been ready and we are prepared for the border opening. Our basic aim is to get the maximum amount of tourists.

"We are still here. Our executive council (exco) members have not given up and all of us have renewed our licences," he said.

On a separate issue, Uzaidi said the recent announcement by the government to raise the country's minimum wage may still pose a problem for workers in big cities.

He said even with the implementation of a RM1,500 minimum wage starting from May 1, the amount was insufficient especially when living in Kuala Lumpur.

"We have employed more than 3.6 million employees, and it is not easy to get new talents. As time goes by, the cost of living is getting higher, and RM1,500 is not enough especially when one lives in the city where everything is pricier," he explained.

-nst online.