KUCHING: The federal Tourism and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) will support the proposed Bau Tourism and Cultural Park (BCTP), but approval for funding will depend on the Ministry of Economy.
Its Minister Datk Seri Tiong King Sing said the proposed BTCP still needs to undergo the proper federal application process before any allocation can be considered.
Speaking after receiving a briefing from consultants at the proposed project site in Bau, Tiong said the application for federal funding could not be included under the current rolling plan as it had already closed.
“Now, you see, they need to do the submission to us. For next year one, definitely we cannot be on time because we are already crossing the end of the current rolling plan,” he said.
Malaysia’s federal development projects are implemented through rolling plans under the Five-Year Malaysia Plan.
The current Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) under the 12th Malaysia Plan covers development allocations for 2025 and is already finalised.
The new rolling plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan is expected to take effect next year.
Tiong said the BTCP proposal could instead be submitted for consideration under the new rolling plan.
“They can submit their application, then we can submit for next year under the new rolling plan for the Ministry of Economy to consider.
“Definitely our ministry will support. We will work it out with the Ministry of Economy. We try our best,” he added.
However, he stressed that the final decision on federal funding lies with the Ministry of Economy and the process would take time.
“For now, it is not confirmed yet. Definitely it will take some time to get the federal funding because from our ministry we will need to go to the Ministry of Economy,” he said.
On the proposed allocation, Tiong said the amount would depend on the submission from the Sarawak side.
“The development department will contact them. They are going to submit to us, then we will do our best,” he said.
The BTCP development committee, led by Tasik Biru assemblyman and Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Henry Harry Jinep, is applying for RM12.5 million from MOTAC for the project’s second phase.
The proposed tourism and cultural park is planned on a 100-acre former mining site under the Greater Bau Initiative.
The project aims to transform the area into a tourism destination highlighting Bau’s cultural heritage, history and eco-tourism potential.
Its first phase will be implemented using a RM7.5 million allocation from the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency.
