Borneo Empurau Farm & Resort secures prestigious MyTQA recognition
SERIAN: Borneo Empurau Farm & Resort (BEFR) in Tarat has received Platinum certification under the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) programme in recognition of its tourism facilities, services and visitor experiences.
The certification, administered by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), marks a milestone for the resort as it seeks to strengthen its position as an agricultural tourism and ecotourism destination in Sarawak.
BEFR founder Datuk Dr Yong Fook Heng said the recognition reflected the dedication of the resort’s management and employees in maintaining service quality and operational standards.
“We are deeply honoured and proud to receive the MyTQA Platinum certification. This achievement represents more than recognition of our progress; it also reinforces our responsibility to continuously improve the quality of our facilities, services, management standards and overall visitor experience,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Located on a 69-acre site, BEFR combines agriculture, aquaculture, nature attractions, cultural activities and recreational facilities.
Its main attraction is the Empurau fish, one of Sarawak’s most prized freshwater species, with aquaculture and hatchery activities offering visitors opportunities to learn about fish farming and responsible resource management.
Other facilities include an open-air aviary, water recreation, longhouse-inspired cultural experiences, lakeside accommodation and educational agricultural activities.
Yong said the resort aimed to demonstrate how agriculture and tourism could complement each other while promoting Sarawak’s natural and cultural heritage.
He said Tarat and Serian had considerable potential for agricultural tourism and ecotourism, particularly through cooperation among government agencies, tourism operators and local communities.
He also expressed appreciation to Tarat incumbent Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn for his continued support towards the resort’s development.
Yong credited employees across the resort’s various departments for contributing to the certification.
“Our employees are the foundation of this achievement. Every department and every individual plays an important role in delivering the experiences and services we provide to our visitors,” he said.
BEFR also thanked MOTAC, the MyTQA assessment team, the Sarawak Government, local authorities, the Serian District administration, the Serian District Council and other stakeholders for their support.
Moving forward, the resort plans to expand cooperation with schools, universities, technical and vocational institutions, tourism operators and community organisations.
The proposed programmes will focus on aquaculture, agriculture, biodiversity, environmental awareness, sustainable resource management and Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
Yong said the certification would encourage BEFR to further improve its facilities, services and management practices while supporting employment, education and community participation.
“Receiving the MyTQA Platinum certification is a great honour, but with recognition comes responsibility.
“We must continue to uphold the standards expected of us and strive for further improvement in every aspect of our operations,” he said.
