LUBOK ANTU: The Sarawak government, through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), will develop a mid-size hotel in Batang Ai to revitalise tourism in the area.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the facility would revive Batang Ai’s appeal following the deterioration of the former Hilton longhouse resort.
He said the project, to be managed by BDDA chairman cum Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, had already been identified for implementation.
“This will create economic opportunities for the community, particularly in tourism. With the electric boats launched today, visitors can tour the Batang Ai dam.
“Batang Ai has unique attractions such as the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, which can be marketed alongside the scenic dam and surrounding nature.
“I believe this will be a game changer for the area and ignite economic activity, particularly through sustainable tourism,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant 40th Anniversary here today (Oct 6).
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari recalled that Batang Ai’s accessibility was once a challenge when he served as Tourism Minister, with travel from Kuching taking half a day.
He noted that a small airport was later developed in Spaoh, reducing travel to only 30 minutes by aircraft, making visitor arrivals easier.
He said this connectivity would support wider plans to develop Batang Ai into a tourism hub, complementing Sarawak’s focus on nature-based attractions.
“Tourists can visit Batang Ai dam, explore the wildlife sanctuary, and enjoy nature as part of the package we are developing.
“Our people and community leaders must also think of new ways to create tourism programmes that can attract more visitors,” he added.
As such, the Premier has greenlit a RM2 million allocation for community development, income generation initiatives, and longhouse facility improvements.
He said the funding would help longhouses and villages strengthen their role in tourism while benefiting directly from visitor spending in the area.
“This is what we call the whole package that benefits longhouses and communities, while preserving attractions such as Lanjak Entimau,” he said.
