MALACCA: Sarawak is looking to turn its centuries-old lighthouses into both maritime heritage landmarks and new draws for eco-tourism.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep led a ministerial delegation on a working visit to the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse here to study its management and potential as a reference for Sarawak.
According to a statement on his Facebook page, the visit would serve as the basis for drafting forward-looking and practical proposals for Sarawak.
“Among the proposals include upgrading and conserving historic lighthouse assets in Sarawak dating back to the 19th century, particularly the Tanjung Sirik Lighthouse in Mukah, as well as others such as Tanjung Po, Tanjung Jerijeh and Kuala Baram.
“These could be leveraged both for safer maritime navigation and as new tourism attractions showcasing unique architecture,” the statement said.
Henry also toured the surrounding area and was briefed on how the lighthouse functions had evolved from being a primary navigation aid to serving as an ecotourism draw.
The site is located within a permanent forest reserve and serves as a sanctuary for 54 bird species. It is also a key stopover for an estimated 300,000 migratory birds annually.
The lighthouse attracts thousands of visitors each year, underlining its potential as part of the tourism sector.
For the record, the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse—formerly known as Cape Rachado—is one of Malaysia’s most important maritime monuments with a long history.
The existing structure was built in 1863, replacing an earlier version constructed in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
A modern concrete tower was added in 1990 to house Malaysia East Asia Satellite (MEASAT) radar facilities for monitoring shipping traffic along the Straits of Malacca.
