Friday March 31, 2006
Preserving Pahang’s natural assets
PAHANG has all the natural assets for tourism but still needs to address many issues plaguing the fast emerging industry in the state.
Most of them are likely to be addressed in the 9MP, as there was a dire need to protect the state’s natural assets.
Among them is the tourism infrastructure in Pulau Tioman that lags far behind Langkawi, negative reports of environmental degradation in Cameron Highlands and Fraser Hills, pollution in Lake Cini and uncontrolled logging in its virgin jungles.
Pahang Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said more concerted efforts were needed to address the issues especially in ecotourism where the state has all the resources.
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A scenic river view in Pahang. The state wants to promote the state as ‘Truly Malaysia.’ |
“If Malaysia is promoted as Truly Asia, Pahang will be promoted as Truly Malaysia,” she told Bernama.
“In the event a foreign visitor couldn't find the time to go all over Malaysia, a visit to Pahang would suffice as everything is here,” she said.
She noted that the number of tourist and returns from the industry is on the rise with 4.8 million tourist in 2004 and 5.1 million in 2005 with the returns of RM1.9bil and RM2.1bil respectively.
“Our target this year is 5.5 million visitors. The duration of their stay in Pahang would be at least two nights. On returns, we target RM2.3bil,” he said.
Maznah also elaborated on strategies outlined to achieve the target with the tourism facilities and promotional efforts given priority.
“Apart from that there are many interesting areas that has yet to be fully developed. For a start we will ensure easy accessibility to the sites.
Maznah also pointed out that RM40.2mil had been spent to enhance the basic facilities for the tourism industry in Pahang under the Eight Malaysia Plan.
This includes RM265,000 to upgrade the roads leading to EndauRompin National Park, RM2mil for alternative roads to the park and RM4mil to beautify Sungai Kuantan.
“Apart from upgrading the infrastructure, we are also looking at new attractions, for example Pantai Sepat, about 20km from Kuantan town that will be developed in the Ninth Malaysia Plan,” she said.
The state government is also redeveloping Sungai Lembing town, once known for its mining activities, as another tourist attraction.
Meanwhile Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said it was still not too late to develop the tourism industry in the state.
Adnan said however the bigger challenge was to preserve the diversity of its natural assets.
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