Not all lost to modernisation BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » thesundaypost - New 2 Borneo |
- Not all lost to modernisation
- All the King’s seals
- Racing the frogs
- Breathing new life into native crops
- Symbol of unity in diversity
| Posted: 24 May 2014 12:25 PM PDT by Rintos Mail, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 25, 2014, Sunday SOME are related, some are not but they all share a common lifestyle at a countryside longhouse. The families live side by side at the settlement set up about three centuries ago, and grow crops. At Annah Rais, there are two traditional longhouses raised on belian posts and are home to about 80 families of the same clan. One is called Batang Sijo (upstream row), about 150 feet long and 50 feet wide, and the other, Batang Saba (downstream row), about 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. The floor of the longhouse verandah (or tanju in Bidayuh dialect) is made of about threeinch wide strips split from large bamboo, and belian planks about eight inches wide. The nearly fl at bamboo strips are tied down firmly with rattan or lianas or woody vines to either the woody or bamboo joists beneath, making the fl oor delightful to walk on – even barefoot. In fact, the rounded surface of the bamboo, being smooth, is quite agreeable to the feet, at the same time, affording a firm hold. Putting a rattan mat over the floor can make for an excellent bed as the elasticity of the bamboo and its rounded surface are superior to a flatter and more rigid floor. The bamboo-strips floor, both in the open and sheltered verandah, could have been at the longhouse for a year or two already. Constant rubbing of the feet has made some of the bamboo strips and woods dark and polished like walnuts – so much so that the original material sometimes can hardly be recognised. Bamboo strips kept under the roof may last up to two years. The longhouse rooms are quite simple – equipped with a kitchen, dining and sleeping areas. The attic may be used to store handicrafts like the tambok, a basket strapped to a carrier's back and used to carry produce, and rattan mats. "Annah Rais longhouse is the oldest Bidayuh longhouse in Sarawak – about 300 years old," said Edward Kurik, who claimed to be the ninth generation of the longhouse dwellers. He said centuries ago, the traditional longhouse structures were tied with rattan, woody vines or creeper fibres and roofed with sago leaves. As time went by, renovations were carried out, resulting in some changes to the materials, especially for the roofs, he added. Sago leaves can last five to six years. As they are considered not long-lasting, constant maintenance is necessary after their lifespan. Nowadays, metal roofing materials – zinc and aluminium – are occasionally used for repairs. The main pillars, forming the basic structure of the Annah Rais longhouse, are made of belian. The pillars have withstood the ravages of time, remaining strong till today – and can be expected to last hundreds of years more. Looking at the belian posts and other wooden structures, which have stood for centuries, one can't help but marvel at the high level of construction skills involved, considering axes and parang were only the tools used back then. Today, there are chainsaws to chop down even the biggest trees and cut the hardest wood. Unlike the old days, fire no longer burns day and night at Annah Rais longhouse as it now has electricity and gas cookers. Also gone are the days of frequent ritual ceremonies – from dispelling illnesses in men to the birth of children. According Edward, like other Bidayuh tribes, the ancestors of Annah Rais longhouse believe that in all animate objects, including man and rice (the community's crop), there is a living principal called semangat or semungi or spirit. Since past religious inclinations were influenced by beliefs in the supernatural, sicknesses were said to be caused by a temporary absence and death through the total departure of this principal from the body. Sickness in man in the old days was believed to the workof evil spirits or mundua in Budayuh or hantu in Malay. Edward said rituals at Annah Rais longhouse were normally held in the ceremonial house called panggah. Both Batang Sijo and Batang Saba longhouses have a panggah. He added that in the old days, rituals were held at the panggah before the "heroes" went out to fight in tribal wars or headhunting. "That's why the panggah remains a very sacred place for the community till today. Everytime a ritual is held in the panggah, those living around it cannot even dry their clothings outside otherwise bad things can happen to them. "For example, a person could have hysteria if he or she failed to observe the pantang (taboos) because the spirit of the dead could enter the body of the living person." Edward said both the panggahs were built at almost the same time with the two longhouses. The panggah's main pillars, also made of belian, remain strong despite being centuries old. He revealed the panggah at Batang Sijo was used to keep skulls belonging to the enemies of the ancestors of the longhouse folk. At that time, bravery and valour of the community was measured by the number of beheaded enemies and the heads brought home. And the panggah was built to store the skulls. Previously, at Batang Sijo, the skulls were arranged on a special rack in the middle of the panggah but later transferred to the upgraded panggah at Batang Saba. In the old days, the panggah is said to have played a significant role in the mukah ceremony – worshipping of the skull spirit. According to the elders, the pantang for the ceremony included a ban on going to the river for four days. The ritual was held to celebrate the return of the warriors after a head-hunting expedition. Edward said the panggah also used to be a place for ritual healing. When a patient could not be cured with traditional medicines, he or she would stay in the panggah and given ritual treatment for a certain time. The ritual healing was normally done by the Gawai chieftain (ketua Gawai) on a big scale on the fi rst day. Edward said the last person to be treated in the panggah was the late Penghulu Minah Ranggo in 1984 at Batang Saba. "During the nursing period, lasting four days, nobody was allowed inside the panggah, except the ketua Gawai and his helpers, normally the patient's family members." Nowadays, the ritualistic ceremony is no longer practised as headhunting and ritual healing have died out. No one knows exactly the actual procedures involved. Edward said the present generation at Annah Rais longhouse and the Bidayuhs as a whole now are Christians. However, even though the present generation has been overtaken by modernisation, Annah Rais longhouse and its panggah still retain a large part of their rich history. Indeed, Annah Rais longhouse reminds us that not all in Kuching have been lost to modernisation. The longhouse and its panggah have been around for a long time but they have not lost their authenticity, said Edward, the Annah Rais longhouse tourism coordinator with Padawan Municipal Council (PMC). "It's already about 300 years old but the villagers still manage to keep some of their traditions alive. "The longhouse itself is still about 80 per cent authentic while the panggah about 60 per cent different from what it was 300 years ago." Edward said it was not easy to maintain the authenticity of the longhouse, especially the ceremonial house, considering lifestyles changed with time. "We all change – so do natural resources deplete – with time." He recalled before moving to the present site, the ancestors of the Annah Rais community settled at four hilltops – Bung Sikajang and Bung Tiparang before moving down to Bung Simbuu and Bung Ribuaan. Bung is a Bidayuh word for hilltop. "When they found the places not suitable, they moved down to Bung Mataan and Bung Sikinjie before settling at Kampung Annah Rais." Edward, a PMC councillor, explained their ancestors settled on higher ground for security reasons as head hunting was widely practised in those days. Today, Annah Rais is among the popular tourist spots in Kuching. About 60km from the city, the longhouse consists of about 80 doors. Most the dwellers, especially the elders, still live the traditional way, planting padi, cocoa, pepper and rubber for living. Many tourists visit Annah Rais Longhouse everyday. Some of the villagers are participating in the homestay programme, offering a clean rooms for guests. Under the homestay programme, visitors will live with one the family, sharing meals and taking part in tours and activities organised at Annah Rais longhouse and its surroundings. Edward said visitors would have the opportunities to experience the lifestyle of the villagers, adding that they may join in the gardening, farming, hunting, fishing and rafting activities.   |
| Posted: 24 May 2014 12:10 PM PDT by Antonia Chiam, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 25, 2014, Sunday THE historical city of Melaka has many attractions but to some, its artistic side holds a certain allure – so much so that some would even relocate there to draw inspirations for their creative pursuits. This was what happened to the family of seal-engraver Tham Ze King in the early 2000's. His father is prolific painter Tham Siew Inn who chose to move his family from Klang to Melaka, setting up base for the artistically-inclined family in the old street of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Here Ze King started his artistic business in engraving seals, an interest that was nurtured since his childhood in Klang. Looking back, the 33-year-old graduate from Kuala Lumpur College of Art did not regret stepping into what was seen as a dying trade outside China. "I have always been drawn to those red seal stampings in Chinese calligraphy or paintings of my father's art books. Through the support of my art teachers in school and my father, with the aid of an ancient text dictionary that my father bought me, I began learning the trade. "I have made more than 5,000 seals since I fi rst started over the past 15 years. My business is slowly growing, even as it is a dying trade because fewer people are doing hand-made seals. "Therefore, people searching for this kind of artwork are willing to travel far just to reach me. My clients come from all over the world and most come to me through word of mouth or blog reviews. "Many Chinese people actually come to seek my service as most seals in China are machine-made now and very expensive. The Chinese are promoting this as a very high form of art, causing it to lose its common usage and appeal," he told thesundaypost. The proprietor of King's Seal Engraving explained seals are not merely a daily stationery tool to seal a document or parcel with. "It also represents a person's identity. When printed on a document, it authorises a document's authenticity just like a signature. Artists and calligraphers would stamp their seals on artworks for the purpose of identification. Even the placement of a seal on an artwork is a complex art in itself. "Each and every hand-carved seal is unique and customised to my clients. No two hand-made seals are ever the same. Some clients even come to me with their own designs. Not many seal-engravers are willing to do commissioned designs from their clients. "I work mostly with stone seals although there are many materials that can be cut into shape and use as a seal such as jade, bronze, silver, gold, gems, wood, roots and clay. "I get imported stones from China usually through local suppliers or occasionally direct from the Chinese maker," he said. In making a seal, Ze King would first design what he wanted to engrave, before writing or drawing the design onto the stone surface. "If it's a picture design, it's fine to work on it in the face-on direction but if it's a character or writing, it has to be done in a mirrored direction so that when it stamps out, it shows the correct side. "Once the design has been put onto the stone, the engraving process starts. I usually use an alloy carving knife. After engraving the surface, I will then stamp it out to check if there is anything that needs improvement. The entire process can be as fast as 10 minutes," he explained. One of the most memorable seals he had ever made was one with the Chinese word Wei Dao in ancient script, written in a vertical form, from top to bottom. It comes from a Taoist proverb translated as for the path of life. Basically, it means to simplify things by following the path of life closer to Nature's order which is central in the teachings of Taoism. "There are many designs I like over the years, some which are my own designs while others by clients and other artists. My favourite seal designs by other artists include an Arabic calligraphy design which allows me to peer into another rich culture and see their interesting design style," Ze King mused. A hand-made seal can cost anything between RM50 and RM500, depending on the complexity and details required. Ze King usually charges Chinese characters at RM15 each and English words at RM8 each. Besides doing it as a business, he would sometimes make seals as gifts for his relatives and close friends. Sometimes, he makes seals for friends who are getting married, engraving both the couple's names onto the seal as a gift representing an everlasting bond. Generally, inspirations come from many sources for the seal engraver, having the knowledge of both Eastern and Western arts and the ability to read and understand Chinese language. "Whenever I see the beautiful creations in old Chinese art books, I feel inspired to come up with my own designs. Together with my knowledge of Western arts, I'm able to see things in a different perspective, therefore coming up with different ideas for my own creations," he said. Ze King revealed plans to conduct seal engraving classes in the future, possibly for tourists who come across the Tham family's art gallery. "This is for people wishing to make their own seals with the correct instructions and tools. I will guide them through the seal engraving process from scratch. It's a chance for them to own a truly personalised and unique seal of their own, made by their own hands," he said. For those interested in the art of seal engraving, he advised it's important to learn Chinese to understand the spirit of strokes in the seal scripts as well as to have a passion in arts and history without losing track of modern science where materials and tools are concerned. "The knowledge and understanding of Chinese calligraphy is important in seal engraving techniques. The art of calligraphy is similar to seal engraving in terms of composition, design and stroke. "Actually, given the time of about three years in basic training and study, anyone with knowledge of Chinese language and the courage can explore deeper into this art as most of the skills and techniques are well-preserved in Chinese lithography books," he said. King's Seal Engraving is located at 49, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka. Ze King can also be reached at his email zktham@yahoo.com. |
| Posted: 24 May 2014 12:00 PM PDT by Cynthia Lobato. Posted on May 25, 2014, Sunday FROG racing? The very first time I heard this, I kept thinking about how people would race frogs. Would they hold them tight and hope they would hop faster than their opponents towards the finish line? Luckily this is not the way you take part in a frog race. The race actually involves going as fast as possible to search for frogs, photograph them and be back on time to deliver your results. Then you keep on hoping that you will win one of the great prizes. The event is organised every year to create public awareness of the fact our frogs might disappear if we do not take care of them. That is, we need to draw attention to the fact that we need to save the frogs. Last month was the sixth International Bornean Frog Race held in Sarawak and the third to be held in Kubah National Park. It is always held in connection with 'Save the frogs day'. The name Kubah means dome in Malay and the park is just 22km away from Kuching. Established in 1989 as a national park, it covers 2,230ha and has three mountain peaks within its boundaries – the 911-metre Gunung Serapi and the slightly smaller Gunung Selang and Gunung Sendok – all of which are clearly visible from the Kuching Waterfront. The Unimas Ibec team started preparations a year ago at the conclusion of the 2013 Frog Race. I must say they did a very good job since it's all done by students on a volunteer basis. There were long days and probably long evenings, weeks of preparation before the race and they were still so friendly, smiling and very helpful. One of the highlights of the event was the launching of the commemorative Malaysian stamps featuring the rare Red Hot Chilli Pepper Frog discovered by Prof Indraneil Das from Unimas and his team at Kubah National Park. This park has also recorded 61 species of frogs. Everywhere in the world, including Malaysia, new species of frogs are being found. There was also an exhibition on frogs with nice pictures and tadpoles where students gave explanations to the participants. They partnered with Sarawak Forestry Corporation. The registration started at noon and at 2pm the event opened with talks and a photography workshop. This year they managed to get prize money from sponsors. The closing ceremony was at midnight after all the prizes were given. There were 126 participants from 16 different countries (volunteers included) but not all joined the race. Some were cheering on or helping their friends and relatives. Some foreign tourists came after reading about the race in an in-flight magazine, advertisements, Facebook or Twitter. The youngest participant was seven and the oldest probably near 70 years and he was very enthusiastic, coming all the way from Sibu and asking lots of questions. He had a great time participating in the race. He got the prize for the most enthusiastic participant. Just before the race, everyone had to dip their shoes in a disinfecting solution to avoid infecting the frogs. Flag off was at 7pm and everyone was ready to go. They hurried uphill since they had only two hours to find frogs, take pictures of them and get back to submit their best photo. Not much time to waste if you aim to go to the frog pond since that takes, if you are fast, half an hour uphill. There were different categories since people could also use their handphones, compact cameras, or DSLR cameras. I must say that we saw a lot of youngsters with good equipment, such as a soft box on their flash. Volunteers helped from the starting point on the roadside so that no one got into the forest and got lost or hurt since it was pitch dark. At the frog pond, volunteers kept an eye out to be sure that not more than 10 people were on the boardwalk. When they returned to headquarters, they got a number, a form and a booklet in their goody bags. They had to identify the frogs and then submit their photos to the student volunteers who were uploading photographs onto a laptop. Then the participants submitted their best pictures to the jury, so judging could begin. They checked to be sure that the frog was not stressed by looking at its pupils – open and not tiny stripes. Some frogs change colour too when stressed. The photo was not to be overexposed, underexposed and the eyes had to be sharp. The composition was also important. Then out of the best, the very best was chosen. At 11.30pm we were all waiting for the announcements. First was the prize for the most frogs (13 frog species), then the rarest frog and then best photo in the three different categories. I must say that you can also take a good picture with a handphone. It was a very nice event, but a long day. For those who did not win, well they can practise the whole year. As Professor Andrew said: "If you don't win this year, then come next year with improved techniques and hope you will win." For more information go to The Bornean Frog Race page on Facebook, http://theinternationalborneanfrograce.weebly.com, www.savethefrogs.com, or www.sarawakforestry.com. The Malaysian Nature Society |
| Breathing new life into native crops Posted: 24 May 2014 10:18 AM PDT by Joseph Masilamany, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 25, 2014, Sunday WHILE kangkong is a popular vegetable in many parts of Southeast Asia, in the website of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is categorised as a Class A Noxious Weed. This description of kangkong (ipomea acquatica) by the USDA illustrates the proverbial case of one man's vegetable being another man's weed. But in the last 30 years, kangkong which also has a string of common English names ranging from water spinach, water morning glory to Chinese spinach or swamp cabbage, has been extensively cultivated in Texas – having been brought into the state by Asian immigrants. As there is no evidence to indicate that kangkong has intruded into the wilds, the Texas state officially lifted the ban on cultivation of the plant for personal consumption — noting its popularity as a favourite vegetable in Asian cultures — and has also allowed its cultivation for commercial sales with the requirement of an Exotic Species Permit. The kangkong's long odyssey from the swamps of Asia to the cowboy state of Texas is perceived in a different perspective by biologists, agricultural scientists and professionals concerned with issues related to food security and climate change. These experts have a name for the now "naturalised" Texan kangkong. They call it underutilised crop as it is largely consumed by the Asian community in the state. They also interchangeably call it 'crop for the future' as it has the potential to become a major food crop for the people of Texas and the other states in America – or also bearing in mind, the other latent use for the crop as fodder for animals or the viability of creating biomass from it for industrial use. Other names for these crops are neglected or forgotten crops, orphans as well as indigenous or native crops. As stir-fried kangkong cooked with prawn shrimp, popularly called kangkong-belacan is enjoyed by the Asian community in Chinese restaurants in Texas, what if the USDA decides to further explore the vegetable's potential as a "crop for the future" for edible, industrial or even pharmaceutical purpose? This is where the Crops For The Future Research Centre (CFFRC), located at the Unversity of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in Semenyih, Selangor, comes into play. The CFFRC, where CEO Prof Sayed Azam-Ali and chairman Datuk Dr Abd Shukor Abd Rahman hold court, is the fi rst such 'standalone institution' specialising in crops for the future (CFF). Exclusive as it may be, but CFFRC is an international nerve centre with 29 collaborating research partnerships worldwide and 19 institutions and government agencies in Malaysia. Speaking to thesundaypost on the sidelines of the recently concluded BioBorneo Conference and Exhibition 2014, Sayed and Abd Shukor enthused that CFFRC is dedicated to undertake research on underutilsed crops for food and non-food uses. CFFRC was established in 2011 as a company limited by guarantee and without share capital. Its guarantors are the government of Malaysia, represented by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia Sdn Bhd (UNiM) represented by the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC). To a question, why the new interest in underutilsed crops, Sayed, a plant biologist, said it is time to prepare for a "future uncertainty." For now, the world community is too dependent on too few food crop species. With a looming 'population explosion' estimated to hit nine billion globally, this is not the time to wait and see. "The onus is on us to put certain initiatives into action so that the world will not continue to depend for its basic diet of carbohydrates, fats and proteins on a very limited number of major food crop species such as wheat, rice and maize," Sayed added. However, he was quick to say CFFRC aims to give underutilised crops a new "agricultural makeover" to serve as additional food crops to essentially complement the major staple food crops when the pinch of the looming food crisis is felt in the near future. "CFFRC is not on a mission to replace current major staples such as rice, wheat and maize but to provide alternatives to ensure continuous food sustainability." In other words, CFFRC is plotting a 'Plan B' initiative before food crisis churns out a global hunger pang that could strike a major calamity, especially in third world countries and the sub-Sahara. According to him, CFFRC will contribute to focus efforts through research for diversification of plant species that humans exploit. He reiterated that shifting away from our over-dependence on a limited number of crop species is a crucial factor. "In the face of climate change which could lead to catastrophic long-term failure of major food staples such as rice, wheat and maize, it is inevitable for alternative food crops to prevail," Sayed said. Abd Shukor, a plant physiologist, said wheat, rice and maize account for 50 per cent of the world's supply of calories and protein. About 95 per cent of the world's food needs come from just 30 plant species. "It's ironical with 12,650 known edible plant species out there, we seem to be limiting ourselves to just a mere 30 plant food species," he noted. Abd Shukor said underutilised plants had been historically used for food, fodder, medicine and other industrial purposes. "These are crops that belong to a certain locality, are peculiar to certain territories and cultivated by people prastising traditional agriculture and are an integral part of the culture and practice of the people who grow them." According to him, these indigenous or native plants were displaced by introduced species, thereby losing their importance. They are now grown in small plots in the backyards and perceived as "poor man's food" and usually grown by the womenfolk. Abd Shukor also pointed out that paying little attention to these traditional crops could turn out to be an ecological calamity as these species could be lost forever over the wheels of time with the advent of a new generation of consumers and modern revolutions in agriculture. "CFFRC is research-based and working on several species of underutilised crops from all over the world with the aim of conserving them and making them relevant for modern day use by improving cultivation methods as well as improving their nutrition content and enhancing shelf life," Sayed explained. He said entire generations of plant species could be lost perpetually if these underutilised crops were not given attention, quoting an African proverb: Each time an African woman dies, a library of food plants die with her. Abd Shukor lent examples of local crops and specifically crops in Sarawak which have the potential of becoming crops of the future. He said there were many food crop species peculiar to the state but were underutilsed or not promoted. "The dabai (canarium odontophyllum) fruit is one good example. The fruit of the dabai was once popular only in Sibu as it was seen in abundance there. For this reason, it is even known as Sibu olive and cooked in many ways including dabar fried rice, common cuisine in the state. "Dabai is now popular in the whole state of Sarawak. If it is good for Sarawakians, why can't it be consumed by people in other states as well?" According to him, CFFRC is working with the Sarawak Department of Agriculture and stands as a platform for collaboration and networking so that many indigenous species in Sarawak such as dabai, kepayang (pangium edule), terung asam Sarawak or terung Dayak (solanum lasiocarpum) and others can be brought under the scope of research — where they can be improved in order to suit different soils types, regional climates and even be nutritiously enhanced. "These crops may also have the potential to be used for purposes apart from serving as food and vegetables. They could be used to develop biofuel, medicines and their biomass could be used in industries," Abd Shukor added. CFFRC works according to specific research themes and programmes. To generate critical mass and provide delivery mechanisms, CFFRC's research is organised across a Research Value Chain (RVC), spanning five research themes from plant genomics to applied social sciences. In addition to its five themes, CFFRC has established its Field Research Centre as an additional theme to provide facilities and expertise to underpin research activities across the RVC. All CFFRC research plans are categorised, according to biotechnology and crop genetics, breeding and agronomy, agrometeorology and ecophysiology, nutrition and bioproducts, social, economic and policy matters as well as field research centre. Among the slate of native crops being researched by CFFRC, including napier grass (pennisetum purpureum), is an African legume known as bambara groundnut (vigna subterraenea). It is drought-tolerant, nutritious and tasty and is a staple in East Africa, cultivated by women. Sayed's research team noticed something dramatically similar to this African plant in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. It is called kacang bogor in Malaysia and Indonesia and eaten as a snack rather as a staple food. Kacang bogor or bambara groundnut is highly nutritious and has been described as a complete food. "CFFRC is now working to put bambara groundnut and kacang bogor on the same page through a research programme called BamYield. The drought-tolerant and nutritious traits of bambara groundnut and kacang bogor is exactly what we need," Sayed said. "We are breeding and growing it. We are doing research on how to improve the species. And through CFFRC, we are sharing knowledge between Africa and Asia which has never been shared before as there was no common ground then to collaborate." From the backburner of agriculture to becoming the cream of the crop — will the near future see native food plants such as dabai and kepayang on the same pedestal as carrots and broccoli? Sayed and Abd Shukor may have a critical mission on their hands. But they also have academic green fingers to breathe new life into forgotten greens. |
| Posted: 24 May 2014 10:09 AM PDT by Yunus Yussop, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 25, 2014, Sunday THE RM2.25 million Bintulu Historical and Cultural Corridor, strategically located at Parkcity Commerce Square, is a new landmark that reflects unity in diversity of the people in Bintulu. Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said this amenity is a landmark, depicting the history of Bintulu, the roles of the various local communities in promoting cultural and religious understanding as well as the past, present and future developments of the fast industrialising Division. "What's important is we interact among ourselves despite our different religious and cultural backgrounds. "These differences will merge into one and strengthen the solidarity of our diverse population. This is exactly what the new landmark is all about," he said at the recent official opening of the Corridor. Abang Johari said the culture of peaceful co-existence among the Iban, Melanau, Malay and Chinese communities would form a strong basis for the development of the country, and Bintulu, in particular. He added that based on the policies of the state government under former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his successor Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, he is confi dent of a promising future for Bintulu. "As we are now in the midst of diversifying our economy, we are no longer dependent on agriculture but moving towards manufacturing and enhancing our service sector." He said the service sector is very important to any matured economy, especially in terms of tourism which contributes substantially to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Based World Tourism Organisation (WTO) stats, Malaysia recorded 25 million tourist arrivals last year with 4.1 million coming to Sarawak, injecting about RM8 billion into the local economy. "In the first three months this year alone, we received 1.1 million tourists — which is better than last year. So I think by the end of the year, we might get 4.5 million tourist arrivals," Abang Johari added. He said his ministry now had a new direction for developing the infrastructure of tourism. "Bintulu will play a prominent role because we want to develop lake tourism. Bakun Bintulu is the entry point and will be developed holistically to cater for lake resort tourism." He added the plan would emphasise the zoning of biodiversity-rich Bakun and also promote the cultural aspects to attract tourists. The unique local cultures and the beautiful surroundings could make the place a lovely spot for filming. "The Cultural Corridor is, indeed, a reflection of the unity here. We have to sustain this unity, not only in terms of our cultural interaction but also in our efforts to set a certain vision for Bintulu," Abang Johari said. Earlier, Bintulu Development Authority general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak said the Corridor, mooted in 2005 and constructed in late 2007, was the first collaboration on a community project between the local council and the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI). The objective of the setting up of the Corridor in the middle of a commercial area was to promote greater interaction among the communities, he said, adding that the place would be a green spot for landscaping in Bintulu city under BDA's long-term plan. "This is the first recreational park with the concept of integration, history and heritage of the various races. "The ideas are carved into sculptures of the 1Malaysia concept." Mohidin hoped the Corridor would imbue a sense of appreciation among the various communities for each other's history and culture in line the government's aspiration to further enhance racial and cultural harmony in the state. He also hoped the place would be used for healthy activities. Meanwhile BCCCI chairman Pemanca Dr Francis Toh believed the fourth development boom in Bintulu now would be more interesting. From a small fi shing village with a 5,000 population, no one had ever dreamt Bintulu would be transformed into what it is today, he said. Toh urged the people to appreciate the facility provided, saying it wasn't built solely for fun as the aim was also to further enhance the good relationships among the various communities in Bintulu. Organising chairman William Ting Choon Hua reiterated that the closer relationships between BDA and BCCCI and the enhanced cultural values of the various communities could form the structure for incorporation into a 1Sarawak concept. Apart from becoming a tourist attraction, the Corridor could be a venue for exercise and recreation. Ting appealed to BDA to continue supporting the project by improving the environment, putting up fencing, adding other useful features and organising more cultural events. "We hope the people of Bintulu will be conscious about cleanliness and uphold the spirit of preservation of all the good things that have been installed for our enjoyment and benefit," he stressed. Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, BDA deputy chairman Tan Sri Celestine Ujang Jilan, Temenggong Barry Yek, local community leaders and members of BCCCI. |
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