MP suggests croc-watching as new tourism draw

NSJA president Andy Jong (third left) hands over an NSJA Installation Night invitation to Ahmad Lai.

MIRI: Sibuti could offer river cruises to watch crocodiles as a new tourism product, said Sibuti Member of Parliament Ahmad Lai Bujang.
He said this could be another attraction for visitors to the area besides the Tusan, Peliau and Tanjung Bungai beaches, Niah Cave and Lambir Waterfall.

“We are tapping into this new attraction – cruising and watching baby crocodiles – as it not only draws tourists from overseas but also local visitors to catch a glimpse of these crocodiles in Sibuti River,” he said during the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) exco members’ briefing.
He said a Sibuti River cruise would allow tourists to witness crocodiles sunning themselves or swimming.
Ahmad Lai also called on the authorities to give licences to locals interested in catching crocodiles, which could fetch high prices for their skin and meat.
He pointed out that former Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had approved RM5 million each to upgrade Bakam Point and Tusan Beach.
He said efforts are also being made to upgrade Tanjung Bungai and Peliau beaches, Lambir Waterfall and Niah Cave walkways, as well as roads.
On other development projects for Sibuti, Ahmad Lai said the Public Works Department has been asked to speed up construction on the road linking Kampung Rambai to Kampung Bulau.
“The 15km stretch of road from Kampung Bulau, Rambai up to Kampung Tiris, when already completed, will open up the economy and tourism in Sibuti,” he said.