SARAWAK is aggressively pursuing autonomous control of all tourism matters in the state to be fully independent of federal government control in this important socio-economic sector, the State Legislative Assembly heard today.
Deputy State Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Talents Development Datuk Sebastian Ting said Sarawak wants to be totally independent in managing all its tourism assets and in total control of policy-making and decisions with regards to the future development of the sector and its related industries in Sarawak.
"In the past, the Sarawak government did not exert our desire to have full control over tourism as it was not a major industry then, so it was directly under the Federal Tourism Ministry’s control.
"Today, tourism has become a top industry for Sarawak, generating a lot of revenue yearly. There is a large number of people employed in tourism and its related sectors in Sarawak.
"That is why we are pursuing full control of tourism from Putrajaya," he said during the question and answer session.
Ting said Sarawak will negotiate for full control over tourism with Putrajaya via the joint state-federal consultative committee on the discussions of state rights regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
It is important for Sarawak to have total control in managing tourism resources and future tourism policies as soon as possible, he said.
Sarawak has two world-heritage sites in Mulu National Park and Niah National Park recognised by Unesco (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
Both sites are located in northern Sarawak.
Putrajaya had already granted Sarawak autonomous control over all matters related to education and health within the state. - November 12, 2024
