Pulau Tun Ahmad Zaidi offers ecotourism potential, says Safiee

THE Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has been called to develop Pulau Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve into a recreational, environmental education and ecotourism destination to boost tourism potential in Daro.

Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad said the 547-hectare nature reserve, gazetted in 2013, was a valuable natural asset that could be developed in phases, similar to Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu.

He proposed the introduction of small-scale facilities, including boardwalks, a visitor information centre and nature observation points.

“This could be provided according to the site’s suitability and environmental conservation requirements,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today (Oct 14).

Meanwhile, Safiee said telecommunications connectivity in the Daro constituency had improved with the completion and operation of 18 telecommunications towers.

He said the towers comprised nine SMART towers developed by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) at a cost of RM30.15 million and nine JENDELA towers by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), costing RM21.6 million.

Residents in remote areas, including Nanga Passin, have also benefited from internet access through the installation of MySRBN WiFi by SDEC, involving an investment of RM11.2 million.

Safiee said improved telecommunications infrastructure had brought tangible benefits to the community, particularly in education, business and access to digital services.

“Children can access learning materials, traders can market their produce and products online, while residents can use various digital services as the digital economy becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life,” he said.

He added that SACOFA and MCMC were also undertaking fibre-optic upgrading works in Daro town to provide more stable, high-capacity internet connectivity.