Source : Borneo Post (B.P)
Date : 11th August 1993
Demo in Mulu will hurt tourism : Wong
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MIRI (B.P. 11-8-93), Tue. - A demonstration allegedly staged by a group of
Berawan people in Mulu National Park, though peaceful, will certainly hurt the
tourist industry which has been gaining momentum in Miri Division.
Minister of Environment and Tourism Datuk Amar James Wong Kim Min, who stated
this today, declined to elaborate on the issue concerning the latest action of
the Berawan believed to be aimed at dissuading tourists from visiting the
world renowned Mulu National Park and to draw attention to their Native
Customary Rights land claims in Mulu.
"What I can only say is that whatever happening now in the Mulu National Park
is definitely not conducive to the growth of our tourist industry," he
stressed.
It is learned that the peaceful picket has been going on for the past two
weeks.
The Berawan tribe claims that the developers involved in building tourism
related facilities in the national park have encroached on their Native
Customary Rights lands.
Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Abang Haji Johari and Minister of
Social Development Datuk Adenan Haji Satem have on separate occasions
described the claims as having no basis.
As a result of their action, scores of tourists are said to have shunned the
Mulu Caves when they were visiting the park.
According to reliable sources, some are waiting here and in Marudi town for
the situation to improve before heading for the national park.
Several local travel agencies are said to have temporarily suspended their
Mulu tour packages.
A prominent tour operator, who declined to be named, said the incident has
affected his business.
--- * Origin: Asia Pacific Solidarity - Sarawak (90:600/108)--