Minister Abdul Karim: July Meeting in India to Decide Fate
KUCHING: The fate of Niah National Park’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status will be unveiled in July, announced Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The decision will rest with UNESCO’s executive committee, convening in India to deliberate on various nominations.
Abdul Karim disclosed that his ministry garnered positive feedback during the inspectors’ evaluation of Niah National Park, fostering hopes of attaining the prestigious UNESCO recognition.
“Once bestowed with the title of a world heritage site, its renown will resonate globally, propelling tourism to new heights.
“We anticipate visitors from across the globe, drawn to witness this esteemed heritage site,” he remarked during a press briefing held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) media room today.
Should Niah National Park clinch UNESCO’s approval, Sarawak will boast the distinction of housing two world heritage sites, with Mulu National Park in Miri already holding the prestigious accolade since 2000.
Abdul Karim also addressed preparations for the upcoming 21st edition of the Malaysian Games (SUKMA), assuring completion of all venue upgrades by July.
He further outlined contingency measures in place in case the construction of the new wushu training center and cricket ground in Petra Jaya faces delays.
Following the press conference, Abdul Karim ceremonially presented the Sarawak flag to the Sarawak Museum Department contingent, set to partake in the National International Museum Day celebrations in Penang from 12 to 22 May.
Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting and the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini were also in attendance.
