Three key pillars identified to boost Bau's development, says Abg Jo
(From left) Abang Johari outlines three key pillars to boost Bau's development. Also seen are Abdul Karim and Willie. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
BAU (May 15): Bau District's development will receive a boost from three key pillars, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He highlighted Bau's tremendous potential as a tourism and economic hub by leveraging its unique geology, history, and local cultural heritage.
'Bau is endowed with very unique natural treasures. Its mountains, caves, terrain, and ecosystems are natural assets that can be transformed into a new economic capital.
'Bau is now part of the Kuching Geopark, which has already been recognised as a National Geopark, and God willing, in the next two years, we will list this Geopark as a Unesco site.
'This means Bau will be placed on the international Unesco map, and we will uplift the quality of life for the people of Bau by creating new economic activities,' he said at the 205th Bau District Anniversary, launch of the 2025 Tasik Biru Festival, and launching of Tasik Biru Resort City here today.
Abang Johari stressed the need to add value to natural assets through human capital development.
He said human capital is the foundation of the new global economy and must be enhanced for Sarawak to emerge as a major player in this new economy.
'We already have natural capital, and what we need to do is improve our human capital. That is why the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under my leadership is providing free education to Sarawakian children pursuing studies at state-owned universities,' he said.
During a press conference, Abang Johari thanked the private sector, particularly Tecktonic & Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Lee Chin Teck for his contributions to the development of Tasik Biru Resort City.
He described such investments as catalysts for economic growth in Bau and Greater Kuching.
'With tourism strategies and supporting infrastructure such as a new airport and our own state airline, Bau has the potential to attract up to 100,000 tourists annually.
'This will create many job opportunities and raise the living standards of Bau residents,' said Abang Johari.
He said Bau's growth is part of a larger strategy under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), which also covers areas like Serian.
Abang Johari likened Serian to New Zealand and said Bau, with its proximity to Kuching and good accessibility, holds significant potential as a development catalyst — a 'game changer' for the region.
'With well-planned strategies and close cooperation between the public and private sectors, I am confident that Bau will continue to thrive and become an important part of Sarawak's future,' said Abang Johari.
Among those present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep; and Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin. abang johari Bau development lead
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