BA’KELALAN: The Ziarah UKAS programme in Ba’kelalan has been described as an important platform to highlight the economic potential and unique tourism products of the Lawas district to the wider public, further strengthening the promotion of the area at a broader level.
Lawas District Officer, Ladin Atok, said the arrival of UKAS brings new hope, especially in expanding exposure on economic opportunities, community strengths and tourism attractions available in Bekalalan to audiences beyond the locality.
“This Ziarah UKAS programme certainly has its objectives. We hope this visit enables UKAS to see for themselves the potential and strengths present in Lawas, and subsequently help disseminate this information to the wider community,” he said when speaking at a dinner with KMKK in Ba’kelalan held in conjunction with the programme on Thursday.
Among the destinations visited were Punang Berayong, known for its rattan handicrafts, the salt-making enterprise in Long Langai, and the War Memorial, all of which hold strong potential as tourism products if further commercialised.
He also acknowledged UKAS’ role as a strategic government partner in delivering accurate information on development, particularly in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Ladin emphasised that Lawas is now experiencing rapid development driven by the implementation of major government infrastructure projects.
These include Phase 1 and 2 of the Sabah Link Road (SLR), covering the Gelugus–Simpang Long Luping route up to Bekalalan, the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) spanning the Limbang and Lawas sections, as well as the Trans Borneo Highway project under JKR.
He said these developments are further supported by airport upgrade works, port facilities and several other strategic projects expected to be completed between 2029 and 2030.
Also present was UKAS Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, along with other UKAS officers. -UKASnews
