GERIK, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has slashed to 24 hours the
period for tourists to obtain the permit to enter the Royal Belum State Park in
the effort to popularise the rainforest haven for flora and fauna, said Menteri
Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Previously, foreign tourists had their applications approved in seven days
and local tourists, three days, he told reporters after a tour of Pos Kenarong
in the park yesterday as part of a two-day working visit to Hulu Perak district
ending today.
The new rule came into effect on Jan 1.
The Perak State Executive Council also held its meeting in Pulau Banding
here, the first of its meetings this year to be held outside Ipoh.
Dr Zambry said the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is
implementing the Royal Belum Integrated Development Plan to make the park
world-renowned.
-- MORE
ZAMBRY-PERMIT 2 (LAST) GERIK
"We hope that this massive plan will elevate Royal Belum into a major
destination for international tourists," he said.
He advised NCIA to strive to diversify the attractions in the park by
cultivating herbs or wild orchids on the islands and open a wildlife breeding
centre.
"Visitors would want to see things unique to this place and unavailable
elsewhere. Besides, they will be able to spend the whole day, from morning to
evening, at the park," he said.
Dr Zambry also said that the state government would organise the
International Drum Festival at the park from Feb 21 to 26.
"The event will pool drummers from 10 countries. On Feb 21, they will stage
a series of performances throughout Perak, and the highlight will be held at
Royal Belum," he said.
-- MORE
ZAMBRY-PERMIT 3 (LAST) GERIK
The menteri besar said a suitable site for the festival is being identified
at the park to facilitate visitors to enjoy the event.
Dr Zambry also warned that the state government would not allow any form of
encroachment, such as land clearing or illegal logging, at the park.
-- BERNAMA
NBA ZAZ MGN
There are no comments yet