Raub to become a tourism hub

RAUB: The Tourism Ministry is preparing a blueprint to promote Raub as a tourism destination.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the Raub Integrated Tourism Development Blueprint would improve the livelihood and employment opportunities for the locals.

“It is my mission to develop Raub as an integrated tourism district because of its abundant natural resources and good accessibility.

“Moreover, there are two well-known home-stays in Sungai Pasu and Gali Hilir,” she said when opening the East Coast Economic Region Development Council empowering programme for Raub district here yesterday.

Also present was ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

Dr Ng said Raub district would also have 27 projects to develop tourism and upgrade facilities worth RM15.87mil under the Ninth and 10th Malaysia Plan.

She said the ministry had also picked Kampung Sungai Pasu as a 21st century village with access to WiFi connection while still maintaining its traditional values and culture.

On the ECERDC programme, Dr Ng said it would provide training in academic and entrepreneurship skills to local youths.

“The programme will help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.”

Dr Ng said everyone in the tourism industry had the responsibility to maintain their services and products.

“Failure to do so could mean a loss of financial resources,” she said, adding that besides tourism operators, local leaders and local government officers, even the ordinary people shared the responsibility of selling the country’s tourism products.

“However, what normally happens when these efforts fail is that there will be parties blaming each other for not giving support.”

By The Star