RM8 Mln Sungai Lembing Tunnel Upgrade To Boost Tourism

KUANTAN, June 13 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM8 million to repair and upgrade the Sungai Lembing tunnel here as part of efforts to revitalise tourism in the former tin-mining town renowned for its role in Malaysia's tin-mining history.

Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the allocation would be channelled through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to preserve and enhance a heritage tourism product of significant historical value.

He said the upgrading project was expected to boost Sungai Lembing's appeal as a tourist destination and generate positive spillover effects for the local economy.

"The upgrading works are expected to begin next year, and we will ensure that visitor safety remains a priority throughout the implementation of the project and after its completion," he told reporters after witnessing the staging of The Stories of Sungai Lembing theatre production at the PCCL Theatre here today.

Also present was Kuantan Mayor Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli.

Mohd Shahar, who is also the Paya Besar Member of Parliament, said the theatre production was among the initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism and cultural activities in the historic town while awaiting the reopening of the Sungai Lembing tunnel, one of the area's main attractions.

He said the initiative would not only draw more visitors but also help stimulate the local economy and introduce Sungai Lembing's history to younger generations.

"The production has successfully revived the vibrancy and glory of the PCCL Theatre, which once housed one of the earliest cinemas on the East Coast. After a decade, the venue has come alive again through this theatre production," he said.

Mohd Shahar said the production was also intended to highlight other tourist attractions in and around Sungai Lembing to local and international visitors, including the Orang Asli settlement at Sungai Mas, known for its natural beauty, as well as Panorama Hill and Rainbow Waterfall.

"Through this production, we want tourists local and international tourists to know that Sungai Lembing is not only home to a historic tunnel but also offers a variety of attractive destinations worth exploring.

"The government will continue to support efforts to expand theatre-based tourism initiatives that reflect local history," he said.

The Stories of Sungai Lembing will be staged on four dates, beginning today, followed by performances on July 11, Aug 15 and Sept 12, with two showings for each performance at 11 am and 3 pm.

-- BERNAMA