(Kuching, 24th) After the rare “Rafflesia” was discovered in the mountainous area near Kampung Belimbing, Padawan, the Serian District Council (SDC) intends to study the potential of developing the village into a tourist attraction.
Serian District Council Chairman Dato Peter Minos issued a statement yesterday, pointing out that once the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) completes its formal research of the newly discovered Rafflesia site, the council is prepared to cooperate with the Forest Department and the local community.
"If the local community is indeed interested and willing to promote this, the district council will explore how to develop the village as a tourist destination," he said.
Minos stated that the Rafflesia is a rare species, and the Forest Department Sarawak has been searching for its traces for years in the mountains between Lundu and Serian.
"The department has conducted a large amount of investigation and research on this flower and the work is ongoing. Aside from its massive size, tourists are especially attracted by its rarity and uniqueness," he said.
He added that if the Rafflesia is found near the village, it is often considered a good omen because it can attract both local and foreign tourists, thereby boosting the development of local tourism.
"With the development of homestays, jungle trails, and cultural activities, your village will be able to benefit from tourism income," he said.
Meanwhile, Minos thanked Kampung Belimbing for facilitating the three-party discussion between Serian District Council, Forest Department Sarawak, and Felcra on the Rafflesia issue.
Serian District Council Chairman Dato Peter Minos issued a statement yesterday, pointing out that once the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) completes its formal research of the newly discovered Rafflesia site, the council is prepared to cooperate with the Forest Department and the local community.
"If the local community is indeed interested and willing to promote this, the district council will explore how to develop the village as a tourist destination," he said.
"The department has conducted a large amount of investigation and research on this flower and the work is ongoing. Aside from its massive size, tourists are especially attracted by its rarity and uniqueness," he said.
He added that if the Rafflesia is found near the village, it is often considered a good omen because it can attract both local and foreign tourists, thereby boosting the development of local tourism.
"With the development of homestays, jungle trails, and cultural activities, your village will be able to benefit from tourism income," he said.
Meanwhile, Minos thanked Kampung Belimbing for facilitating the three-party discussion between Serian District Council, Forest Department Sarawak, and Felcra on the Rafflesia issue.