KINABATANGAN, Aug 27 (Bernama) — The Sabah State Library Kinabatangan Branch is one of four infrastructure development projects by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) that is capable of promoting knowledge tourism in the district, its minister Datuk Nancy Shukri said today.
She said the RM6.86 million library, which began construction in 2018 and was completed in September last year, can be one of the tourist attractions in the district, not only due to its architectural aspect based on mangrove timber, but to access information about tourist destinations in Kinabatangan.
“Through empowerment efforts and infrastructure upgrades complete with information and communication technology (ICT) facilities and high-speed internet networks, the library will also produce a generation of local intellectuals capable of new discoveries through international standard research that will serve as references for all.
“A variety of digital information can be accessed easily through the u-Pustaka portal, which the public can access free of charge…directly, this activity can introduce “knowledge tourism” in the Kinabatangan area,” she said during the inauguration of the library here today.
Her speech was read by MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi.
To further boost tourism development in Kinabatangan, the ministry has three infrastructure development projects, the educational tourism infrastructure development project (edu-tourism) at the Pygmy Elephant Rehabilitation Center, which has been completed, the eco-tourism development project in Gomantong, which is underway, and the Miso Walai homestay infrastructure upgrade project, which is at the design stage by the Public Works Department.
Meanwhile, Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KSTI) permanent secretary Zainuddin Aman said they are currently implementing a new library building project in Kunak and Tenom, while the new library building in Kota Marudu is being planned.
He also added that the state ministry will develop a science corner at the Keningau LIbrary at a cost of RM3 million and are collaborating with Petronas to create a design corner to be known as “Makerspace” at the state library in Sandakan and Tawau.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency