New package to boost Merchang tourism

MARANG, Oct 29 -- Merchang in this district is all set to entice tourists with a new package that is bound to bring them close to the villagers and nature.

Merchang Lestari is so packaged to enable the visitors to learn what the local people do for a living, particularly tapping palm nira, river fishing, catching crabs with the special bito net and searching for lokan clams among the nipah palms.

Terengganu Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong is optimistic that the community-based tourism package will be a hit once it is made available in March next year.

He spoke to reporters here after he and Marang district officer Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Razak made a tour of the location where the villagers catch crabs and search for lokan.

"Merchang Lestari is a tourism product similar to the Setiu Wetlands, but only it is smaller in size. Tourists can get a feel of how close to nature the local community is,” Sulaiman said.

Meanwhile, Tun Ahmad Faisal said Merchang Lestari is a tourism product that has yet to have its potential uncovered for the benefit of the villagers.

"Our initial survey is to get feedback from the villagers on their preparations and what infrastructure facilities they need to add on for the comfort of tourists," he said, adding that he foresees Merchang Lestari generating economic growth in the area.

-- BERNAMA