KENYIR LAKE BIGGER TOURIST ATTRACTION NEXT YEAR

HULU TERENGGANU (Malaysia), July 23 (Bernama) -- Lake Kenyir, the man-made lake created some 30 years ago, will be developed into a tourism centre with the development of several islands within it.

East coast state of Terengganu Chief Minister Ahmad Said said starting next
year, the government would employ an environmentally-friendly method to develop
between 250 and 300 chalet units on Pulau Serindit, which has an an area
spanning over 21 hectares.

A cable-car facility is also in works, in addition to resorts and parks in
nearby islands to attract tourists for the long term.

"The chalets that will be built on Pulau Serindit will take on the
architectural influences of traditional houses in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang,
Selangor and be powered by solar energy.

"However, the project cost has yet to be decided upon," he told reporters
after chairing the weekly exco meetings in Pulau Petang, Lake Kenyir here,
Wednesdat.

Ahmad said Pulau Serindit was selected because of its topographical
advantage which was not too high above the sea level.

He said besides that, the government would also develop Pulau Poh which is
located in front of Pangkalan Gawi with the cable car facility as a new tourist
attraction, next year.

"Now Lake Kenyir already has a Bird Island which is about to be completed,
in addition to the existing Butterfly Island, Orchid Island and Herbal Island.
Next year, we will add more activities like angling.

"In the near future, some 400 anglers from China will come to participate in
angling activities at Lake Kenyir. We are made to understand China has 10
million members in its angling associations," he said.

Ahmad said the government would also book a boat house with four bedrooms
for tourists who would like to spend the night on a boat.

He said until now, Lake Kenyir has two boats worth about RM2 million for the
convenience of tourists and each can accomodate 52 passengers at a time.
(US$1=RM3.53)
-- BERNAMA