THE Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest and the river cruise along Sungai Perai can be further promoted as ecotourism and agrotourism products in Penang, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
“These two attractions have the potential to play a role in domestic and international tourism.
“We have the opportunity to tour Sungai Perai by boat from the Pengkalan Machang Fishermen Jetty.
“The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has been doing its best to promote agrotourism in Seberang Perai,” Chow said after reaching the Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest by boat today.
The programme was part of his ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ in Tasek Gelugor.
Chow said his team went to the ground to engage the farmers, fishermen and villagers in north Seberang Perai.
Over at Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest, Chow said the 16ha freshwater swamp forest is known among birdwatchers.
Penang Forestry Department director Muhammad Ezhar Yusuf said the educational forest has been a ‘stopover’ for migratory birds.
“We receive some 1,000 visitors per week, especially during the bird migration season from September to November.
“This educational forest is one of the 10 most interesting places for birdwatching activity in Malaysia. It is also a great place to view the sunrise.
“Visitors can get close to nature, walk on the 1.6km boardwalk and experience the 210m hanging bridge,” he said.
Also present were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Mustafa Kamal Ahmad, political officer Teh Lai Heng, north Seberang Perai district officer Zulkifli Rashid, and special coordinating officer Lay Hock Peng.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud