Vandals Attack Forgotten Tasek Merimbun
By M K Anwar

Tutong Town - The Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park in the Tutong District can be considered a major attraction for locals and foreigners alike, but for neglect and vandals. But it is saddening to see this natural treasure is slowly forgotten by the relevant authorities in the fast pace of current development.

The Weekend Bulletin went to the park and saw that it has been left neglected without any maintenance. The amenities that were provided has now deteriorated especially the bridges that connects visitors to a small island in the middle of the lake.

According to a villager there, the bridge has not been repaired for quite a long time now. It is not surprising to see it deteriorating and can pose a danger to anyone using it.

Another sad fact is that the condition of the lake where some parts of it have been littered by sharp objects which was used during the building of the bridges. Some of the huts built long ago for visitors have also been left without any maintenance. There are now no more rooftops on some of these huts while the benches inside a hut built on the small island in the middle of the lake cannot be used anymore.

The Ketua Kampong of Merimbun, Untong Madah said that the damages on the amenities at the park have been reported during a monthly meeting to the Tutong District Office. He also told the Bulletin that vandals have damaged the public telephone and the toilets at the park.

The lost of appeal at the park have resulted in the lowering number of visitors. Some time ago, locals and tourist frequently visited this heritage park. It was a main attraction during holidays for families to come and have their picnics at the park.

It is hoped that relevant authorities act quickly on preserving the appeal of the park. The park is believed to be holding some historical and natural treasures. Leaving it to deteriorate would mean forgetting all these valuables assets for our growing tourism industry and probably other future interests. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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