KUANTAN: Floating raft houses, rebranded as "Rakitstay", has the potential to bolster the tourism sector in Pahang.
Describing the rebranding as a good move, state Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin (BN-Lanchang) said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) was still studying the newly-coined "Rakitstay" brand.
"Motac is responsible to recognise alternative accommodation facilities besides hotels, chalets, resorts and homestay. However, to date, we have yet to obtain any approval from the ministry.
"The idea to rebrand floating raft houses as "Rakitstay" is certainly a good effort and will be referred to the local authorities, and other agencies related to the guidelines for accommodation premises," he said when replying to a question from Mujibur Rahman Ishak (Pas-Chenor) during the question and answer session at the state assembly today.
Mujibur was seeking an explanation if the state government offered allocations for the floating raft house operators rebranded as "Rakitstay" to accelerate domestic tourism.
Meanwhile, Sharkar described the rebranding exercise as vital in tourism, saying it will help the respective destinations gain popularity and attract holidaymakers.
"We have Menara Kuantan 188 in Kuantan; Raub is popular for Musang King durian variety; while Bentong has Genting Highlands and Janda Baik....this is all about rebranding to attract more visitors.
"Previously, we had homestay units and now we have Rakitstay where holidaymakers can experience staying on a floating house along the river," he said, adding there were about 50 registered floating raft houses operating at Sungai Rompin and Sungai Pontian in Rompin.
Meanwhile, State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Biotechnology committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak (BN-Benta) said the state government has no plans to build a udang galah (giant freshwater prawn) sanctuary in Rompin.
Replying to a question from Razali Kassim (BN-Muadzam Shah), he said setting up a sanctuary which offers protection and conservation would require a huge commitment.
"The sanctuary will have strict guidelines and locals will no longer be able to freely carry out prawn fishing activities. It will require everyone in the community including fishermen to avoid posing any threats including overfishing and causing environmental threats.
"If the Fisheries Department plans to build a prawn sanctuary then it has to carry out detailed research and study the proposal from all aspects. This is to ensure the sanctuary remains in operation for long," he said.