RM8mil project to repair historic tunnel at former tin mining town

KUANTAN: The government has allocated RM8 million to repair and upgrade the Sungai Lembing tunnel here as part of efforts to revitalise tourism in the former tin mining town.

The project is expected to boost Sungai Lembing’s appeal as a tourist destination and generate positive spillover effects for the local economy, said deputy economy minister Shahar Abdullah.

“The upgrading works are expected to begin next year, and we will ensure that visitor safety remains a priority throughout,” he told reporters after attending a theatrical production “The Stories of Sungai Lembing” at the PCCL Theatre here today.

Shahar, who is MP for Paya Besar, said the play was among the initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism and cultural activities in the historic town while awaiting the reopening of the Sungai Lembing tunnel, one of the area’s main attractions.

“The production has successfully revived the vibrancy and glory of the PCCL Theatre, which once housed one of the earliest cinemas on the East Coast. After a decade, the venue has come alive again through this theatre production,” he said.

Shahar said the production was also intended to highlight other tourist attractions in and around Sungai Lembing to local and international visitors, including the Orang Asli settlement at Sungai Mas, known for its natural beauty, as well as Panorama Hill and Rainbow Waterfall.

“The Stories of Sungai Lembing” will be staged on July 11, Aug 15 and Sept 12, at 11am and 3pm on each day.