SERIAN: A major tourism initiative known as the Bung Sadong project is set to take shape near Kampung Taee here, aiming to become the district’s next iconic hill resort destination.

Serian District Council (MDS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the project will mirror the popular Bung Bratak in Bau, featuring a hilltop development surrounded by towering trees and lush nature.

“On the request of Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sindang Bada and following the urging of many Bidayuhs in the area, Bung Sadong will become an iconic and beautiful hill tourism project. It is being financed by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) with an allocation of RM13.5 million,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 18).

Minos said the project will be spearheaded by MDS but works will only commence after the access road is completed by the Public Works Department (PWD).

He also said a recent joint site inspection involving MDS, PWD and local stakeholders has already been conducted.

“For me, it is like doing another Bung Bratak, although Bung Sadong is bigger and slightly different in concept and design. It’s a big challenge for MDS, but we are confident we can deliver with the cooperation of locals, especially those from Kampung Taee,” he said.

Minos pointed out that the initial phase hinges on the cooperation of local landowners.

“If they agree – and I believe they will – the access road is likely to be completed by June 2026. Once that is done, MDS will proceed with the next stages, but planning is already ongoing.

“Moreover, Bung Sadong is expected to become a prominent hill resort attracting both domestic and international tourists once completed,” he said.

Minos emphasised that this project is part of a broader effort to transform Serian into an agricultural and tourism hub in line with the vision laid out by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“MDS and other agencies are gradually turning Serian into an agricultural and tourism hub, as inspired by the Premier’s vision of making Serian a mini–New Zealand,” he added.