KUANTAN: The former tin mine at Sungai Lembing, the country's first underground mining tourism attraction, will be restored under an RM8 million rehabilitation plan next year following a safety-related closure. Known as the "El Dorado of the East", Sungai Lembing was once a major producer of underground tin and was home to some of the world's largest and deepest subterranean mining tunnels. Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the allocation was provided by the government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, with the tender process expected to be completed by the end of this year. He said repair works on the historic site, opened to visitors in 2013, would begin in 2027.
"The tender award process will be completed this year and repair works will begin in 2027," he said. A Kuantan City Council spokesman told the New Straits Times on condition of anonymity that a 400m stretch of the underground tunnel had been closed since 2018 after sections were found to be prone to rockfalls. "Several sections of the tunnel were identified as being prone to rockfalls and flooding. The allocation will be used to conduct a technical study and implement safety enhancements, including the installation of protective netting," he said. Before its closure, the attraction — featuring tram rides and underground exhibits — drew thousands of visitors.
Sungai Lembing, once dubbed the "El Dorado of the East", was a major tin mining centre from the early 1900s until mining operations ceased in 1986. The former mining town has since been developed into a heritage tourism destination, featuring attractions such as a museum, suspension bridge, Bukit Panorama and the Pelangi Waterfall. Authorities have also promoted cultural activities at the east coast's first cinema, now used for theatre productions aimed at boosting visitor numbers. The government is also pursuing Unesco World Heritage Site status for Sungai Lembing, with discussions and documentation work ongoing with the National Heritage Department.
Source: NST
