From January to December of next year the Central Development Authority of Terengganu (Ketengah) will conduct its Visit Kenyir Year 2021 (TMK2021).

The inaugural programme was a follow-up to the initiative 'Kenyir Festival' where Ketengah considers that Tasik Kenyir will improve the tourism industry as a 'top-of-the-line tourist destination.

"At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic which has plagued the world since early this year and affected the economic sector, especially tourism, has become one of the main factors in organising this programme (TMK2021) to improve the wellbeing of the community affected by this pandemic, especially the tourism sector operators in Tasik Kenyir (speed boat operators, boathouses and eateries).

"The TMK2021 programme uses the slogan ‘Natural Kenyir’ to promote Tasik Kenyir as a prestigious eco-tourism destination," he said in a statement.

The opening and launch of TMK2021 begins with the release of 1 million freshwaters fish to increase the fish population in the lake and protect the ecology of the lake.

The programme involves the partnership of government and private organisations in Terengganu, and a range of activities, including the Get to Know Tasik Kenyir programme, Tasik Kenyir Media Expression Tour, and Kenyir Fun Ride, are scheduled each month next year.

The initiative is intended to give rural entrepreneurs a boost and promote Tasik Kenyir as a visit-making destination, in particular in the tourism sector.