Krian rep: Active involvement in tourism programmes can empower local community

SIBU (Oct 19): The tourism sector has created many job opportunities for the people, contributing to the nation’s economic development, said Friday Belik.

In this regard, the Krian assemblyman points out that active involvement and support from the local community in tourism-related programmes are essential in ensuring more people would get to reap the benefits.

“The tourism sector and its related activities have also allowed us to introduce our culture, tradition and uniqueness to the world, aside from opening up business opportunities for other sectors,” he said this in his speech for the ‘MoTAC with the Sarawak Community 2024’ programme at Sri Krian community hall in Saratok yesterday.

Also present was Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MoTAC) deputy secretary-general (management) Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.

Adding on, Friday said efforts to attract tourists must not come at the expense of the community’s rich cultural heritage or the natural beauty of the environment.

On the ‘MoTAC with Sarawak Community 2024’ programme, the assemblyman expressed confidence that the participants would benefit through the sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge on the best way to promote tourism in their respective area.

“We should take this opportunity to learn together and try to make our district a destination for tourists near and afar.

“I believe the uniqueness of the natural treasures in Krian as well as the high cultural value can be contributing factors to the sustainability of the tourism sector in this district,” he said.

Friday also hailed the selection of Krian for Motac’s Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme as ‘apt’, given the rural areas in the district are rich in cultural heritage, handicrafts and natural resources.