LAWAS: The Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) continues to strengthen the involvement of the local community in the tourism sector through the organisation of the ‘Program MOTAC Bersama Komuniti’ (PMBK) on Thursday.
MOTAC Sarawak Director, Debbie Jenggut Nyelang said that the selection of Lawas as the location for the programme this time is relevant given that the district has high potential to be highlighted as a community-based eco-tourism destination.
According to her, local products such as Ba’ Kelalan rice, mountain salt and agricultural products have their own commercial value and attractiveness that can strengthen the tourism sector in this district.
“This programme aims to strengthen the relationship between the ministry and the community as well as increase the community’s understanding of the role and shared responsibility in developing the tourism sector and preserving local cultural heritage.
“MOTAC always adheres to the principle that sustainable tourism and cultural development must be based on community involvement,” she said.
She added that the government is targeting 1.6 million tourists choosing to stay in homestays or kampungstays throughout 2025, in line with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
To date, Sarawak has recorded 68 registered homestay clusters including three clusters in Lawas, namely Homestay Long Semadoh (17 participants), Homestay Ba’ Kelalan (24 participants) and Homestay Long Sukang (22 participants).
To strengthen the capacity of homestay entrepreneurs, MOTAC has taken several initiatives including implementing a cooperative acceleration programme in collaboration with the Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia (SKM).
The establishment of the cooperative aims to facilitate homestay entrepreneurs in obtaining access to financial financing through Tekun Nasional, Bank Rakyat and private agencies licensed under Bank Negara Malaysia.
In addition, MOTAC is also collaborating with the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) to hold a Refresher and Enriching course to help homestay operators strengthen digitalisation and community tourism management.
The programme also held a briefing session on Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by Tourism Malaysia Sarawak and the Malaysia Homestay Experience Program by the Sarawak MOTAC Office, which provided participants with exposure to the potential of community-based tourism in the state. -UKASnews
