Sarawak Cooperatives Urged To Lead Global Eco-Tourism & Smart Tourism Market
KUCHING: The cooperative movement must evolve beyond traditional business models and claim a leading role in the global eco-tourism sector by building resilient value chains and adopting digital platforms.
According to Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, with over 16,468 cooperatives nationwide commanding 7.33 million members, assets exceeding RM186.75 billion, and a collective annual turnover of over RM81 billion, the cooperative movement possesses massive financial leverage to transform local communities.
"Cooperatives should break out of operational silos. Agricultural, hospitality, retail, and handicraft cooperatives must collaborate to keep economic value circulating within the local community.
"For instance, agricultural cooperatives can supply fresh produce directly to community-run chalets and homestays under a structured Farm-to-Table model, while retail cooperatives dedicate shelf space to local artisans," he said.
His text speech was read by Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcom Mussen Lamoh at the closing ceremony of the "Cooperative Eco-Tourism: From Nature to Community Economy" knowledge-sharing programme organised by the Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (IKMa) Sarawak Zone at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The Sarawak Deputy Premier highlighted a sharp recovery in the national tourism sector following post-pandemic rebuilding efforts, whereby Malaysia recorded over 42.19 million international tourist arrivals.
"In tandem with this growth, global traveler behavior has shifted toward sustainable and community-based destinations. Aligned with the National Tourism Policy 2020–2030, Malaysia is heavily prioritising eco-tourism that directly benefits local populations," he added.
"Under the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2020–2035, tourism stands as an essential economic pillar. In 2025, Sarawak welcomed 4.97 million visitors, generating an estimated RM12.67 billion in tourism revenue."
However, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah emphasised that success cannot be measured by arrival numbers alone. Through a firm commitment to Responsible Tourism, Sarawak balances economic gains with environmental conservation and heritage preservation.
The state plans to leverage its world-class natural assets—including the Gunung Mulu, Niah, Bako, Batang Ai, and Loagan Bunut National Parks—while expanding international recognition through initiatives like the Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark.
"Unique destinations fail to reach their full potential without modern marketing and infrastructure. Cooperatives must aggressively digitalise by srengthening online marketing campaigns to reach global audiences; integrating cashless payment infrastructures; and implementing systematic data analytics tools to track and manage visitor logistics.
"I am confident that with good governance, a collaborative spirit, innovation, and a readiness to adapt to technology, the Sarawak cooperative movement can emerge as a prime benchmark for community-based tourism development nationally and internationally," Datuk Amar Awang Tengah concluded.- UKASnews
