PENAMPANG: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has approved an allocation to transform SK Moyog here into a “tourism school”.
Sabah Education and Innovation Assistant Minister Jenifer Lasimbang said the primary school will become a pilot project for the programme in which schools located within eco-tourism areas will be developed as tourist attractions.
"I have met with Motac Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi and asked for funds to support a plan to make SK Moyog into a tourism school. He has approved an allocation for that purpose.
"As we all know, SK Moyog is beautiful and located near the Moyog river, which is where 'tagal' (no fishing) is practiced to preserve the environment and ecosystem. So, we want this school to be a role model," she told reporters after launching Rafts Festival in conjunction with the World River Day at Kampung Totoikon Ramayah here.
Jenifer said the state Education and Innovation Ministry also welcomed other schools and ministries to be involved in the tourism school project.
"At the moment, there has already been a request from two schools - SK Maligan in Sipitang and SK Saliliran in Pensiangan. They contacted me and suggested the project be expanded to these rural schools," she said.
Meanwhile, Jenifer urged villagers to look after the cleanliness of rivers in their respective areas and to avoid dumping rubbish indiscriminately, especially plastics and glass bottles.