KOTA KINABALU: The allocation of RM106.14 million for community-based tourism is good news for the industry, said Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Yesterday during the state 2024 Budget tabling, state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had said t ecotourism is getting more attention locally and internationally, thus the sector has potential to be developed and upgraded.
In response, Joniston said that unlike in the past when tourists would go for staycations at hotels, islands and other places of attraction, the current trend was more about going to outskirts to experience nature and the local culture.
Joniston, who is Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said the huge allocation reflected the state government's acknowledgement of community-based tourism, which supplements the incomes of people from rural areas.
"Previously, the focus has always been on agriculture. Now there is an awareness (among the community) as they want to be part of tourism.
"In fact, such a sector has shown some of them earning about RM20,000 every month, which helps them financially, especially for those who have children going to school, or if they have family members who are sick or have died," he said when met at the Ewan Lane festival at Hyatt Centric here.
Joniston, who is also Kiulu assemblyman, said the allocation for the blue economy, particularly on traditional "tagal" for rivers, would help to promote the uniqueness of the conservation method.
"Tagal" is a traditional practice of the local community to not catch any fish at the river for a certain period as part of sustaining the fish stock.
"As far as I know, the 'tagal' is not practiced in other countries. This is what we need to promote and highlight. Things that are unique to Sabah. In fact, many from the outside including academicians came to see it including at my constituency in Kiulu," he said, adding there is a proposal to practice 'tagal' for Sabah forests.
Earlier, Joniston said the festival provided a platform for the youths to be part of healthy activities such as modern dance, arts and skateboarding.
Present was Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu general manager Ruben Schrijver.