SIPITANG: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will work on developing eco-tourism activities in Sabah's rural districts, particularly in border areas like this district.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the initiative is aligned with the significant potential that Sabah's border areas are expected to enjoy following the relocatio of Indonesia's capital to Nusantara, Kalimantan.
He said the neighbouring country's move will increase access to Sabah's border regions and create greater economic opportunities for this area.
"The ministry will continue to seek ways to generate eco-tourism in Sabah's rural areas given the immense potential when Indonesia's government administration moves to Kalimantan.
"The relocation will undoubtedly increase access and open up bigger economic development opportunities in this region," he said in his speech during the opening of the 16th Irau Rayeh Lundayeh Sabah celebration at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex Sabah (PKLS), here, yesterday.
His speech text was read by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Also present was the Sabah Lundayeh Association president Datuk Pengiran Lalung.
Irau Rayeh is a cultural festival of the Lundayeh community, most of whom reside along the Sabah-Kalimantan border, particularly in Long Pasia, Sipitang.
Zahid, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the ministry would approve special allocations to assist Lundayeh artisans at the PKLS Complex here.
"I hope that the craft sector in Sipitang can be developed and even marketed internationally.
"With the existence of this PKLS Complex, various craft activities, particularly involving the Lundayeh community, can be expanded and developed," he said.
Regarding the cultural festival celebrated by the Lundayeh community, Zahid said the annual event should be more widely promoted through the use of social media and digital platforms.
He said this approach would ensure greater global visibility and directly connect the Lundayeh community to the outside world.
"The Irau Rayeh Lundayeh festival has the potential to be a major attraction in the country's cultural and eco-tourism sectors. Therefore, continuous efforts to promote it must be made, including through digital platforms.
"If we can introduce a tourism package that includes the Irau Rayeh celebration, it will attract more tourists and, in turn, boost local development through spending on cultural products, crafts, and local food," he said.
Additionally, he said the festival's organisation is also important in uniting the community, especially the Lundayeh people, and introducing their culture to the outside world.