KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah assemblyman has called on the government to protect the land of the Rungus people and help develop their tourism potential.
Julita Majungki (PBS-Matunggong) said she was waiting for a response from Deputy Chief Minister and State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew on the status of the Rungus culture centre land in Sikuati.
"As far as the people of Matunggong understand, the land belongs to them after it was gazetted for the first time in 1980. In 2004, the people almost lost the land but the then tourism minister (Karanaan assemblyman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun) agreed to return the status of (the land) gazette to the Rungus people.
"However, there are matters that need to be done, especially in ensuring that the land becomes an area or centre of importance for the people and the government. As this involves long-term planning, it’s better for the land to be gazetted under a statutory or non-statutory body," she said.
Julita was delivering her debate on the government policy speech on the second day of the state assembly sitting here, today.
She also noted that part of the land in Sikuati had been encroached, with new settlements being established and most of the residents suspected to be illegal immigrants.
She urged the relevant departments to go to the ground, inspect, and take the necessary action without any delay.
Earlier, Julita said the previous state government was committed to building a Rungus Cultural Centre building, which would serve as an exhibition centre and museum showcasing Rungus culture.
"I hope the (current) government can look into this and take it into consideration. If this receives approval (from the state government), I propose that the cultural centre building be built on the land in Sikuati.
"In view of that, I hope the Tourism Ministry through the Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Cultural Board will continue to identify the true tourism potential for the north zone area."