Ethnic groups must help the govt to develop national tourism

LAHAD DATU, June 23 (Bernama) -- Every race or ethnic group in the country should help the government to realise the development of the tourism sector, said the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture  Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.

He said every ethnic group could promote national tourism by highlighting the uniqueness of their respective art and culture.

“For example, we at the ministry welcome the organisation of any cultural event or activity that could introduce the uniqueness of the respective ethnic culture.

“All races could cooperate by sitting down together to discuss, exchange ideas and look for the uniqueness of the races to be highlighted as a tourism product,” he said.

He said this at a Hari Raya gathering organised by the Idahan Ethnic Association, Sabah here today.

Meanwhile, Mohamaddin who is also the Member of Parliament for Silam, encouraged tourism entrepreneurs in making use of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund of RM1 billion launched by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), to develop the industry and expand job opportunities.

In addition, he suggested that the people in the state be active in the handicraft industry which could generate high income.

“The handicraft making industry is one of the promising industry where Sarawak, for example, had generated RM13.6 million from January until March this year from handicraft products.

"Let’s boost the handicraft industry. I urge all ethnic groups including the Idahan Ethnic group to further activate their income and generate a high revenue,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohamaddin praised the organisation of the function today that could be used as a platform to strengthen racial solidarity.

He said, the Idahan ethnic group who had various cultural uniqueness also needed to highlight their uniqueness besides working together with the other ethnic groups to exchange ideas and develop the country’s tourism industry.

-- BERNAMA