KUCHING:
Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) wants to improve the socio-economy of the
community by organising more income-generating international events.
According
to its chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Padawan is an area with potential for
eco-tourism and nature-oriented activities.
Talking
to reporters after a dialogue session between Hash runners and village
representatives, Lo advised the villagers to be involved in business when
events were held in their areas.
“Villagers
should take the opportunity to be creative by running income-generating
activities and service during events,” he said.
The
cottage industry could be developed, and the villagers sell jungle produce, he
suggested.
The
increased homestay programmes in the area meant the operators and tour agencies
could cooperate in organising events that generate income for local players.
“The
organisers and tour agencies could play an important role in developing the
tourism industry and assist homestay operators or villagers to sell their
products,” he suggested.
Citing
the Padawan River Safari, Padawan Festival, Borneo Highlands Race and Hash Runs
organised quite often in Padawan, he hoped cooperation with the local community
could be enhanced to improve the socio-economy in the area.
Lo said
the council would initiate efforts to promote various events and work closely
with the organisers.
“Such
activities should benefit the people, not create a problem for them but enhance
their creativity in running a legitimate business.”
He
therefore hoped for more communication between organisers and the local
community.
Posted on
October 16, 2010, Saturday
