MUKAH: Kaul Mukah has been included in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar to preserve as well as promote the heritage and cultural treasures of the Melanau community.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the festival holds out much potential to attract local and foreign tourists.
“We already know that the tourism sector is an important contributor to the country’s economic growth.
“Therefore, local residents should make the most of this opportunity as it will help generate income through the sale of their respective products.
“In the future, we are targeting more visitors from outside the Mukah area to attend this festival,” he said.
He said this in a speech read by the Minister of Women, Children and Community Well-being Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at the Kaul Mukah 2024 opening ceremony and the Mukah Regatta 2024, at the Kaul Festival Grounds, here, Saturday.
He said the construction of Mukah Airport is among the government’s efforts to encourage visitors from outside the district.
With the availability of these infrastructure facilities, it can attract more visitors, not only during Kaul Mukah, but also for activities and programmes here, he said.
Abang Johari also called on the private sector to play their role by developing the tourism industry.
“This includes hotels and accommodation facilities to meet the needs of visitors.
“Involvement in homestay programmes should be highlighted and encouraged to help advance this industry,” he explained.
In that regard, he said, Kaul Mukah not only attracts the interest of visitors from outside, but is also a platform to showcase the heritage art and cultural treasures of the Melanau community.
He added that the government will give full support in making this event a success to ensure it is known by both locals and foreigners.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Member of Parliament for Mukah Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub ArbI, Tellian assemblyman Tellian Royston Valentine and Daro assemblyman Daro Safiee Ahmad.
