KUCHING: Longhouse ecotourism activities carried out with cooperatives can generate income and improve the economy of villagers.
Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMA) Training Officer Juliana Md Yusof said their visit to Rumah Panjang Ngumbang Santok and Ecotourism Wong Radak, Pantu opened their eyes to the importance of conserving and preserving nature.
“Ecotourism managed by Koperasi Kampung Tuba Simunjan Berhad (KKSTB) has priceless natural treasures.
“Therefore, it is a responsibility to maintain the sustainability of nature while helping to generate income and improve the economy of the villagers, especially the cooperative members,” she said.
She said this during the Cooperative Tourism Business Potential Course Programme at Rumah Panjang Ngumbang Santok, Kampung Tuba, Pantu, Sri Aman.
She added that KKSTB is expected to continuously preserve nature in addition to carrying out tourism activities.
“At the same time, I hope that KKSTB can strike a balance between their two projects which are ecotourism activities and quarry mining projects so as not to disturb the ecosystem.
“I believe that with a comprehensive study, it can be balanced with the available expertise,” she added.
Meanwhile, a total of 29 participants from 12 cooperatives from all over Malaysia participated in the Cooperative Tourism Business Potential Course organised by IKMA Petaling Jaya, Selangor in collaboration with IKMA Sarawak branch from July 1 to July 3.
KKTSB was one of the first cooperatives selected as a course destination this time with the main objective to reveal the ecotourism products operated by cooperatives in Sarawak.
