Homes at Gaya Island to be colourful soon, says Bangkuai
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai praised the Meraki Daat Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, for actively involving local residents in revitalising their villages as part of a community-based tourism (CBT) effort.
This follows Bangkuai's first meeting with the Meraki Daat Initiative in 2022, where he encouraged the group to adopt a CBT approach to ensure stronger community engagement and shared economic benefits.
'This commitment aligns with the state's push to promote sustainable tourism through initiatives that highlight Sabah's unique identity and culture,' said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman after a meeting with Meraki Daat Initiative president Michelle De La Harpe on Tuesday (July 1).
De La Harpe briefed Bangkuai on the progress of their ongoing Project Picasso, which aims to rejuvenate Gaya Island's water villages and turn them into Instagram-worthy destinations.
The project involves creatively painting stilt houses and working with the Sabah Tourism Board to promote these villages as tourism hotspots.
In June, STB facilitated a workshop involving five water villages on Gaya Island, namely Lok Urai, Torong Logong, Lobong, Kesuapan, and Kampung Pondoh.
The villages are now working towards formal registration under the Community-Based Tourism Gaya Island umbrella.
'This is a positive step forward. Pulau Gaya is a unique settlement with its own story to tell. Developing community-based tourism here will add value for the villagers, especially given the island's close proximity to the city centre.
'However, it is essential to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable tourism environment, and that starts with strong local participation and ownership,' Bangkuai said.
During the meeting, he also launched the 2025 Project Picasso Art Competition, themed Ocean Creatures, aimed at encouraging community creativity and enhancing the visual appeal of the villages.
De La Harpe shared that the project also integrates youth development, environmental sustainability, and the arts to transform public spaces into vibrant, community-owned tourism attractions.
'We are currently building a 200m pathway leading to the volleyball court using eco-bricks made from recycled plastic waste. This innovation won the United Nations Development Programme's Island Waste Innovation Challenge last year,' she added.
The art competition runs from June 30 to July 31, with judging scheduled for Aug 1–7.
Site painting will take place from Aug 20–27, culminating in the official mural launch and opening ceremony on Aug 31.
The public can follow updates on the Meraki Daat Initiative via their website at www.merakidaat.org and on their social media platforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
42 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget
Masidi KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Legislative Assembly today approved the Supplementary Supply Bill (Expenditure) 2025, which allocates an additional RM1,186,923,403.00 for 53 expenditure heads. In his winding-up speech, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said that while debates and disagreements among assembly members are expected, they ultimately reflect a shared commitment — both from the government and opposition — to Sabah's development. 'I would like to thank and acknowledge all honourable members who raised various issues and proposals during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, all with the shared goal of transforming Sabah into a progressive and prosperous state,' he said. Masidi assured that the State Government remains attentive to the matters raised, particularly those directly related to the Ministry of Finance. Addressing specific concerns raised during the debate, Masidi responded to Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob's proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds through district offices via a dedicated disaster trust fund. He explained that while the proposal is acknowledged, the establishment of such a trust fund would involve a lengthy process as it must be tabled in the State Assembly under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'Therefore, the ministry believes it is more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and managed by the State Disaster Management Committee,' said Masidi. He also said that the ministry is also aware of the need to enhance tourism assets and preserve historical heritage buildings, not only in the Sindumin district but throughout the state. 'However, such efforts remain subject to the State Government's financial capacity.' He also replied to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), who raised the issue of RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties. 'The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify the matter raised by the honourable member for Senallang regarding the RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties, intended to support students and educational institutions in Sabah,' said Masidi. He then detailed that the expenditure of RM44,000,000 is for the Computer Aid (BAIK) programme by providing 1,000 laptops for IPT students from e-Kasih or B40 families totalling RM2,000,000; the BUDI (IPT Registration Cash Aid) or one-off aid of RM2,000 or RM1,500 for newly registered B40/M40 students entering IPT amounting RM10,000,000; the BAKTI Exam Cash Assistance (one off RM200 aid for 40,000 B40 students sitting for SPM/STPM/STAM) amounting RM8,000,000; BAGUS-PTA aid (RM2,000 aid for 1,500 Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to support their activities amounting RM3,000,000; BISBAH-school equipment aid (equipment support for 1,600 schools) amounting RM10,000,000; BISTARI – State Education Fund (RM100 savings assistance per newborn via SSPN savings) amounting RM2,000,000; AKSA – Excellence Award (Awards for students/educators who bring honour to Sabah nationally/internationally.) amounting RM100,000; BANTU – Special Education Programme Aid (Funding for beneficial educational programmes) amounting RM1,300,000; SEMESTA – Sabah Student Secretariat (financial aid for Sabah student associations across Malaysia/the world) amounting RM300,000; BALKIS – Minor School Repairs amounting RM4,000,000 for repairs under RM50,000 for school infrastructure; MAHAS – Sabah Halal Council amounting RM1,500,000 for the coordination, enforcement, halal expos and certification; BAKPA – Religious Activities Aid amounting RM1,300,000 for special grants for religious programmes; Sabah Language and Literature Council amounting RM500,000 for support for language and literature-related activities. He also commented on the question raised by Tungku assemblyman Assaffal P. Alian concerning the expenditures in CMD1. He said that his ministry shall provide the assemblyman with detailed clarification. 'However, we hope there will be no misunderstanding regarding the figures mentioned, whether hundreds of thousands or millions, under each sub-item. Upon review, these do not involve any additional millions as suggested by the honourable member for Tungku,' said Masidi. 'On the matter of the additional allocation under the Ministry of Rural Development, this pertains to the Special Allocation Programme, which aims to supplement the insufficient annual budget approved for 2025. The allocation is meant to fund small-scale projects across all state constituencies, including those held by the opposition,' he said. As for the queries from the honourable members for Lamag and Tungku regarding the Federal loans and the higher repayments from the State Consolidated Fund, these loans are essential to finance water and sewerage supply projects costing over RM100 million annually, he said. He explained that these loans allow the State Government to focus on other key infrastructure projects that drive economic growth. Furthermore, repayments will only commence after a deferment period of five to seven years, allowing the State to enjoy earlier development while reducing development expenditure in the short term, he said. Meanwhile, Darau assemblyman Azhari Datuk Matussin inquired about the flood mitigation projects worth RM2.3 million and Masidi explained that these included the flood mitigation plan for Sungai Kinarut, Kinarut Basin, Papar District; flood mitigation plan for Sungai Petagas, Putatan – Kg Sendil Phase 2; flood mitigation plan in Sipitang – proposed drainage works for Sungai Naparan Hilir and related works; and flood mitigation plan in Sandakan (Mile 3.5), Sri Taman, Sandakan. He also replied to Lamag, Bugaya and Sekong assemblymen, who highlighted item S26-Contributions to Statutory Funds and provided the breakdown, which covered Contribution to the Development Fund – RM250 million to reduce the deficit, not involving cash flow; Contribution to the Statutory Trust Fund for Road Maintenance – RM150 million to cover concession payments and urgent repairs not covered under existing contracts; and Contribution to the Special Trust Fund – RM200 million to finance programmes such as SYUKUR (People's Gratitude Programme), BUDI, SENTOSA, SUBFLY, SUKSES, and infrastructure development including water, roads and utilities. Masidi also explained that the overall increase in administrative emolument payments is due to the phase one adjustment of the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), with an 8% salary increase implemented in December 2024. 'As the 2025 budget was tabled and passed in November 2024, the increase could not be accounted for at the time. The additional provision also covers the Special Financial Aid (BKK) payments in January, Aidilfitri and Kaamatan 2025,' said Masidi. He also said that the RM25 million allocation under D11 – Chief Minister's Department is meant for basic infrastructure financing in both urban and rural areas under the Special Development Programme and the RM3.7 million additional allocation under JHEAINS is to finance: New mosque construction: RM1.01 million; Islamic Community Centre in Penampang; upgrading Papar District Mosque; New mosque in Kg Tambulion, Kota Belud; Religious school construction: RM2.69 million; SMAN in Tambunan; teacher quarters, academic block, astaka, and field at SMAN Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah (Phase 3); and SAN and JHEAINS Kindergarten in Pekan Sook (Keningau), Kg Tebobon (Menggatal), and Telupid. He also said that under D19 of the Rural Development Ministry, the additional funds are proposed for poverty eradication programmes which includes estimated repayments (e.g., service costs, wages) as per management agreements; home repairs under RM15,000 per house – approximately 33 homes in 2025, including electrical posts; maintenance of damaged village roads, especially flood-prone areas, to aid residents' economic activities; solar lighting supply to off-grid villages in Kota Belud, Pitas, Nabawan, Semporna, Beluran, Lahad Datu and Tamparuli; and programmes to uplift rural living standards. Meanwhile, the RM1.9 million additional provision under D39 for the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is for capital grants to local authorities for road maintenance and other capital expenditures, including: Proposed new District Council Office in Putatan; and construction and completion of new District Council office in Ranau. Meanwhile, an additional RM300,000 is proposed to upgrade visitor facilities at Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site, Semporna, as part of the existing project under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), initiated on 4 March 2025. Works include upgrading the boardwalk, shelters and observation platforms at the summit, he said. Those who debated the Bill were Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin (Nabawan), Datuk Ignatius Dorell Leiking (Moyog), Assaffal P. Alian (Tungku), Azhari Datuk Matussin (Darau), Datuk Seri Panglima Moktar Radin (Lamag), Datuk Hassan Gani P. Amir (Sebatik), Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Arunarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Jamil Datuk Hamzah (Bugaya), Sarifuddin Hata (Merotai), Alias Sani (Sekong), Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Tanjong Aru), Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan), Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura), Datuk Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian), Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan (nominated assemblyman), Justin Wong Yung Bin (Sri Tanjong), Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum (Telupid), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau), Datuk Amisah Yassin (nominated assemblywoman), Datuk Mokran Ingkat (Sungai Manila), Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang (Balung).
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Sabah tourism earns RM3.3bil in receipts for the first five months of 2025
SEMPORNA: Sabah's tourism sector has shown strong growth in the first five months of 2025, generating RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts from 1.44 million visitor arrivals. The state's improving security and international appeal have contributed to this upward trend. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai credited the rise in tourist numbers to enhanced security measures, particularly the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). He noted that Sabah has had no kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, reinforcing its reputation as a safe destination. 'This complements the continuous efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to position Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,' he said. According to STB data, international visitors made up 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists accounted for 879,420. China remained the leading international market with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685. European arrivals also saw a significant increase, rising by 25.6 per cent to 35,240 visitors. The United Kingdom and Ireland led with 13,910 arrivals, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). The United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949. - Bernama
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
North Korea bars Western influencers from trade fair tour, says China-based operator
BEIJING, July 7 — North Korea has barred Western influencers from joining a delegation of tourists to an international trade fair in October, a China-based tour operator told AFP today. Diplomatically isolated North Korea has welcomed sporadic groups of international visitors in recent months, including hundreds of foreign athletes in April for the first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years. China has historically been the biggest diplomatic, economic and political backer of North Korea, which remains under crippling international sanctions. Travel agency Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) said on Saturday it would take a group of foreign tourists on a trip to the authoritarian state from October 24 to November 1. However, the tour would not be open to journalists, travel content creators or influencers, the company said on its website. YPT co-founder Rowan Beard told AFP the curbs on creators were 'a specific request from the North Korean side'. 'We anticipate that once the country officially reopens, there may be stricter scrutiny or limitations on influencers and YouTubers joining tours,' Beard said. The company had 'no visibility' on when Pyongyang would restart official media delegations, he said. Several online influencers have shared slickly produced videos from inside North Korea in recent months. Chad O'Carroll, founder of specialist website NK News, said many influencers tend to have larger audiences than professional journalists, but 'they are normally working without editors and tend to gain extra views through sensationalist-style content'. 'North Korean authorities likely see few benefits and major risks with allowing social media influencers to visit the country, given what we saw earlier this year,' O'Carroll told AFP. 'The result is a community of potential visitors who, in DPRK authorities' minds, are not likely to produce content that is favourable to state interests,' he said, using North Korea's official name. Lavish gifts The YPT tour, priced at 3,995 euros ($4,704), will depart from the Chinese capital Beijing and take in the Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair, North Korea's biggest international business exhibition. Participants will have a 'unique chance' to stroll through more than 450 trade booths exhibiting machinery, information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and household items. YPT also said the Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce would 'hold a VIP presentation for us for an in-depth overview and insights into the (North Korean) economy'. The itinerary also includes major sights in Pyongyang as well as the first Western visit in more than five years to Mount Myohyang, which boasts a museum of lavish gifts presented to former North Korean leaders. Chinese people used to make up the bulk of foreign tourists and business visitors to the isolated nuclear nation before it sealed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, numbers have not rebounded despite Pyongyang's post-pandemic reopening, a trend that some analysts have attributed to Beijing's anger at North Korea's explicit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. — AFP
