The Kampung Laut redevelopment project and Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan have been nominated to be a national heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) in a recent statement said that the nomination is in line with its aim to introduce Kampung Laut as an iconic heritage tourism centre and a must-visit destination in Kelantan.
It said the village redevelopment project seeks to generate income via tourism activities that would benefit the villagers whose source of income was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it would also restore socio-economic growth in the surrounding areas.ECERDC general manager Datuk Wan Mohd Hasnan Abdullah said in the statement that the redevelopment project is special as it celebrates and preserves the culture, heritage and traditions of the locals.
“Kampung Laut will be a living museum where the local community can generate income through cultural activities such as performing wayang kulit and flying the wau.”
Wan Mohd Hasnan said one crucial component of the project is the relocation of the Kampung Laut Mosque from the Nilam Puri sub-district in Kota Baru to its original site in Kampung Laut. The mosque is one of the oldest in Malaysia.
“The relocation of the 300-year-old mosque can preserve the historical, cultural and architectural features of the building as well as create a heritage landmark in Kelantan,” he added.
The village redevelopment project also includes the construction of a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to sell local products such as batik, kites and handicrafts, which is expected to be completed early next year.
Sarawak gems
Meanwhile, two remote areas in central Sarawak – Lusong Laku and Sungai Asap in the Belaga district of the Kapit Division – are set to become new tourism attractions.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that local residents will be guided and assisted in efforts to market the destinations.
She said this would be implemented via a co-operation between the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
“The (federal) ministry will help in terms of training. Residents must be given training so that they have the ability to recognise (tourism) products available in their community.
“For these products, (you would need) people who know how to market them. And before being marketed, many fundamental things must be carried out,” she shared during a media conference in Lusong Laku recently.Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government will work hard to boost infrastructure facilities and connectivity in the area.
“It is indeed difficult to go to the area (Belaga). It will take about nine hours by road from Kuching to Bintulu, and then about six hours from Bintulu to Belaga; (it is faster) by helicopter,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that connectivity also needs to improve in the area as today’s tourists are keen on sharing live or quick updates on their social media pages.
He also said that the state government will be providing entrepreneurship training to locals.
“From there, items such as the unique Kayan and Penan handicraft can be sold and can, to a certain extent, boost the economy of the local residents,” he said. – Bernama
Travel to Kelantan and snatch extra discounts on hotel bookings with Hotels.com Coupon Hotels.com Coupon
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
