Kg. Malubang in Pitas is set to host an exciting new initiative in community-based tourism and marine conservation.
This is after a group of student and academician from the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (FBEA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), together with Sabah Parks (TTS) successfully organized The Community-Based Tourism Program with the communities of Kg. Malubang, Pitas recently.
According to FBEA Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mohamad Isa Abd Jalil, the project aims to empower the communities of Kg. Malubang and Kampung Berungus, which are located within the yellow zone of Tun Mustapha Marine Park, also known as the Community Use Zone (CUZ).
“These villages were chosen as pilot projects due to their strategic location within the designated zone, providing a significant opportunity to develop sustainable tourism and marine conservation strategies.
“The primary goal is to create a model that can be replicated in other marine protected areas,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the programme.
He added that, the involvement of FBEA is crucial to the success of this program.
“With the expertise in rural tourism, FBEA contributes the necessary knowledge and experience to strengthen the local economy.
“This collaboration not only enhances the relationship between the university and the community but also highlights the important role of educational institutions in community development,” he said.
He also noted that the program is designed to achieve several key objectives, among other is to leverage FBEA’s expertise to enhance the rural economy, as well as to encourage and empower the community's ability to engage in tourism activities.
“This programme also aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, particularly among the younger generation, and aspires to establish ongoing partnerships with stakeholders in tourism development within protected areas.
“This project is expected to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while empowering the local community to become leaders in conservation efforts and sustainable economic development.
“It demonstrates the commitment of UMS, particularly the FBEA to assisting marginalized communities through capacity-building programs,” he said.
He also hoped that the programme could serve as a model for similar projects in Tun Mustapha Marine Park and other marine protected areas, thus further strengthening conservation efforts and the development of coastal rural communities.
The four-day programmes involve active participation from the local community, including youths, women, and primary school students.
