Making full use of Wisma Wanita
Published on: Friday, September 04, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman should be happy to know that things are moving towards making Wisma Wanita a tourist attraction.Back in 2010, before its official opening, he had mooted the idea during a meeting with the Sabah Women's Advisory Council (MPWS), then chaired by Datuk Asnimar Sukardi.At the outset, Musa had suggested that Sabah's handicraft makers, including those from the interior, be given space to produce their wares at the foyer of the six-storey structure.
ADVERTISEMENT
His rationale is that arrangements can be made with tour operators to bring tourists to the "dream home" of Sabah women. Here visitors could watch craftsmen and craftswomen at work. At the same time, they could make purchases of our local products to bring home as souvenirs for family members and friends, as one way to supplement the income of those handicraft makers."Sabah is a beautiful land. Many people love to visit Sabah because of its natural and man-made attractions," he was quoted as saying.Now taking the lead to make the Musa's vision a reality is Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.
ADVERTISEMENT
She has just held a meeting with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Sabah Women's Affairs Department (Jhewa), and other parties like Talisman Malaysia. Jhewa serves as the Secretariat to Jhewa."I want to make things happen but this can only be achieved through teamwork. More importantly, we have to ensure there is a ready market, so we have to promote Wisma Wanita as a tourist destination and get people to patronise the place."
ADVERTISEMENT
Jainab, who is Karambunai Assemblywoman, is also looking at the possibility of bringing in blind men and women (who are trained in foot massage) to provide such service to locals and tourists alike at Wisma Wanita.According to her, plans are also afoot to put the now vacant art gallery to good use. "We are encouraging Borneo Mart to come into the picture as the main supplier of bridal accessories, among other necessities," she said.Meanwhile, the CM was made aware that Wisma Wanita is now a hive of activity, apart from housing Jhewa and accommodating women NGO activities. Now a much sought-after venue for wedding receptions and social functions, this landmark is a far cry from the infant years when critics labelled it as a "white elephant" because it was then under-utilised.And rooms are open to women NGOs for rent at reasonable rates, depending on the size of the premises. Among the "tenants" are Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa), Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (KPR), Pergerakan Puteri Islam and Pertiwisa (Sabah Muslim Women Action Organisation).During a recent courtesy call on Musa by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, Datuk Noni J. Said, a past Chairperson of MPWS, said the Wisma Wanita Ballroom is fully booked until next year. "Rental rates are among the cheapest in town," she said.The CM concurred that the facility is an attraction, given the ample parking space and relatively lower rentals. He went on to suggest that the signage for the building be given a facelift to make it visible from afar. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
