Kiulu folks develop appreciation for bamboo

Tuaran: Seeing how bamboo came useful in a resort’s Christmas tree project has motivated the community from Kg Pinagon Baru, Kiulu, well-known for their handicrafts, to plant more of it as a source of income.

Spokesperson Saidin Tupas said they never knew it could be a valuable commodity until the resort approached them for handicrafts using bamboo elements for lampshades, among others, to add to the ambience.

“Now that we know bamboo has value, I encourage my fellow communities to control the use of bamboo and to do re-planting,” he said.

They produced 27 lampshades which are on display surrounding the eco-Christmas tree at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa. It gives hotel guests an aura of Christmassy infused with a local touch.

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According to Japi Modukil, also from Kiulu, their skills in making handicrafts were handed down for generations. Although farming is their main activity, they also produced handicrafts using natural resources such as bamboo and whatever items they can lay their hands on.

The resort’s General Manager Fiona Hagan said it gives an avenue and opportunity to the villagers not only to show their skills with the crafts, but enhances their creativity and to market their products accordingly.

The occasion was the launch of Sabah’s first bike-powered Christmas tree and lighting up ceremony by State Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, supported by the Sabah and Tuaran Bicycle Association and Land Rover Association. Four bicycles were prepared for the paddle-power in lighting the tree, an idea of Fiona’s which was immediately taken up by the Housekeeping and Engineering departments for execution.

The 20-foot Christmas tree comprised 500 smaller bamboo pots planted with Brazilian spinach. Fiona said the pots would be re-used for the coming Chinese New Year festive decoration.

Meanwhile, Communication Director Regina Sulit said the resort “adopted” five schools in the district and nearby areas since 2009. They are SK Laya-Laya (200 students), SMK Sri Nangka (1,010 students), SK Lapasan (250 students), SM St James (300 students) and SK Pukak, Kiulu, being their latest.

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Regina said they emphasised on providing better facilities and enhancing the students’ studying environment so as to enable them to achieve better in their studies.

“We are doing a long-term project focusing on schools and the wellbeing of our younger generation,” said Regina.

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