KINABATANGAN: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) has allocated some RM250,000 to develop the Sukau Kinabatangan Tamu Square.
Its Minister, Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the square and the surrounding stalls had the potential to be developed into a tourist attraction while boosting the local economy.
“KePKAS, together with the Kinabatangan District Council, is currently planning to upgrade and beautify the existing area and facilities,” he said.
The square is also a place to hold various cultural programmes, like the Damas Festival organised by the Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah (Sabas).
Before the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, this cultural event by Sabas had attracted not only locals but also foreign tourists especially from European countries to come to Sukau.
Sukau, which is located about 130 kilometres from Sandakan, is one of popular destinations in the State with various species of wildlife that can be seen in its natural habitat at close range like the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis monkeys and many more.
KePKAS also plans to make the place as one of iconic art-based tourism destinations that offers products based on arts, crafts and local community heritage.