By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 3: Kampung Annah Rais holds strong potential to emerge as an international-standard heritage tourism destination through a series of planned development initiatives, aligned with its strategic location within the Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark.
In TVS and Ukas news, Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, said the centuries-old village is rich in unique cultural heritage, traditional longhouses, and natural attractions that could be further developed into major tourism drawcards in the future.
He said the Sarawak government, in collaboration with the local community, is planning several key projects, including the development of a riverside waterfront, the construction of an amphitheatre, and the upgrading of selected traditional houses into cultural exhibition spaces.
These initiatives aim to strengthen Annah Rais’ position as a premier tourism product in the Mambong area.
“For me, Annah Rais is a very special village. I would also like to congratulate Coca-Cola for choosing Kampung Annah Rais as the location for this programme.
“This selection is in line with our direction to elevate Annah Rais as a flagship tourism product in the N19 Mambong area,” he said at the Coca-Cola Kampung Takeover Programme in conjunction with the 2026 Gawai celebration at Kampung Annah Rais, Padawan, yesterday (June 2).
Dr Jerip, who is also the Mambong assemblyman, said the planned developments are intended to boost community participation in the tourism sector and generate new economic opportunities for local residents.
“We will have a waterfront, upgrade several houses for cultural exhibitions, and build an amphitheatre that can accommodate more than 400 to 500 people. The objective is to enhance the tourism product so that the villagers also benefit from the development being implemented,” he said.
The event was vibrant, drawing participation from the local community as well as visitors from various areas. It not only enlivened the Gawai celebration but also served as an important platform to showcase the customs and culture of the Bidayuh Biannah community to a wider audience.
Throughout the programme, various cultural activities were held, including traditional performances, heritage exhibitions, and community-based events that reflected the identity and uniqueness of the local community. The presence of visitors from both near and far further added to the festive atmosphere.
Dr Jerip said such programmes have strong potential to empower rural communities while strengthening Annah Rais Village as a cultural tourism destination with significant growth prospects.
“The cultural heritage of the Bidayuh community must continue to be preserved and promoted, as it is an important asset that not only reinforces community identity but also contributes to local economic development through the tourism sector.
“The spirit of Gawai celebrated today is not merely a festival, but a symbol of unity, heritage and identity that must continue to be preserved and highlighted for future generations,” he said.
He also described collaboration between the community, private sector, and local leadership as a positive step in expanding cultural tourism promotion, thereby opening up greater development opportunities for rural communities. — DayakDaily
