By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 8: Boat accommodation and fishing activities such as squid jigging are among the tourism experiences that could be developed in Telaga Air to attract more visitors and create income opportunities for the local community.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the area had the potential to offer more than its existing seafood attractions and scenic coastal surroundings, with new tourism products helping visitors enjoy a more distinctive experience.
Citing an example from Terengganu, she said visitors there could spend the night on boats while taking part in activities such as squid jigging, suggesting that similar experiences could be explored in Telaga Air.
“From there, we can add more tourism activities here and increase opportunities for the local community to earn an income,” she said when speaking at the closing ceremony of the 19th Telaga Air Festival 2026 today.
Nancy, who is Santubong MP, said Telaga Air was among the areas with tourism potential within the Santubong parliamentary constituency, which stretches from Telok Melano to Muara Tebas, with each locality offering its own attractions.
She said Telaga Air’s coastal scenery, seafood offerings and village atmosphere were among its advantages that could be further developed to attract tourists.
She also said the area could benefit from improved road connectivity, noting that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had previously spoken about development plans involving access to Telaga Air.
Nancy said tourism facilities must be accompanied by efforts to prepare local residents to participate in the industry through skills training and guidance.
“As visitors come, they will need food, accommodation and services. We want our people to be ready to take advantage of these opportunities.
“That is why the development of facilities must be accompanied by training and guidance so that the community knows how to start, improve their products and enhance their skills,” she said.
She highlighted the role women could play in expanding the local tourism economy through food preparation, sewing and handicraft production, adding that locally made products could also be marketed as souvenirs for visitors.
Nancy cited her ministry’s Empowerment for Girls programme, which introduces young girls to practical skills such as crocheting to produce items including character-shaped keychains.
Sharing an example, she said two sisters who had completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations earned more than RM1,000 over two days after receiving a week’s training in the craft.
She said similar initiatives could be extended to students in Telaga Air to encourage young girls to acquire practical skills and develop their own sources of income.
On improving the area’s appeal, Nancy called for greater attention to cleanliness, safety and public amenities, saying these were important in ensuring visitors had a comfortable experience.
She also urged the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), community leaders and residents to work together to maintain the surroundings and improve facilities, including providing better sheltered spaces for traders to display their products.
She said the needs of all members of the community, including senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities, should also be considered in tourism development.
Nancy also recalled the Prime Minister’s earlier remarks on the possibility of bringing selected regatta events to Telaga Air, allowing tourism activities and economic opportunities to be spread beyond Kuching Waterfront.
She congratulated MPP, the Telaga Air Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK), the festival organising committee, government agencies, private-sector partners, volunteers and residents for making the four-day festival a success.
She also thanked Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for his support and funding towards the festival. — DayakDaily
