By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 15: From January to September 2024, a total of 746 homestay operators in Sarawak earned nearly RM5 million, welcoming 41,168 visitors.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan shared that as of September 2024, there are 57 homestay clusters with 746 operators, along with two Kampungstay clusters consisting of three operators, all registered with the Malaysia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC).
“The total number of registered homestay rooms stands at 1,587, while Kampungstay rooms total 30,” he stated in response to a question raised by Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
Snowdan also emphasised MOTAC’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy, particularly through the Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan Development Plan, 15 projects within homestay clusters have been approved, with an allocation of RM2.11 million.
“These funds are aimed at upgrading public facilities within homestay clusters,” he explained.
To ensure high-quality services for tourists, Snowdan highlighted that the Ministry is also focused on community development initiatives, designed to enhance the capacity and management skills of homestay operators and local communities.
These include courses on basic hospitality training, marketing and digital marketing, product development, event management, craft-making workshops, and safety and life-saving skills training. — DayakDaily
