by Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 26: The Sarawak Government has doubled the annual allocation for Tourism Task Groups (TTGs) from RM5,000 to RM10,000 per division as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots capacity in driving tourism development across the State.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the enhanced funding is intended to support the planning and implementation of local tourism programmes, events and activities, while reinforcing the role of TTGs as key drivers at divisional level.
According to him, the State recognises TTGs as an important mechanism for ensuring wider economic participation, inclusivity and sustainable tourism growth, particularly at the community level.
“Each Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) is chaired by the respective Resident and comprises representatives from government agencies, industry players, and local communities. The platform functions as a coordination body for identifying local tourism challenges, proposing development initiatives, and resolving sector-related issues at the divisional level,” he said.
He said this when responding to a question by Krian assemblyman Friday Belik during the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today on whether the government plans to further empower TTGs and make them more effective in accelerating tourism initiatives.
He added that the DTTG chairman also serves as a member of the Sarawak Tourism Coordination Committee (STCC), which convenes three times a year and acts as the state-level forum for discussing and resolving tourism development matters that cannot be addressed locally.
Beyond financial support, Ting said the ministry has strengthened TTG capacity by promoting divisional signature events under the Sarawak Calendar of Events, with selected festivals registered under intellectual property protection to preserve authenticity and ensure they remain uniquely associated with Sarawak.
“TTG chairmen are periodically included in the ministry’s delegation to international tourism platforms such as ITB Berlin and World Travel Market London, allowing them exposure to global best practices and emerging tourism trends,” he added.
Ting said the approach reflects the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more coordinated tourism ecosystem that connects local communities directly to state and international tourism strategies. —DayakDaily
