SIBU: Off-road motoring clubs, especially the four-wheel-drive (4×4) community, have strong potential to serve as tourism ambassadors promoting Sarawak’s natural beauty and rich cultural uniqueness.
Tamin Assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang said that touring activities organised by 4×4 clubs to the interior indirectly opened the eyes of various parties to the still preserved natural treasures.
According to him, areas such as mountains, hills, rivers, waterfalls and the life of the longhouse community have high attraction value that should be highlighted to a wider level.
“Club members not only travel through challenging routes such as logging roads, dirt roads and rivers, but also record and share their experiences on social media.
“This indirectly promotes the inland destinations and makes them effective ‘tourism ambassadors’,” he said at the 6th Annual Peneresa Rampa Menua (PRM) 4×4 Dinner at a hotel here last night (April 25).
Gira stressed that the uniqueness of Sarawak’s natural landscape which is still preserved is an important asset that needs to be continuously promoted to the outside world.
He said that the efforts driven by clubs like this also help the government identify potential locations to be developed as new tourism products.
“This is very important because the tourism sector is one of the main contributors to the state’s economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, he suggested that the extreme motoring club play a more proactive role by offering adventure-based tourism packages.
According to him, the initiative is not only able to attract tourists, but also opens up economic opportunities for rural communities.
“Bringing tourists to the inland areas not only introduces the beauty of nature, but also generate additional income for local residents,” he said.
He also pointed out that there are still many rural areas in Sarawak that have not been fully explored and have great potential in the tourism sector.
“As Sarawakians, we ourselves need to play a role in highlighting this uniqueness. The success of the tourism sector depends on the joint efforts of all parties,” he stressed.
In this regard, he described the 4×4 club as a strategic partner of the government in efforts to promote nature-based tourism destinations.
At the same event, Gira announced an allocation of RM20,000 to PRM 4×4 to support the implementation of their activities in the future.
Gira, who is also the club patron, hoped that the contribution could further strengthen their role in promoting rural tourism.
Earlier, PRM 4×4 president, Presley Peter in his welcoming speech said that Gira’s support since becoming the patron last year had brought positive changes to the club.
“With his support, this club has become stronger, more organised and well-organised in terms of carrying out activities. He not only gives encouragement, but also inspires the members,” he said.
According to him, PRM 4×4 has succeeded in uniting individuals from various backgrounds through common interests, in addition to continuing to face challenges throughout its six years of establishment.
“It is hoped that this club will continue to develop as an active, competitive organisation and continue to contribute to the community,” Presley added.
