BINTULU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has rolled out its MADANI Adopted Village initiative with the handover of Kampung Nour Iman in Kuala Tatau, aimed at strengthening rural community development.
The initiative was carried out alongside the ‘Santuni MADANI’ programme in Kampung Seberang Jaya, reflecting the government’s people-centric approach through multi-agency coordination and direct service delivery on the ground.
MOTAC Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said the programme represents the on-ground implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village initiative introduced in 2024 to bridge the urban-rural development gap.
He said Kampung Nour Iman was selected under MOTAC, with several key projects already completed, including the upgrading of the community hall, installation of solar lighting, construction of a viewing platform, and drainage improvements.
“Community development must go beyond physical infrastructure and be supported by economic empowerment and cultural activation to ensure long-term sustainability,” he said in a statement today (Apr 24).
Tiong added that MOTAC is also strengthening community-based tourism, including promoting village homestay experiences that showcase local lifestyles, cultural heritage and natural assets as immersive tourism products.
Through structured training, product development and marketing support, he said rural communities are being empowered to participate directly in the tourism sector while generating sustainable income.
Meanwhile, local residents have been equipped with skills such as ‘batik linut’ making, beadwork and weaving with support from Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), creating additional income streams and strengthening the local economic base.
The programme also featured communal work (gotong-royong) and village beautification activities involving residents, government agencies and the Seventh Border Regiment (Kem Kidurong), as well as mural paintings by the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN) to enhance the village’s cultural appeal.
Under the ‘Santuni MADANI’ programme, government teams also engaged directly with residents of Kampung Seberang Jaya to gather feedback and address local issues, with matters raised to be channelled to relevant agencies for follow-up action.
Tiong said the community-driven development model aligns with the broader objectives of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which is expected to boost tourist arrivals and stimulate local economic activity.
He added that amid global economic uncertainties, integrating community development with the tourism sector is crucial to drive domestic demand, enhance resilience and sustain national economic growth.
The programme involved multiple agencies, including the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak, Sarawak Land and Survey Department, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Public Works Department (PWD) Bintulu, Sarawak Energy Bhd, as well as local administrative offices such as the Tatau District Office and Resident’s Office.
