Improving the socio-economic livelihood of indigenous communities via eco-tourism development in Malaysia
2005
Lim, H.F. | Woon, W.C. | Mohd Parid Mamat
The indigenous people, comprising 14% of Malaysia`s population, are among the poor groups in the country. Even though they are living within or near to the natural forests, their involvement in ecotourism has been marginal. A minority of the natives in Sabah and Sarawak and the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia is engaged in the tourism industry, working mainly as general workers, golf course caddies and tourist guides. The indigenous people could play a more active role in eco-tourism development and hence uplift their living standards. In view of the low level education, lack of specific skills and capital, their more active involvement in ecotourism development could only take place with assistance from the government, the non-government organisations (NGOs) and private sector. The government could consider putting up basic facilities and providing proper training to the indigenous communities. Natives/Orang Asli Information Centre as well as homestay/housestay programmes could be established in strategic places and villages. The NGOs could assist in training the villagers and developing tourist attractions at the local level. The private sector could arrange tour groups to visit selected destinations of interest. Besides external asistance, the indigenous communities have to learn new languages, acquire additional knowledge on flora and fauna, organise activities and enhance their communication skills besides having a sense of time management and commitment. More active involvement of the indigenous communities is expected to uplift their living standards with more employment opportunities, better income, and improved infrastructure and welfare improvement.
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