KUCHING: Kampung Annah Rais is gearing up to be transformed into a living cultural village by 2024, as part of a comprehensive plan to preserve its rich heritage and boost tourism in the area.
Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil revealed that the development plan is under the coordination of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
“We aim to turn Annah Rais into a vibrant cultural village with scheduled activities every weekend. We want tourist to experience the authentic Bidayuh culture.
“The plan envisions an organised experience, where visitors can expect cultural presentations, opportunities to don traditional Bidayuh attire, sample tuak (rice wine), take part in traditional dances, and try blowpipe shooting,” he said.
Dr Jerip made these remarks during a courtesy visit from New Sarawak Tribune on Friday (July 28).
The proposal also includes submitting an application for Annah Rais to be recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark, further stimulating tourism growth in the area.
Drawing inspiration from successful cultural villages in other countries, such as New Zealand and Australia, he said the government aimed to preserve Annah Rais and find sustainable ways to monetise its cultural heritage.
“The plan involves villagers engaging in part-time tourism activities alongside their regular jobs, contributing to the local economy and benefitting the villagers directly.”
Dr. Jerip, who is also Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport, stated that the development plan would seek collaboration with existing cultural villages, travel agents, and the Sarawak Council to create a masterplan for implementation by 2024.
He pointed out that currently, tourism management in the area is unstructured, with visitors arriving without a cohesive experience.
“The proposed plan will streamline tourism in Annah Rais, benefitting both the local villagers and visitors.”
Kampung Annah Rais, with its approximately 200 doors, is a popular tourist destination where visitors can witness traditional handicraft-making, participate in pepper crop harvesting, and experience the pepper production process.
The famous Annah Rais hot spring, located near the longhouse, also provides a relaxing soak for a fee ranging from RM5 to RM15 per person.
Also present during the visit were New Sarawak Tribune editor-in-chief Aden Nagrace and deputy chief reporter Sarah Hafizah Chandra.
