SERIAN: The recently opened Michinoeki Sabal Tamu, established by the Japan-Malaysia Association (JMA) in Kampung Sabal, is set to be a new attraction for residents and local tourists.
According to Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, ‘Michinoeki’ is a concept which refers to rest stops that sell products including food and souvenirs as well as other facilities that will give a unique experience to visitors.
With the full support of the Japanese government, he said that this tamu (local produce market) also provides a platform for the locals to sell their agricultural produce and handicrafts to increase their daily income.
“This is a positive effort in developing the local economy and promoting growth of the local community.
“This tamu is expected to become a popular destination and benefit all parties involved,” he said when speaking to inaugurate the Michinoeki Sabal Tamu in Kampung Sabal, here, recently.
In other developments, the Balai Ringin assemblyman congratulated JMA for their activities in Sarawak, especially on the commitment given to the planting of more than 850,000 trees in national parks and forest reserves here through the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme.
According to him, this collaboration between JMA, the Sarawak government, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the local community is a positive step in restoring and preserving tropical forest areas in Sarawak which will indirectly benefit the locals and future generations.
Earlier in his speech, JMA President, Takakazu Ogawa said that the association has also implemented the Life and Water Environment Improvement Project (First Phase) in villages of the Balai Ringin District with the support of the Japanese government through the Japanese Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Project Grant Assistance for three fiscal years from 2021.
“We have improved the gravity flow water supply system in the catchment area of four villages and installed high density polyethylene pipes in collaboration with local government agencies, experts, builders, and villagers.
“This project has significantly increased the usage of water in the village, eliminating the need to buy water even in the dry season as well as increasing hygiene level as people can shower and wash toilets, clothes and utensils whenever they want,” he explained.
Also present were Sri Aman Member of Parliament, Dato' Sri Doris Sophia Brodi, Head of Consular Office of Japan in Kota Kinabalu, Yoshito Yamashita, Deputy Director of Forest (Conservation and Development), Happysupina Sait, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
