Answer for Oral Question PL261

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG MOHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH @ LIM SWEE ANN asks the MINISTER OF PRIMARY RESOURCES AND TOURISM to state whether the Ministry allows village residents to sell food or beverages as well as handicrafts in the area using temporary camps in order to further increase the economy of the village residents, given the increase in tourist arrivals especially in the Luagan Lalak area, Mukim Labi, Belait District?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan

The Ministry strongly encourages efforts to diversify the local economy as one of the important steps in strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of our community. The Ministry indeed welcomes all initiatives from individuals, communities and the private sector to explore innovative and sustainable economic opportunities, including through the selling of food, beverages and local handicrafts, particularly in areas that receive tourist visits.

As an initial step, interested village residents may submit an official application to the Forestry Department through the Ketua Kampong for consideration to ensure that all activities are carried out properly and in accordance with regulations.

Any application submitted will be considered and granted on a temporary basis, taking into account the following matters:

1. The suitability of the location in terms of safety and traffic flow, given the limited space in the Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park area;

2. The use of camps or temporary sales stalls shall be provided by the applicant and is subject to suitability in terms of size; and

3. Compliance with environmental regulations, including cleanliness management, waste disposal and maintaining the cleanliness of public facilities such as toilets.

This measure also aims to preserve environmental sustainability and ensure the safety of all parties, while at the same time developing the local economy responsibly.