- nabalunews
Corporative empower KOPSODIK
By AVV
7 August 2024
PENAMPANG : Sosodikon Hill, a captivating destination nestled in the tranquil rural town of Kundasang, beckons visitors with its allure. Rising majestically to an altitude of 1,465 meters (4,806 feet), this scenic spot presents awe-inspiring panoramas of the picturesque surroundings, showcasing the grandeur of Mount Kinabalu on days of crystal-clear skies.
A visit to Sosodikon Hill promises an unforgettable experience, where nature's beauty unfolds in all its splendor.
This hill is promoted by Koperasi Sosodikon Ranau Berhad (KOPSODIK) where their 84 strong members bank on its natural beauty to enhance their offerings to tourists while promoting their own products such as ornamental plants and flower fields as well as fresh vegetables.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy camping, savour Sosodikon Coffee at the cafe, explore community-based tourism through tour packages, and support local products as part of a social enterprise offering souvenirs from local members.
KOPSODIK chairman Mohd Al Hafiz Sovester shared, “Founded on December 15, 2022, the cooperative comprise of 84 members, four of whom are committed to promoting tourism, particularly by highlighting the breathtaking Sosodikon View. In addition to these members, a team of part-time workers also contributes to enriching the local tourism sector.”
“On the handicraft side, talented artisans from the Sosodikon Weaving and Handicraft Association play a c role in showcasing their exquisite crafts and skills, further enhancing the cooperative's mission to celebrate and promote local culture and artistry,” he said, adding that this attraction is augmented by the camping site, the cafe called Kopi Sosodikon and various community-based tourism packages.
On the agro-product and tourism he said four people are involved in this venture.
On the flip side, Sosodikon requires well-maintained roads to enhance tourist accessibility. While the road is currently in place, the existing cracks can create an uncomfortable experience for tourists during their travels, Hafiz shared.
According to him, it is always advantageous to stay overnight or longer to fully enjoy the ambiance of the area. Those wishing to extend their visit, homestay accommodations are available through cooperative members. Guests can choose from a selection of five cozy rooms and two charming houses, including a delightful one-storey home.
Each room is designed for comfort, and the homes are nestled in a refreshing environment that offers a cool and invigorating atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
On the story behind the name Sosodikon, Hafiz shared Sosodikon has its roots in the Dusun language native to the Kundasang region. It is derived from the term "Sodik," which describes a traditional type of trap used to catch small animals, reflecting the deep connection between the local culture and its natural surroundings.
“Historically, our elders would often venture into this area to set up sodik traps, utilising their knowledge of the land and its wildlife. This practice not only provided sustenance for us in the olden days. Thus, the word Sosodikon translates to "a place for setting traps," an activity for the community, setting the importance of the land in sustaining their way of life. This name serves as a reminder of the region's history and the enduring relationship between its people and the natural environment.”
Sosodikon has been visited by many notables, one being Datuk Rubiah Wang the deputy minister of Rural and Regional Development. Sosodikon has been recognized under the Sustainable Village Programme from this ministry.
On being a cooperative, he said there are many benefits of being a cooperative member. Being a member of a cooperative not only empowers individuals through collective participation but also provides economic advantages, strengthens community bonds, and fosters resilience and sustainability.
He said it also allows a more systematic, planned, and organised community economic and business management system, besides acquiring consultation, assistance, and monitoring from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission and various other agencies.
“We hope that the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick come and visit us one day,” he stated.
Their hope for the future is straight, simple but awesome as they want to be known as highlighting the strength of culture as a key attraction in tourism and that it can significantly enhance the overall tourism experience in the State.
By showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and practices unique to the region, it not only adds value to the visitor's journey but also promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local community.
“This cultural emphasis can help differentiate the State from other destinations, making it more appealing to international tourists and positioning it as a must-visit location. As the State looks forward to welcoming Visit Malaysia 2025, our hope is that this focus on cultural strengths will lead to greater recognition in the international tourism market, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy,” he said.
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