Tamu can boost rural tourism in Sabah

26 June 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

TUARAN: The weekly or monthly tamu (open market) held in rural villages in Sabah can be a captivating tourism product that showcases the traditional food, beverages, music and dance of the local communities, said State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

He said tourists can immerse themselves in the region's traditions and flavours by visiting these markets, which also offer economic opportunities and cultural preservation for the rural residents.

"By embracing tamu markets as tourism attractions, communities can tap into their economic potential while preserving their unique way of life," he said at the launch of Tamu Dayang (monthly open market) at Kampung Hamad in Tuaran on Sunday.

He urged kampungs involved in community-based tourism to adopt the tamu market concept, as he believed it would entice more tourists to explore the countryside and support the rural economy.

"These markets not only serve as an additional source of income for the locals, who can sell fresh produce like vegetables, fruits, and poultry but also strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural communities," he said.

He added that tamu markets also serve as a venue where traditions come alive and intergenerational knowledge is transferred, ensuring the preservation and celebration of traditional practices and culinary heritage for future generations.