In a recent news report by Borneo Post, it was reported that five villages in the Manggatal and Inanam area had turned their unoccupied rooms into homestay accommodation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sixteen of the villagers attended a homestay course that was conducted by the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA), Sabah branch and City Hall (DBKK), at Kokol Haven Resort. The minister of the City Hall, Datuk Abidin Madingkir was also present to officiate one of the Homestays.

“I am very impressed by the sheer determination of these participants from the five villages. Instead of slowing down because of the pandemic, they showed efforts by transforming their houses and participating in this rural tourism initiative.

“I am very proud of them,” said Abidin.

He also said that there is an urgent need to revamp the telecommunications infrastructure in the five villages.

“I hope the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can come to this area and take action to provide the required and necessary telecommunication infrastructure.

“There is no signal here. Internet is very crucial for this homestay owners to promote and market their homestays,” he added.

Abidin encouraged the villagers to combine their efforts in creating more community-based tourism activities.