KUCHING: Peace and security are vital to the healthy growth of the state’s tourism industry.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the industry would not be able to grow further if the state is not safe and peaceful.

“As the tourism industry continues to grow, it can open up other opportunities for other economic development such as handicrafts and the food industry, which could generate income for the local community,” he said when attending the ‘Damai Ethnic Food Fiesta’ at Damai Beach Resort yesterday.

Talib, who is also Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman, said holding similar events could help to promote local cuisine. Over 1,000 visitors from Sarawak and elsewhere tried out the various local dishes available. The event was held with the cooperation of villagers from Kampung Santubong, Kampung Buntal and Kampung Sungai Lumut.

A total of 40 stalls and restaurants also took part including Hardy Dahlia, Kafe Aroma, Kafe Pak Amit, Barong Tinuk, Kafe Rom and Mohammad Kuchei.

The event also featured cultural dances such as ‘Silat Seni Tari’ by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) students.

Organising chairman and resort manager Zulkifli Othman said the event aimed to help local and foreign visitors discover more about the delicious food available in the state.

“Besides introducing our food, this event is also to promote our local products as one of the attractions in the state,” he said.

Organisers also invited children from the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) and Kuching Children’s Home as special guests.

(Source : Borneo Post online , 12 May 2013)