BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
SHAH ALAM, AUG 6: Selangor is the host for the International Indigenous Peoples’ Festival, with participation from ethnic communities across the world.
The programme focuses on a variety of performances, with cultural and art exhibitions featuring the Orang Asal community.
Participation includes indigenous communities from countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam as well as Malaysia.
In conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the festival is themed ‘Back To The Roots’.
Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Exco Elizabeth Wong said such programmes will boost opportunities for tourism in Selangor.
“Showcasing arts and culture, it will not only attract tourists but will improve the economic status of orang Asal communities.
“It provides the best opportunity for them to become more competitive,” she said in a media statement.
Meanwhile, Tourism Selangor Manager Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din said that the programme provides exposure to the lifestyle of indigenous peoples across the world.
“The public is still not very exposed to the lifestyles of this community. Therefore, their welfare continues to be a concern,” she said.