BEAUFORT: The Persatuan Bisaya Bersatu Sabah (PBBS) headquarters is set to be developed into a cultural tourism centre showcasing Bisaya heritage, traditional cuisine and cultural practices.
PBBS President Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also Lumadan Assemblyman, said the initiative is part of the new leadership’s efforts to empower the economic standing of the Bisaya ethnic community.
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As a starting point, two traditional Bisaya houses have been constructed on the premises and will operate as homestays to attract both local and international tourists.
“The homestay concept based on traditional houses, which is already operational, will be among the main attractions in this effort, ultimately establishing the PBBS building as a Bisaya cultural tourism centre,” Ruslan said after presenting appointment letters to the new PBBS leadership for the 2025/2028 term, here, recently.
“We are confident this initiative will attract tourists who want to experience Bisaya community life firsthand, while also appealing to local visitors,” he added.
Ruslan, who is also Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, said the PBBS possesses many unique heritage elements to share with the public, including food, cultural arts and traditional herbal medicine products.
He said the PBBS will work closely with the State government and relevant agencies to realise the project.
“With cooperation from all parties, I am confident this initiative can be realised to strengthen Bisaya culture and identity, ensuring it remains competitive and beneficial to the local community,” Ruslan said.
On the new PBBS leadership lineup, Ruslan noted that most are fresh faces determined to continue the organisation’s legacy and founding objectives.
He said this is the first time in the Association’s history that a representative from Kuala Penyu has been appointed as PBBS Deputy President II, reflecting the organisation’s progressive direction.
