Impacts Of Sabah’s Tourism on The Stateless Pala’u in Semporna, Sabah

Nor Atikah Hadzlan and Asri Salleh and Asmady Idris (2024) Impacts Of Sabah’s Tourism on The Stateless Pala’u in Semporna, Sabah. MANU: Jurnal Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa (PPIB), 35 (1). pp. 1-18. ISSN 1511-1989

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Abstract

Semporna, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is renowned for its eco-tourism attractions. It is also the dwelling place of a significant population of stateless sea gypsies, locally referred to as the Pala’u. The Pala’u are a nomadic seafaring community that has resided for generations on their traditional houseboats, known as Lepa, while navigating the southeastern coastline of Borneo. Despite prevailing legal restrictions against the involvement of the stateless Pala’u in tourism activities, their mere presence in Semporna has captivated numerous tourists, attracting them to visit Semporna. This engagement has opened up employment opportunities and income sources for the Pala’u. As tourism continues to grow in Semporna, Sabah, the participation of the Pala’u in Sabah’s tourism has exerted significant influences on the well-being of this minority indigenous group. This study adopted a qualitative approach and, drawing on data gathered from key informant interviews and secondary sources, explored the participation of the Pala’u in Sabah’s tourism. The research posits that Malaysia should formulate a specific policy to regulate the involvement of the Pala’u in tourism, as they persist as an unofficial tourist attraction in Semporna despite the prevailing prohibition. Given their historical and cultural significance, the Pala’u warrant distinctive consideration within the legal framework to govern their participation in tourism so as to grant them essential access, means of sustenance, and protection from exploitation and criminal activities.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Sabah’s tourism, Stateless, Sea gypsy, Pala’u, Semporna, Tourism impacts
Subjects:	D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS520-560.72 Southeast Asia > DS591-599 Malaysia. Malay Peninsula. Straits Settlements > DS597.22-599 Local history and description > DS597.33-597.34 Sabah. British North Borneo G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General). Atlases. Maps > G1-922 Geography (General) > G149-180 Travel. Voyages and travels (General) > G154.9-155.8 Travel and state. Tourism
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	26 Jul 2024 10:52
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2024 10:52
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/39318

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