“Some still believe our native people live in the jungle,” he was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post.

Tiong, the Bintulu MP, said he had urged ministry officers to “go all out” in showcasing Sarawak’s cultural heritage to tourists and Malaysians alike.

He also highlighted the potential of community-based tourism, saying longhouse residents were open to developing homestay programmes.

He said such programmes would allow tourists firsthand experience of the indigenous way of life.

“We’ll be exploring this idea further to see how best we can move it forward in a way that respects tradition while embracing modern tourism, developing both culture and economy together side by side,” he said.

Tiong also emphasised the importance of preserving Sarawak’s traditional longhouses.

He said longhouses like Rumah Raymond Plen were rare examples of how traditional longhouse architecture had been preserved in its full cultural richness.

“It’s absolutely beautiful and full of character. Traditional longhouses like this are becoming increasingly rare in Bintulu, so finding one so well-preserved is truly something special.”