ON May 28, the peaceful world of the Bajau Laut people on Omadal island in Sabah was shattered by a heart-wrenching event.
A young boy named Tebek, who had no formal citizenship and was living with mental health issues, sadly lost his life.
While swimming with a group of tourists, Tebek suffered a seizure and drowned.
This terrible incident shines a light on the pressing need to manage tourist activities on the island better, ensuring that the dignity and peace of the Bajau Laut community are not affected.
Having experienced statelessness personally, we know all too well the importance of protecting basic rights and the sense of honour within communities like the Bajau Laut.
Even though we are not directly part of their community, their tragedy resonates with us and compels us to raise awareness and push for serious attention towards this issue.
Responsible tourism management
Places like Omadal island, home to generations of local communities, are not the right spots for heavy tourist activities.
Government bodies, on both local and state level, need to join hands to protect these places from tourism’s disruptive potential.
Through such proactive steps, we can preserve and restore calm and wellness within affected communities.
An immediate stop to tourist visits in these sensitive areas is thus necessary.
This important step will help protect these communities’ unique culture and dignity, showing our earnest commitment to those who have been upset by reckless tourism.
Alternative ways forward
We also need to focus on identifying and promoting responsible tourism in other parts of Sabah.
The “Land Below the Wind” is blessed with beautiful landscapes and a rich variety of ecosystems.
Places like the breathtaking Bohey Dulang and the majestic Kinabalu National Park offer tourists the chance to enjoy responsible and fulfilling experiences.
Those working in the tourism industry should promote these more suitable tourist destinations.
These alternatives to places like Omadal island will help relieve pressure from vulnerable communities, ensuring that the tourism industry can grow in a more thoughtful and sustainable way.
Exploitation
One significant problem that needs our attention is the lack of respect shown by some tourists and tour guides towards the Bajau Laut community.
Instances of tourists treating the children of this community poorly, luring them with food and money to take photographs, are not rare.
Such behaviour is not just wrong but also breaks national laws, as stated in the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
It’s not just individual tourists; some tourism companies have been known to exploit the Bajau Laut community.
They treat the community as a simple tourist attraction, ignoring their rights and dignity.
This exploitation is unacceptable and needs to stop right away.
It is about more than just improving how we manage tourist destinations.
It is also about educating tourists and tourism companies about the importance of respecting the rights and culture of local communities.
Path to citizenship
Another key issue is citizenship. The Bajau Laut community has been struggling for their basic rights for a long time.
Sad incidents like Tebek’s death should be a wake-up call for all of us about the need to address this issue urgently.
State and federal governments, along with the Home Ministry, play a crucial role in helping this community gain the necessary documentation and access to basic human needs.
Such steps are important to make sure their rights are recognized and respected, as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Act now
Tebek's death should not be forgotten. We all need to act now to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.
Authorities, international organisations, and all of us must come together to fight for the changes that are needed.
Let us work together to make sure the voices of the Bajau Laut people are heard, their dignity respected, and their future secured.
By standing together, we can make positive changes, ensuring the rights and freedom of this community and many others like them are respected and protected. – The Vibes, June 18, 2023
Wong Kueng Hui and Fayyadh Jaafar are executive committee members of Muda Segambut
