The Gongmakers of Sumangkap were once frequented by tourists by the busloads. The village Kampung Sumangkap sited a couple of kilometres from Matunggong township was a must visit during the pre-pandemic years. The village famous for its gong-making all over the State was on tourists maps, and tourism operators made sure their guests get a good visit there. These tourists helped the industry grow and thrive, enabling the industry participants to garner good income.
There was never a dull moment then as even locals frequented that place to purchase gongs and sets of kulintangans as these items are very much a part of their life. All ethnic groups in the State use gongs as their traditional musical instruments in one way or the other. Gongs are also used as dowries among others.
When the Covid19 Pandemic occurred last year, the gong making factories of Sumangkap grew silent, due to the tour and travel’s screeching halt and subsequently the Movement Restrictions Order (MCO), the government’s effort to curb the infection and flatten the curve.
Although the government’s effort was commendable, it effected various enterprises and businesses across the country and the tourism industry especially those in the rural areas were greatly impacted.
The Sumangkap Gong industry was one such enterprise that went quiet, where some of the participants embarked on some other enterprise, while others waited for the MCO to be lifted and then start again.
Spokesperson for Bahal Craf Enterprise, one of the gong making outlet there, Alexson Bahal said it felt like they really had to start all over again as the absence of tourists and even local buyers from other districts had been stymied by the inter-district-travel ban. This significantly impacted on their livelihood.
According to him they would have to carry out a lot of publicity and extensive promotions in the near future to ensure that they could regain their foothold on the tourism industry.
“We hope that the relevant authorities would accord us assistance on this matter,” he stressed.
More information can be acquired from Bahal Craf Enterprise owner Dimmy Amelia Bahal, at 011 18522759 or 014 6523665. -BNN
