Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort aims to redefine hospitality through sustainability, waste reduction efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — In the heart of Sabah's Tuaran District, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is redefining hospitality through sustainability, inspired by its surroundings of rich biodiversity and vibrant community culture.
Located just 34 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, this resort has embraced an approach that harmonises luxury with environmental stewardship and cultural respect, setting a new standard in the hospitality industry.
Its general manager Fiona Hagan said the resort's path to purpose-driven hospitality stems from its commitment to sustainability.
Thanks to this long-term commitment, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu took a pioneering step by becoming the first hotel in Malaysia, and the Shangri-La group, to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management earlier this year.
'Pursuing sustainability certifications such as ISO 20121 was not simply about recognition but about anchoring Shangri-La Rasa Ria's values within a globally respected framework,' she said.
Environmental stewardship at Rasa Ria goes beyond mere management.
The resort has quietly implemented significant waste reduction systems, highlighted by an impressive 63.21 per cent diversion rate from landfills in 2024.
The hotel has been running the Glass Bottle Recycling Programme to promote sustainable practices among the community. — Picture courtesy of Shangri-La Group
Initiatives such as the 'Glass Bottle Recycling Programme', which converts used glass into reusable glass sand, exemplify this eco-friendly approach, fostering a shared commitment with the local community to sustainable practices.
Rasa Ria also extends its conservation efforts to protecting indigenous wildlife, particularly the elusive pangolin.
By partnering with local environmental groups, the resort actively engages in biodiversity monitoring, habitat conservation, and awareness programs.
'These conservation efforts reflect our deeper mission to not only tread lightly on the land but also to protect the rare and remarkable life it sustains,' said Hagan.
Community empowerment is a cornerstone of Rasa Ria's mission.
The resort has forged strong ties with local Sabahan artisans and vendors, promoting traditional crafts and generating income through events that celebrate Sabah's cultural richness.
In 2024 alone, RM243,360 was invested into ESG-related activities, with a substantial portion benefiting the 'Embrace' programme.
This initiative supports over 60 school children through educational outreach and community activities, such as food safety workshops and World Pangolin Day.
Women-led projects, including the Sarimpak Robe initiative with Changgih Designs, and collaborative sewing projects in Tuaran and Tamparuli, have not only provided sustainable income but also preserved heritage crafts.
'Our journey in sustainability has always been deeply rooted in the people of Rasa Ria and the community of Pantai Dalit and Tuaran.
'Their knowledge, traditions, and unwavering support have inspired us to go beyond hospitality,' said Hagan.
Inclusivity is another pillar of the resort's approach; employing individuals with disabilities like Samri Butak, a carpenter who represented Sabah in the Malaysia Paralympic Games.
The resort's community engagement saw 169 beneficiaries, including school children and families, participating in initiatives designed to empower and uplift.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria's operational ethos also prioritises responsible sourcing and reducing carbon footprints by utilising locally grown produce for its culinary offerings.
In a bid to engage guests and locals in its sustainability journey, Rasa Ria is hosting the 14-day EcoRia Challenge from June 16 to 30.
This initiative encourages participants to adopt simple, conscious actions to effect meaningful change. Prizes, including luxurious stays at the resort, await those who join in.
Participants in the EcoRia Challenge stand a chance to win attractive prizes, including:
1st Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Sea View
2nd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Garden View
3rd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in a Garden Wing Deluxe with a Sea View
The resort invites everyone to partake in this path of transformation for a harmonious future, highlighting how simple, conscious actions can create ripples of meaningful change.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
40 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Loke: CAAM to go independent, merge with Mavcom on August 1, saving RM1.5b in public funds
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will become an independent statutory body with separated and exempted remuneration starting August 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced today. He said the move is expected to save the government between RM1.5 billion and RM2 billion over the next decade. 'The government approved this move on June 11. This means that the statutory body will no longer require financial injections from the government through annual allocations, and at the same time, it will also not be bound by the government's remuneration system. 'It is both exempted and separated from the Government. So, in other words, it will become a body that is financially and administratively independent,' he said at a press conference at his ministry's headquarters. Loke also announced that August 1 has been set as the date for CAAM's merger with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom). MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
42 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Loke: CAAM to split from government on August 1, saving RM1.5b in public funds
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will become an independent statutory body with separated and exempted remuneration starting August 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced today. He said the move is expected to save the government between RM1.5 billion and RM2 billion over the next decade. 'The government approved this move on June 11. This means that the statutory body will no longer require financial injections from the government through annual allocations, and at the same time, it will also not be bound by the government's remuneration system. 'It is both exempted and separated from the Government. So, in other words, it will become a body that is financially and administratively independent,' he said at a press conference at his ministry's headquarters. Loke also announced that August 1 has been set as the date for CAAM's merger with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom). MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
42 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Ara Damansara Restoran Do Re Mi 123's Ipoh curry ‘mee' stall to relocate to Bandar Kinrara Restoran BK 33 Kopitiam
PETALING JAYA, June 23 — This Ipoh curry mee stall located in Restoran Do Re Mi 123 will be serving its last bowls of curry mee there today. Stall owner Yap Kian Fung confirmed that he will be opening at Restoran BK 33 Kopitiam on June 26. Yap has garnered a solid fan base for his rich curry mee offerings served with poached chicken and roast pork over the last18 years. His devoted diners made a beeline to this Ara Damansara coffee shop. Today is the last day to relish this bowl of rich curry 'mee' with roast pork and poached chicken at Ara Damansara Restoran Do Re Mi 123 before the stall relocate to Bandar Kinrara on June 26. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi A year ago, Yap told Malay Mail he felt business had dwindled, most probably due to the rise of new coffee shops around the area. Moreover with the heat, many diners avoid the coffeeshop during lunch time as the main dining area is not air conditioned and protected by canopies to ward off the glaring sunlight. 2. One can also opt for dry curry 'mee' with roast pork and smooth poached chicken served with a bowl of soup on the side. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi Yap, who lives in Puchong, decided to relocate his stall to Bandar Kinrara, an area with higher foot traffic. Getting into Restoran BK 33 Kopitiam was not easy as many others were also bidding for the spot but luckily he succeeded. Stall owner Yap Kian Fung has been selling curry mee for about 18 years. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi This morning, his assistant was going around their current space to inform their regular customers about the move which has been kept under wraps until now. Yap is hopeful business will improve there, especially since the coffee shop is air conditioned, making it easier for office workers to grab lunch in a cooler space. Currently a small bowl of curry mee with poached chicken is RM9, while the larger size is RM10. For the roast pork curry mee, it's RM10 for a small bowl and RM11 for a big bowl. Their new place of business starts from June 26 at Restoran BK 33 Kopitiam, Bandar Kinrara. — File picture by Lee Khang Yi At the Bandar Kinrara place, prices for his curry mee will increase by RM1 but he will add an extra ingredient namely fuchuk to the bowl which is served with bean sprouts, beancurd puffs and a choice of meat like poached chicken or roast pork. Ipoh Curry Chicken Stall, Restoran BK 33 Kopitiam, 1, Jalan BK 5A/2D, Bandar Kinrara, Puchong (Business starts from June 26) • This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal. • Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.
