Sabah looking at sole operator to manage Wetlands tourism

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is looking into having a sole operator managing tourism products at the state’s wetlands.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming said an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 tourists daily are visiting Klias and Weston wetlands known for their proboscis monkeys and fireflies.

“The number of tourists could double to 4,000 people daily in the future.

“If we have a single entity doing the operation, we are in better position to better manage the place,” he said, adding the population of wildlife might be affected if there was no proper tourism planning in the two areas.

He was speaking after the launch of the inaugural Sabah Elephant Film Festival 2017 here this morning.

Pang said the state government would discuss with non-governmental organisations in formulating policy and guidelines to ensure there is balance between tourism and preserving the environment.

He anticipates a lot of objections in having only a sole operator to manage Klias and Weston wetlands.

Also present were World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia (WWF) executive director Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma, Sabah Wildlife director Augustine Tuuga and Danau Girang Field Centre director Dr Benoit Goosens.

Dionysius said the festival, which showcased seven films at National Department for Culture and Arts complex here, meant to educate about elephants and its importance to keep the forests healthy.

Based on a study done by WWF in late 2000s, it is estimated that there may be less than 1,500 Borneon elephants left in Sabah.

Source: New Straits Times