Sabah Tourism to also focus on promoting forest reserves

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government will also be focusing on promoting forest reserves in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020, said state State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

“For the purpose of increasing tourism products at Gunung Alab, Sabah Parks has also developed several chalets and hostels to accommodate 54 people every day.

“Sabah Parks has also prepared a 12km-trail from the mountain to Mahua waterfall in Tambunan,” she said during the winding up session at the 15th state assembly sitting here.

Gunung Alab, with an elevation of 1,951 metre above sea, is the sixth highest mountain in Sabah. Last year, there were 1,671 visitors who came to Gunung Alab and 483 had trekked the trail.

She also added that the ministry had received RM4.5 million from federal and state government to develop Trus Madi Forest Reserve.

The allocation, which is under the 10th Malaysia Plan, is to build base camp, trail, rest house and water supply, among others.

Liew, who is also deputy Chief Minister, said the state government has also been promoting forest areas such as Maliau Basin, Danum Valley, Imbak Canyon and Gunung Tingkar forest reserves through print and online media by Sabah Tourism Board.

“For example, Imbak Canyon has been frequented by domestic and international tourists from the United Kingdom and Europe.

“Based on statistics, those visitors are students, researchers and those who want to see the beauty of nature, forests and wildlife.”

Source: New Straits Times