All articles of environment in Sabah

30Oct

Mt Kinabalu to remain top attraction – Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will continue to feature Mount Kinabalu as the main attraction in promoting Sabah’s eco-tourism destinations, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. The success in reviving the soon-to-be reopened Mt Kinabalu to its formal glory however depends on the support of all stakeholders, which among others include travel agents, hotels and tour operators. Tthe whole eco-tourism industry could not be developed successfully without the involvement of a wide range of organizations, including non-governmental organizations, Masidi said when officiating the launching of Mountaineering and Ecotourism at Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu here yesterday. He also stressed that the industry would not be successful without effective management strategies and policies, for without them it would be unlikely to develop a positive relationship between the people, resources and tourism activities being developed. “Eco-tourism is neither a simple concept to define nor a sraight forward phenomenon to implement and evaluate. It should be regarded as being more than tourism to the natural areas but viewed as a means of combining the goals of resources conservation and local development through tourism in a synergistic fashion. “This means care should be taken to ensure that the goals of tourism development do not interfere with the goals of protecting natural areas and biodiversity. All stakeholders should safeguard the natural environment with a view to achieving sound, continuous and sustainable economic growth geared toward satisfying equitably the needs and aspirations of present and future generations,” he said. Masidi’s text of his speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Yuk Ming who officiated at the launching on his behalf. Mount Kinabalu, which attracts legions of tourists from across the globe every year, has been closed to visitors after a deadly earthquake claimed the lives of 18 climbers and mountain guides nearly five months ago. The 6.0 magnitude tremor that hit the mountain on June 5 also left trekking trails impassable and damaged some of the lodging facilities in Laban Rata, the final stop for climbers before ascending to the summit. After a thorough safety assessment and months long repairing works, Sabah Parks which manages the World Heritage Site, is confident enough and plans to fully reopen the mountain to tourists starting December. Global Expedition Club under the leadership of Ravi Everest, Malaysia’s renowned solo Everest climber, was planning to organize a “Kinabalu New Trail Search”, a series of exploration climbs to help identify and build new and safer trekking routes to the peak of Mt Kinabalu. Also present at the at the forum, during which Ravi delivered a mountaineering talk entitled “Challenge the Summit”, was Deputy President of Malaysia Tourism Council (MTC) Taib Wahab. Meanwhile, Pang said his ministry and Sabah Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) were prepared to work together with the MTC in promoting Mount Kinabalu and other tourism products in Sabah. He also commended the council for taking the initiative to organize the forum, saying the event augured well with the State Government’s effort to further boost tourism development in Sabah. Source: Borneo Post
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30Oct

Masidi: Anti-litter river protection awareness campaigns targeting schools

KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry is planning to mount a joint river protection and anti-litter awareness campaign targeting schools along four major rivers flowing through the state capital – some suffering due to heavy pollution. Spearheading an initiative for enhancing education on the importance of protecting rivers, its Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun highlighted the ministry is prepared to provide special allocation to implement river awareness campaigns for schools near the city’s main rivers including Darau, Inanam, Menggatal and Likas. “Regrettably, rivers are facing growing pressures due to rampant pollution and exploitation which underlined the need to promote greater awareness, especially for the younger generation and communities living along river systems, “he said, after launching the state-level Malaysian Environmental Week (MASM) yesterday at the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre (KKCW). “Unless we change our attitude, the problem of river pollution is bound to continue and the best way to start is by educating the younger generation and we will be working with schools which will play a vital role in educating the public and themselves on river conservation, “he said. Speaking at a press conference, Masidi noted the ministry will also consider extending assistance and allocation to other schools outside the campaign’s target zone, which demonstrated their commitment in environmental and river conservation activities. Earlier during his speech, he lamented the deteriorating condition of rivers were caused mainly by the irresponsible attitudes of mainly riverine communities who throw their rubbish indiscriminately into rivers which find their way to sea. “Much of the garbage are eventually pushed back by waves and end up scattered all along the beachfront along Likas Bay during high tide, contributing to the unsightly, dirty and sorry condition of our beaches, ‘said Masidi, underlining the importance for greater cooperation at all levels across government, community and schools to tackle the root cause of the problem “Healthy rivers are crucial lifelines which support a rich variety of life, communities and economy, therefore it’s vitally important that we work together towards developing a beneficial anti-littering habit for future generations to enjoy a better standard of life, “he told over 150 students, teachers and volunteers who attended the programme yesterday. Meanwhile, President of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society(SWCS), Datuk Hj Zainie Abdul Aucasa noted the much-awaited Ramsar accreditation for KKCW is entering the final phase involving uploading data into the system. “ A Ramsar officer from Switzerland will be visiting the centre to carry out a training programme and brief staff as well as related governmental agencies on uploading data into the system, “he said, and expressed hope the training programme will be completed by this November. Jointly organised by the SWCS in collaboration with the Department of Environment Sabah and Sabah Environment Protection Department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA-SDBEC), the programme aims to increase environmental awareness and cooperation among members of the public. During the event, Masidi accompanied by Chief Advisor of JICA-SDBEC Mr Kazunobu Suzuki and Director of Environmental Protection Department, Datuk Yabi Yangkat and Director of Sabah Environment Department, Datin Hajah Hanili Ghazali joined a tour around the KKCW wetland reserve together with secondary school students. Describing the KKCW as a significant step in the right direction, Masidi lauded the SWCS for its relentless efforts in its initiative towards conservation of wetlands in Sabah, especially mangrove forests situated right in the heart of the state capital. ”Apart from Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu is one of the only cities in Asia with a wetland reserve in the middle of the city and this is undoubtedly unique as it reflects our attitude and commitment to designate a part of the city for the environment, “he said. Furthermore, Masidi noted the KKCW which consists of 60 hectares of flourishing mangrove forest is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including 90 species of resident and migratory birds which is an impressive achievement. “This is clearly an remarkable achievement and hopefully this centre can continue being an lasting inspiration for conservation of mangrove ecosystems and protection of the environment,” he said. Source: New Sabah Times
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30Oct

New route to Mt Kinabalu summit ready

KOTA KINABALU: One of the two new trekking routes to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu from Laban Rata is now ready for use, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun announced yesterday. He said alternative routes which would replace the old single trail leading to the peak, where several climbers and mountain guides were killed during an earthquake in June, would enable Sabah Parks to fully reopen the mountain to climbers by Dec 1 as planned. “To meet our plan to reopen the mountain by December, we will use one of the two trails first, which is the Ranau Trail. I am very happy with the works that have been done on the trails, which were carried out professionally with the assistance from the American, Canadian and Japanese consultants. “The construction of the trails was carried out by the mountain guides, porters and local villagers themselves. They are the most suitable candidates for the job as they are the ones who know best the needs and challenges faced by the climbers,” he told reporters after launching Google Maps Street View imagery of Sabah’s local attractions. Masidi informed that the other trail, named “Kota Belud”, was still being constructed and would open to climbers once fully completed. However, he said there was no confirmed completion date yet for the trail, which would offer climbers a more scenic view from the face of the mountain facing the Kota Belud district. “I can describe both trails as ‘beautifully challenging’ and visitors who appreciate nature and its beauty will find the experience of trekking these trails very enjoyable. “We avoid the old trail, which was badly damaged during the earthquake. So, now climbers will ascend to the peak from the two new trails, one is located east of the old trails and the other is to the west. Booth trails will meet at Sayat Sayat,” he said. Asked if the new trails were more challenging, he said no special climbing skills were needed for the new routes as they were not that much different from the previous trail in terms of difficulties. He added that anyone with reasonably good health and fitness could still climb all the way to the peak of Mount Kinabalu just like before. He also informed that despite two news routes were now available from Laban Rata, compared to only one previously, Sabah Parks had decided to maintain the number of visitors allowed to ascend to the summit daily at 192. On the trail from Mesilau to Laban Rata, which was damaged much more severely by the earthquake as compared to the Timpohon trail, he said the route would remain closed for now and that no decision had been made yet as to whether it would be repaired and reopened. The mountain was closed to all climbers after a 6.0 magnitude tremor disconnected climbing trails and killed 18 people on June 5. The World Site Heritage was partially reopened on Sept 1, with climbers allowed to climb up to Laban Rata via Timpohan. However, discouraged by the fact that the summit was still off limit, less than 100 visitors climbed the mountain that month. Meanwhile, the Google Maps Street View collection launched earlier among others, features images from Mount Kinabalu, apart from other spectacular pictures from Sabah’s other renowned places of interest that were captured via the Street View Trekker, Google’s wearable backpack-mounted camera system. Street View Operation Lead for Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, Nhazlisham Hamdan said the availability of the Street View for Sabah’s beautiful nature for the first time made Google Maps more useful, comprehensive and enjoyable. He said Google Maps were also keen to expand the locations covered by Street View and were particularly excited about bringing more of Malaysia into their service. “We want to showcase the beauty of our own country and attract more visitors to visit and enjoy Malaysia,” he said, adding that Street View now covered 80 per cent of East Malaysia and 90 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia. In areas where Street View is available, street-level imagery can be accessed by dragging the orange “Pegman” icon on the right-hand side of the map onto a blue highlighted street. Individuals can also search for local destinations in Google Maps and where available, access Street View imagery from the imagery carousal that sits at the bottom of the screen. Source: Borneo Post
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20Oct

Attracting visitors to Kiulu’s eco-tourism find

KIULU: The Kiulu Adventure Challenge 2015 set for Dec 13 could become a model of rural tourism development for other areas in Sabah, said Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said eco, agro and adventure-tourism in Kiulu could be popularised through an upcoming event organised for the first time to promote the sub-district of Tamparuli, as a tourism destination and to boost river protection awareness among local residents. “Through this event, we hope to highlight Kiulu as a preferred nature and adventure destination. “We hope to hold a similar programme in other rural areas in the future if our first adventure challenge proves to be successful,” he said in an interview in Kampung Rangalau, here. Joniston, who is also Kiulu assemblyman, said rural tourism activities had huge potential to empower the local communities economically. “This event helps promote activities such as cross-country trekking and cycling, homestay and tourism-related community programmes in Kiulu that could help enhance the livelihood of residents,” he said. Joniston said STB had formed a rural tourism development committee to look into ways of exploiting and developing tourism to improve the economic position of communities with the support of industry players and the local organisations. Joniston, who is the event organising chairman, said the Kiulu Adventure Challenge was organised by STB, Kiulu Tourism Association and Kiulu Village Development and Security Committee, and supported by the Tourism and Culture Ministry in conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFest) 2015. He said the challenge involved a 13.5km run from Chenteek Borneo Gallery in Tamparuli to the Riverbug Rafting Centre followed by a 24km bike ride to Kampung Tulung and a stop at the Tagal fishing centre in Kampung Poturidong before concluding with a 14km raft ride from Kampung Pukak back to the Riverbug centre. Some 600 domestic and foreign participants are expected in the event. – Bernama Source: The Star Online
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