Sabah mulls limiting the number of tourists into state’s islands

Malaysia Book of Record managing director Datuk Danny Oi (left) presenting a certificate to Marine Parks director Paul Basintal (right) and witnessed by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. A new Malaysian record has been set with the planting of 3,040 coral seedlings at the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park by staff of the Malaysia Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Sabah Parks and dive masters.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is looking at limiting the number of tourists into islands in the state to prevent the destruction of their ecosystems.

 

However, state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said they are not rushing into making any decision as the commercial aspects must be considered.

 

Masidi said a special committee under the chairmanship of the state permanent secretary was set up around November last year to discuss the matter. The committee involved various tourism agencies and departments.

 

“We are getting more and more visitors to Sabah, especially to our islands, and this would sooner or later take a toll on our environment,” he said, after launching a coral seedling planting programme by the Malaysia Inland Revenue Board, together with Sabah Parks at the Manukan Island, here, on Saturday.

 

“The number of visitors to the Manukan Island itself last year was about 400,000, and this shows how much tourists love coming to Sabah and our islands,” he added.

 

“We are still discussing this and are in no rush to make any decision as yet,” he reiterated.