Bangkuai hitting the gong symbolising the launch of the Kampung Kitapol Kaamatan Celebration in Kiulu.
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Joniston Bangkuai is not stopping at efforts of making his Kiulu sub-district a hub for community-based eco-tourism, as he wants the semi-rural constituency to become a tourism hub for sport fishing enthusiasts as well.
The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said that he hopes that Kiulu could become a pilot for such initiatives in the state.
"I envision Kiulu transforming into a hub for promoting sport fishing," said Bangkuai after launching the Kampung Kitapol Kaamatan Celebration in Kiulu on Friday (June 30).
"Once we validate its feasibility and success, we can expand this initiative to other districts as well," added the Kiulu assemblyman.
Also present were Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau who is also the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) chairman.
Recognising sport fishing as a unique niche activity, Bangkuai believed that it has the potential to become an exclusive tourism package, much like bird watching.
He said Kiulu is an ideal location for promoting sport fishing with its renowned reputation as a destination for rural community-based tourism and its river, where the traditional "tagal" system was practised.
Towards this end, Bangkuai emphasised the importance of fostering discussions among tagal caretakers to effectively promote sport fishing in the area.
Under the native system, the local community would manage their respective rivers and harvest the fishery resources in a sustainable manner.
He urged them to collaborate in preparing the necessary paperwork and devising effective strategies that align with the principles of the tagal practice, with a particular focus on the catch and release concept.
This approach ensures the preservation of the river's fish population, which was meant for community consumption during specific periods, he said.
"Sport fishing is a unique activity that has the potential to become a captivating tourism attraction," he said.
"There is a growing demand for this recreational activity, especially among those who enjoy fishing as a leisure pursuit and are willing to spend a few nights," added Bangkuai, who was also the Sabah Tourism Board Chairman.
He further highlighted that sport fishing was also a popular activity among corporate companies, who opt for rural destinations for team-building or family day outings.
"It will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the ecosystem while enabling tourists to experience the thrill of sport fishing in Kiulu," he said.
