KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s southern Kalabakan district, with its wild Bornean elephants, has the potential to be turned into an ecotourism destination, says state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
She said the district which borders Kalimantan, Indonesia could draw more foreign tourists, adding that this potential would only increase when the Indonesian capital is relocated to Nusantara in Kalimantan.
“Bornean elephants are the main attraction in the tourism industry in Sabah and the area could become another ecotourism destination,” Liew said.
She added that the district could complement the existing Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area and Maliau Basin.
“I was informed that in Kalabakan, we can also see elephants roaming freely. If we are all united in our desire to care for and protect Borneo elephants in this area, it is not impossible that Kalabakan can become one of the attractive tourist destinations where visitors can see this species and thus boost ecotourism here.
“It will help with the conservation of the critically endangered species,” Liew said in her speech in conjunction with state-level 2023 World Elephant Day Celebration at Dewan Terbuka in Kalabakan here yesterday.
Her speech was delivered by the ministry’s principal senior assistant secretary Murad Abdul Rashid.
