Masiung (second from left) being briefed on the factory's progress.
KOTA KINABALU: A proposed clinker and cement factory in a rainforest in Sabah's central Tongod district will be transformed into a tourist attraction, says Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (BCS) chairman Datuk Masiung Banah.
He said once the factory starts operating by May, BCS will emerge as the first industrial facility in the country to offer its factory zone as an open tourism centre.
Masiung said limestone processing and modern methods of environmental protection in the industrial zone could be made into attractive packages for foreign and domestic tourists.
"Visitors can witness the factory's operations from the initial stage to the final packaging process," said Masiung, who is assemblyman for Kuamut.
Masiung, on a working visit to assess the development of the quarry and factory in Kampung Kawayoi, said visitors would be able to see firsthand the steps taken to protect the environment and prevent pollution.
"Limestone areas (rich in) flora and fauna and tropical ecosystems will be maintained without being polluted by factory waste," he said on Tuesday (Nov 26).
ALSO READ: BCS says no logging taking place at Tongod cement factory site
The factory will also be made a research centre for Malaysian universities, he added.
"I have discussed with BCS management... that the rivers, waterfalls and exotic plants found within the factory zone should be preserved and not disturbed," he said.
According to Masiung, visitors can also hike up a 900m hill while looking at the limestone walls and enjoying the sunrise or sunset.
He said the proposal for tourism activities in the factory zone will be implemented as soon as the facility becomes operational.
The cement clinker plant is in its first phase of development.
Earlier this week, Masiung dismissed claims that logging was being carried out at the site.
ALSO READ: Sabah's largest clinker and cement plant set to start construction by year-end
He said there had been logging in the area previously and only remnant logs were found in lower-lying areas of the development site.
During last week's state assembly session, opposition Parti Warisan asked if logging was being conducted to facilitate the development of the cement factory and questioned the rationale of building the factory in a remote area.
Masiung said the area had been logged even before the plans for the factory were drawn up.
BCS is a joint venture between the Sabah government and China-based Sinoma Industry.
