KOTA KINABALU: Sandakan’s Pulau Berhala has been identified for sustainable recreational tourism development, says Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (pic).
He said the state government is collaborating with the private sector to develop the island, which is within a Class 4 Amenity Forest Reserve under the Sabah Forestry Department, for recreational forest tourism.
Bangkuai said the development will focus on 168ha of coastal area under a Sustainable Forest Management Licence Agreement.
“Pulau Berhala has unique rock formations and historical value from World War II. The state sees potential in turning it into a tourism product for Sandakan,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the state assembly sitting here yesterday.
Bangkuai was replying to Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung’s (PH-Tanjong Papat) question about the tourism development plan for Pulau Berhala.
He added that the development would prioritise sustainability and consider the needs of the local fishing community and the preservation of the natural environment.
Responding to supplementary questions from Jannie Lasimbang (PH-Kapayan) and Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Warisan-Elopura) on the island’s cleanliness, Bangkuai said the ministry will work with relevant local authorities to address the issue.
“Cleanliness is a top priority if we want to attract more tourists. The ministry will discuss with local authorities such as the Sandakan Municipal Council to ensure necessary action is taken,” he said.
Meanwhille, the assembly was told that the state government will proceed with its revised hotel licensing fees despite calls for a deferment, with the state government insisting the new rates remain modest and among the lowest in the country.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir (GRS-Paginatan) said the revision, enforced under the Kota Kinabalu City by-Laws 1966, was necessary to ensure uniform implementation and streamline fee collection by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall.
Responding to a supplementary question, he said the charges were fair and relatively low.
“If you compare it to night market hawkers who pay RM3 per lot daily, the hotel licensing fees are still lower,” he said, citing the fee for Class 1 is RM4.65, RM2.65 for Class 2, and RM1.30 for Class 3 per occupied room per day.
He said the fee only applies to rooms with guests.
