Joniston…development to focus on 168 hectares of coastal area.
KOTA KINABALU : – Pulau Berhala, located within a Class 4 Amenity Forest Reserve under the Sabah Forestry Department, has been identified for sustainable tourism development.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the state government is collaborating with the private sector to develop the island as a recreational forest tourism destination.
The development will focus on 168 hectares of coastal area under a Sustainable Forest Management License 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.
Joniston was replying to Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung (DAP-Tanjong Papat) ‘s 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 Lasimbang and Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Warisan-Elopura) on the island’s cleanliness, Joniston said the Ministry would 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
