LONDON: Sabah Parks serves as a gateway to the breathtaking natural wonders of Sabah, says its Senior Principal Assistant Director Yassin Miki.
Speaking at the “An Evening With The Minister” function as a prelude to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, here, he said Sabah Parks showcases a diverse array of unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
“Of the nine parks covering a total area of 1,216,417 hectares, three are terrestrial, namely Kinabalu Park, Tawau Hills Park and Crocker Range Park. The other six are marine parks - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Turtle Islands Park, Pulau Tiga Park, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sipadan Island Park and Tun Mustapha Marine Park.
“Kinabalu Park is a botanical paradise harbouring more than half of all Borneo plant species,” he said in his presentation on Sabah Parks : A Gateway to Natural Wonders of Sabah.
In a nutshell, Yassin described the Sabah Parks as a treasure trove of natural wonders encompassing mountains, flora, fauna, coral reefs, scenic beaches and stunning landscapes.
“The natural wonder of Kinabalu Park is the iconic Mt Kinabalu (4095,2 metres), the highest mountain between Himalaya and New Guinea. Similarly Sipadan Island is a natural wonder rated as the top dive site in the world.
“Tun Sakaran Park is home to around 500 species of fish and more than 200 species of invertebrates while the Turtle Island of Selingan is a sanctuary for both green and hawksbill turtles,” he said.
The Sabah Parks is a statutory body under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), responsible for the management, development and protection of all state parks in Sabah.
“We aim to protect and to preserve the areas which contain significant value of geographical, geological, biological and historical features as a national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people of Sabah and mankind in general,” said Yassin.
Welcoming UK nationals to visit Sabah, he said Sabah Parks offers adventure seekers and nature lovers alike unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery.
“Whether trekking through ancient forests or diving into spectacular marine environments, Sabah Parks invites you to experience the extraordinary beauty and ecological significance of this natural paradise,” he added.
