THE Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will work with government agencies and local communities to develop Sekong’s ecotourism potential, focusing on its mangrove ecosystems and wildlife, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said.
He said the initiative aims to create sustainable economic opportunities through environmentally responsible tourism development.
Andi said STB would collaborate with the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, local authorities and communities to identify ecotourism products, provide training and promote market-ready attractions.
He said Sekong already has several tourism assets, including Kampung Bambangan’s community-based tourism programme, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
He added that STB was promoting Sekong as part of the wider Sandakan tourism experience through homestays, fishing activities, soft-shell crab enterprises and river cruises.
Responding to Bugaya assemblyman Datuk Jamil Hamzah on ensuring local operators benefit, Andi said District Tourism Action Committees would coordinate tourism development involving government agencies, communities and industry players.
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He said local tourism operators would be prioritised for training and grants to strengthen their participation.
Andi said the ecotourism push would create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship and support sustainable economic growth in Sekong.
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