Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment will continue supporting initiatives that promote community-based tourism and environmental sustainability, said Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said projects such as the Kelip-Kelip (Fireflies) and Mangrove Rehabilitation Programme at Darau Wetland not only reflect the ministry’s commitment to environmental conservation but also empower local communities to benefit directly from eco-tourism development.
“The ministry is pleased to support meaningful initiatives that not only protect the environment but also create opportunities for the community to benefit from eco-tourism,” said Liew during the programme’s event organised by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) on Sunday.
“Such initiatives protect the ecosystem and biodiversity while ensuring that the community gains from maintaining a healthy environment.”Liew also announced that the ministry had contributed RM31,000 to support the implementation of the project.
She expressed confidence that the project could become a key eco-tourism destination in Sabah, highlighting activities such as river cruises, sunset views, and firefly sightings, alongside other nature-based experiences.
“Congratulations to RCKK Pearl on initiating this project to boost community-based tourism in Kg Darau, which is just outside Kota Kinabalu city.
I hope our international Rotary partners will help promote this new eco-tourism gem to their families and friends abroad.”While praising the efforts of the NGO, Liew also called on the local community to play an active role in maintaining and promoting the Darau Wetland eco-tourism site to boost its visibility among domestic and international tourists.
RCKK Pearl President Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau said the initiative began in 2017–2018 under the leadership of Past President Datuk Suzannah Liaw, with the club successfully raising over RM100,000.
This funding enabled the planting of 13,200 trees in various areas, including 8,000 mangrove trees at the Sulaman Mangrove Conservation Area, 4,000 mangroves in Darau (supported by a RM15,000 grant from KePKAS), and 5,200 fruit and decorative trees in homes, schools, and public spaces such as Likas Bay.
Jeanette said the project has remained active over the years. Under the current leadership of Chenderamata Sinteh (2024–2025 term), the club planted an additional 6,000 mangrove seedlings in Darau and launched a new initiative — Firefly Conservation Programme: “Let’s Make the Fireflies Glow Again.”“This project was never abandoned. Its legacy has been preserved and strengthened, thanks to the commitment and collaboration of all parties involved.”Jeanette extended her appreciation to key partners and supporters who made the project possible, including Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, Penulaju Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Darau Community & Darau Wetland as well as Rotary Clubs from across the region, including Rotary Club of Makati Emerald, Rotary Club of TaiChung Hui Min, Rotary Club of Kulai, Johor, Rotary Club of Marina City, Singapore, Rotary Club of Metro Kuala Lumpur, Rotary District 3310 and Rotary Club of Taipei.
