Kundasang: An immediate investigation has been urged into alleged construction and drilling activities on Mount Kinabalu following photographs that have gone viral.
Kundasang Tourism and Culture Association Chairman Datuk Japiril Suhaimin said Sabah Parks and relevant government agencies should establish the exact location, nature and purpose of the activities, as well as whether necessary permits and approvals had been obtained.
JapirilHe said authorities should determine whether the site was within Kinabalu Park, its buffer zone or an area under the jurisdiction of another agency.
“The authorities must establish the actual location of the activities, the type, purpose and scope of the works, who is carrying them out and the status of the required permits, approvals and permissions,” he said in a statement.
Japiril said the investigation should also assess any potential impact on water sources, soil stability, biodiversity, ecosystems and the surrounding environment.
He called for a technical assessment to identify possible risks and determine appropriate preventive measures.
Japiril stressed that the photographs should be verified by the relevant authorities and that the investigation should establish the facts before any conclusions are drawn.
He said Mount Kinabalu was not merely a natural heritage site and major tourism attraction but also carried important cultural, customary and spiritual significance for the Dusun community.
If the area concerned has customary importance, he said the views of local communities, district leaders and customary custodians should be taken into consideration.
He stressed that his call was not intended to prevent legitimate development or deny the importance of economic opportunities and employment.
