KOTA KINABALU: Pulau Berhala, located within a Class 4 Amenity Forest Reserve, has been earmarked for sustainable tourism development by the Sabah government.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said 168 hectares of the island's coastal area will be developed under a Sustainable Forest Management Licence Agreement, in collaboration with the private sector.
Highlighting the island’s unique rock formations and WWII history, he said Pulau Berhala holds strong tourism potential for Sandakan.
Responding to Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung (DAP-Tanjong Papat), Joniston assured the project would prioritise environmental sustainability and the welfare of local fishing communities.
Addressing concerns from Jannie Lasimbang (DAP-Kapayan) and Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Warisan-Elopura) over cleanliness, he said the Ministry will coordinate with local authorities, including the Sandakan Municipal Council, to improve upkeep and ensure the island remains tourist-ready.