Visitor cap being considered for Sabah islands

Sunday, 16 Jun, 2019 0

Another island group in Southeast Asia is mulling a limit on visitor numbers to fight overtourism.

Officials want to manage the carrying capacity of the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, situated off the East Malaysia coast near Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais said current daily visitation is about 2,000 and a visitor cap is being looked at.

"We are going to limit the numbers but that can only be done once we go online to sell entrance tickets," he said.

"We have yet to discuss the exact figure but a study has been done according to the space available, the facilities and the volume of clean water."

Officials will discuss next steps with local tourism operators as well as representatives from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA).

The park comprises the five islands of Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sulug which are noted for snorkelling and scuba diving.

However its credibility is being challenged by high park entrance fees, the poor condition of facilities and growing levels of trash, mostly washing ashore from the mainland.

"Sabah Parks have increased its manpower to do beach clean-ups every morning before tourists arrive, Nais added.

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