Marudu Bay Has Potential To Be An Eco-Tourism Centre

KOTA MARUDU, May 22 (Bernama) -- Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili on Saturday called on the people of Kota Marudu to intensify efforts to develop the district as another destination for eco-tourism. He said over the past 400 years, Marudu Bay here had been known for the uniqueness of its beaches and marine resources and it could become a fast-growing tourist destination if the eco-tourism aspects were to be developed. As such, he said the ministry's National Oceanography Directorate, with the cooperation of Universiti Putra Malaysia, was in the midst of conducting a research on Marudu Bay's mangrove and seashore areas to improve the eco-system and the socio-economic level for the local residents through mangrove resource management. He said the ministry had also allocated RM720,000 for the research. "The research, which is 75 per cent completed, has found that the seashore and mangrove areas in Kota Marudu are intact in terms of the water quality. 

"The areas also have vast potential for economic development such as through the breeding of fish and mussels in cages," the minister said at the opening of Marudu Bay Carnival 2010 in Kampung Tanjung Batu Laut, here Saturday. Ongkili said a scientific research was also being done to identify local products with potential to be developed in the future. So far, he said the research also revealed that Marudu Bay had over 60 species of almost-extinct birds, mammals and reptiles which could attract tourists to the area. "The area could also be developed with homestay and water-village," he added. Meanwhile, the annual Marudu Bay Carnival is aimed, among others, at creating public awareness on the importance of preserving the nature for future generation. It is held in conjunction with the Kota Marudu-level Kaamatan Festival scheduled for Sunday.