LAHAD DATU: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) is identifying products in the Segama area here with potential to be promoted for tourism to help generate economic activities for the local community, says its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

       Citing the Tepadung Cave in Ulu Sungai Segama, she said it had its own attractions and capable of attracting tourists to Lahad Datu.

       “Tepadung Cave is the burial place of the ancient Idahan ethnic community. Inside the cave, there are almost 100 small caves that have different attractions and scenery.

       “It is also known for the production of white bird’s nests,” she said in a statement yesterday.

       According to Bernama, the Idahan of Sabah have long been known for their involvement in the harvesting of bird’s nests.

       Nancy said that among the activities that could be organised in the cave area were jungle trekking, visits to ancient graves, cave climbing and fishing.

       “I was informed that foreign tourists had camped and spent the night in the Tepadung Cave area to enjoy nature,” she added.

       She said the arts, culture and heritage of local ethnic communities such as Idahan, Dusun, as well as elements of the Cocos and Javanese communities in Segama could be a popular destination for tourists.

       This could help to realise the aspirations of the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030, including placing Malaysia as the Top of The Mind Ecotourism Destination of the World, she added.

       She said Motac was committed to ensuring that efforts to redevelop the tourism industry were on the right track and could be achieved within the stipulated time.