KOTA KINABALU: All districts in Sabah have been directed to constantly identify prospective tourism sites across the state, says state Tourism, Culture, and Environment assistant minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (pic).

       He said all 27 district tourism action committees were ordered to be proactive in seeking out potential tourist attractions and inform his ministry so that steps can be taken to boost tourism activities in their respective areas.

       "We need more tourism attractions to stay competitive and Sabah is blessed with attractions, especially in the rural areas.

       "So, we are always prepared to listen (to suggestions) not only from elected representatives but from every district tourism action committee," he said during the question-and-answer session at the Sabah assembly sitting on Wednesday (March 23).

       Bangkuai was responding to additional questions raised by Justin Wong (Independent-Sri Tanjong) on whether the Ministry has plans to explore tourism sites in Tawau.

       He also took note of Justin's suggestion to set up a Tourist Information Centre at the Tawau Airport, stating that such a facility will be considered as Tawau is a vital gateway to Semporna and the popular diving destination of Sipadan.

       Earlier, Joniston said preliminary planning is underway to look into developing tourism activities at Batu Punggul in Sabah's interior Nabawan district.

       He said Batu Punggul is under the care of the Sabah Forestry Department and is gazetted as Class IV Forest Reserve. The department does not allow any tourism activity at the moment due to a lack of proper visitor facilities.

       "Without a doubt, Batu Punggul Forest Reserve has enormous potential for development as a tourist destination for adventure activities such as hiking and jungle trekking. It has also been identified as a prospective birding area," he added.