Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Tuesday that Mount Trus Madi, with a height of 2,900m, had potential to lure tourists to this remote district which not only had a cool climate but was also rich in biodiversity.
"I want to see the remote areas, especially Tambunan, developed for tourism and I think that Mount Trus Madi can be an alternative to Mount Kinabalu for tourists who love hiking and adventure," said Pairin, who had climbed the mountaintan and enjoyed the breathtaking taking view from the top.
He told Bernama that many tourists had already hiked up Mount Trus Madi and it was now time to further popularise the mountain in line with the state's aim to emphasise the tourism sector.
Gunung Trus Madi is located in the Trusmadi Tambunan Forest Reserve, 25km from Tambunan town.
Pairin said the government would spend RM1 million to provide the basic infrastructure for tourism in the area, including building a road to the foot of the mountain.
The Tambunan district now has several tourist attractions including the Mahua waterfall which is a favourite among foreign tourists.
Pairin said the government also proposed to hold a Ginger Fair in Tambunan district which is the biggest exporter of ginger in Sabah.
"We plan all this for the good of the people, including the villagers who plant the ginger, like the residents of Tikolod", he said.
-- BERNAMA
Source: Bernama (2007-11-06)
