Pulau Tiga will soon have a control post to monitor safety of tourists

Jafry (centre) and his entourage arrived at Pulau Tiga

KUALA PENYU:  A control post will be built on Pulau Tiga here in an effort to monitor the safety of not only tourists but also the marine treasures on the island.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said among the threats and problems often encountered on the island are encroachment by local and foreign fishermen, the use of destructive fishing methods such as fish bombs.

“Besides, there are also unlicensed tour guides or tour boat owners who do not have a seafarer card.

“However, no action can be taken as the nearest marine police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is located in Labuan,” he said after a working visit to Pulau Tiga.

Meanwhile, he explained the Sabah Parks is planning to build a gallery cum research and education centre as well as a bird watching platform on the island’s lagoon.

He said Pulau Tiga is also known as Survivor Island after being used as the filming location for the international reality show, ‘Survivor’.

“It is a combination of three islands, namely Pulau Tiga, Kalampunian Besar and Kalampunian Damit in the Gulf of Brunei.

“Among the popular activities are diving and mud bathing from volcanic mud,” he said.

Also present during the visit were Assistant Minister of Works Assistant Minister cum Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury, Sabah Parks director Dr Marklarin Lakim, Sabah Tourism Board general manager Noredah Othman and several community leaders.-HS

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