LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) has approved RM199,850 to upgrade the tourist facilities in Lahad Datu.
Its Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the facilities needed to be improved to make sure it is in good condition and comfortable, which is in line with the ministry's efforts to help tour operators.
He said this during a working visit to Menara Kayangan and Sepagaya forest reserve yesterday.
Menara Kayangan, which is an observation tower, was built on Mount Silam located 11km away from Lahad Datu town to offer panoramic views of the Sapagaya forest reserve and Darvel Bay.
In the effort to gazette the Darvel Bay Marine Park, he said the Sabah Parks is now preparing a gazette boundary proposal plan together with the land application to be submitted to the state Land and Survey Department.
The gazettement is expected to be submitted by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Jafry has asked the state Forestry Department to apply to the government to upgrade the infrastructure so that the place can be made a destination of choice among tourists from within and outside the country in the future.
He made the call as there was still no power supply connected to the tower despite it being a popular spot for both local and foreign tourists.
He assured that KePKAS is always committed in providing support to all government agencies, departments and tourism operators to revitalise the state's tourism industry.