PENAMPANG: Penampang is poised to transform into a new hub for agro-industry and tourism with the implementation of the Moyog Agro-Industrial and Tourism Park (MANTAP) initiative, Sabah Media reported.
Chairman of the MANTAP Implementation Group Datuk Stephen Sampil said that this initiative would attract more tourists and visitors to Penampang, especially to the areas of Moyog, Timpangoh, Terian, and Buayan.
He emphasised the need for Penampang, particularly the Upper Penampang area, to seize the opportunity presented by the influx of millions of tourists to Sabah, which would, in turn, improve the livelihoods of the local communities.
Despite its proximity to Kota Kinabalu City and its scenic views, fresh air, and natural beauty, Upper Penampang has seen only a handful of tourists due to the lack of accommodation and related facilities. MANTAP aims to address these issues, enhancing the area's potential for all stakeholders involved.
The meeting to establish MANTAP, chaired by Stephen, aligns with the vision outlined in the Penampang Development Plan inspired by Member of Parliament for Penampang Datuk Ewon Benedick.
A significant component of MANTAP is the creation of 750 lodging rooms, with each village providing around 20 accommodation units. This five to ten-year plan, to take place between 2025 to 2035, is expected to draw tourists and visitors to the Penampang area, especially the upper region.
To bolster the MANTAP ecosystem, other supporting components will be developed to effectively sustain the lodging and related facilities segment. An executive committee has been appointed to draft a detailed plan and roadmap for identified components such as government policies and assistance, support activities, downstream products, agricultural, fishery, and forestry outputs, infrastructure, Tagal community, food and beverage, sports and recreation, internet connectivity, marketing and promotion, and an information and consultancy centre.
Once fully implemented, MANTAP is projected to generate an estimated revenue of RM100 million, create 2,000 jobs, and foster 500 new entrepreneurs, significantly impacting the local economy of Penampang.