KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has been urged to focus on developing Kadamaian as a new tourism gateway and an additional attraction for Mount Kinabalu, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s tourism sector.
Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted the district’s untapped tourism potential deserves more attention, especially after tourism development on Mount Kinabalu has been mostly orientated towards Kundasang in Ranau.
“While I am grateful for the growth brought to the local economy by tourism in Ranau, it’s time for the State Government to explore other opportunities, such as the potential of Kadamaian. This includes opening a trail to Mount Kinabalu from Kadamaian, complete with necessary facilities,” Ewon said during his speech at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
The Entrepreneurship Development Cooperatives Minister further proposed the development of new hiking trails to the summit of Mount Kinabalu via Kadamaian, alongside improvements to the district’s tourism infrastructure and facilities.
“We know that Low’s Peak is the highest summit of Mount Kinabalu, but few are aware that Sir Hugh Low himself hiked the trail to the mountain from Kadamaian,” Ewon remarked.
Addressing the recurring traffic congestion in Kundasang during holiday seasons, Ewon suggested that a new tourism gateway from Kadamaian could help alleviate the issue.
“I believe that by focusing on Kadamaian’s potential, the State Government can develop tourism in a more inclusive and expansive manner. This would not only boost the local economy in Kadamaian, but also benefit Kota Belud as a whole,” he said.
Ewon concluded by reaffirming that this proposal aligns with the state government’s broader vision to continually develop Sabah’s tourism sector by attracting more tourists and industry players. – Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
