Nazri (fourth right), Bangkuai (third right), Pang (third left) and Kitingan (second right).
SANDAKAN: Federal Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has suggested that the surrounding area of the famed Agnes Keith House here be turned into a botanical garden.
He said his ministry was prepared to provide funding for the purpose, adding that such a garden would serve as another attraction for visitors to the colonial-era house.
Commending the State Museum for preserving the Agnes Keith House, Nazri said historical sites were important tourism products, especially for history buffs.
Agnes Keith stayed at the house atop a hill here with her husband for nearly 20 years until the mid 60s and wrote a book entitled “The Land Below the Wind” which chronicles her experiences during her time in Sabah.
Nazri, who was on an overnight visit to Sandakan, has directed his ministry’s office in Kota Kinabalu to come up with a report on the proposed garden for his action.
During the visit, State Museum director Joanna Kitingan and the Agnes Keith House curator Joanes Ogak briefed the minister on the tourist attractions in the state.
Accompanying Nazri were Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Karamunting assemblyman Charles Pang, Joanna and Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin.
Nazri also visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre before returning to Kuala Lumpur.