KUDAT: Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang has urged Malaysian investors to build resorts on islands around Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) in view of the tourism potential in the area.
Teo, who is also Tanjong Kapor assemblyman, said the 50 beautiful islands around Kudat were ideal locations to develop holiday resorts.
He said the TMP would soon be gazetted and set to be the largest marine protected area in Malaysia.
Situated in the Coral Triangle marine area, Teo said the beauty of the islands in TMP were on par with those in Kota Kinabalu and Semporna.
Teo added that a film crew from Hong Kong’s Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) were in Kudat recently to shoot Maliangin Resort and the aquaculture centre on Balambangan Island to promote the tourism industry in the district.
“I believe tourists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and United States will be attracted to visit the islands if investors are willing to build resorts.”
Teo said that when officiating at a Busking Competition at Sidek Esplande here. The event was organized by the Kudat Education Department, who was facilitated by the Kudat Tourism Action Committee.
He also called on government departments and the private sector in district to work hand in hand with the Kudat Tourism Action Committee to make the Visit Kudat Year a success.
Meanwhile when flagging off some 400 cyclists from all over Malaysia who took part in the 40-kilometre race at Sidek Esplande here on Sunday, Teo said that the event not only encouraged the sport of cycling, but also promoted the tourism sector in Kudat.
He said the event could attract domestic and international tourists and thereby boost the local tourism industry.
The race was divided into four categories, namely Men Open, Men Master (above 45 years old), Men Junior and Women Open. It was organized by Kelab Berbasikal Pedalnite, who was facilitated by the Kudat Tourism Action Committee.
Teo urged the participants to take the opportunity to visit Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Rungus longhouse or enjoy the local seafood during their trip here.
He hoped that the cyclists could also help promote the tourist attractions in Kudat.