Biodiversity and Ecotourisms- Where in Malaysia?

Saturday October 3, 2009

Eco-tourism can be top draw

Malaysia should tap the eco-tourism market as it has a lot to offer nature wise.

A good example would be Taman Negara National Park which is one of the most famous eco-parks in Malaysia, hosting thousands of international and domestic tourists every year.

Tourists can get to view rare animals such as the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Asian elephant, crab-eating macaque, Indochinese tiger and much more at the park. For bird lovers, there is the rare Malayan peacock-pheasant.

Tahan River, flowing through the park, has been preserved for protecting the Malaysian mahseer or ikan kelah, a game fish. This fish is quite difficult to find as it needs a very clean environment to live in and breed.

Other than Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia has numerous eco-tourism places such as Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, and many more.

These places can be further developed to attract more tourists. The Government should provide funds and expertise to develop these places with minimal damage and harm to nature, the ecosystem, and wildlife.

WWF Malaysia estimated that the country gains RM655mil yearly from eco-tourism.

Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail, a lecturer from the Biology Department, Science Faculty, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, highlights Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan as one of the eco-tourism spots in Malaysia.

As an example, foreign bird lovers, especially from Japan, come to Tanjung Tuan every year for the Raptors Watch. The crocodiles in the Linggi River also attract tourists.

Dr Ahmad stressed that all parties, especially those involved in development, should respect the uniqueness of Port Dickson and also other eco-tourism spots in Malaysia.

I do believe our country can be a famous eco-tourism destination by promoting the uniqueness of Malaysia’s nature and wildlife.

SYAZANA MOHAMAD ISA,
Johor Baru.

We need more concern from UPM's students. More than 30 thousands UPM's students can mobilise whole country (ONE Malaysia) for biodiversity protection and conservation for ecotourisms. Let we begin with UPM Green Campus.