Though it is only 200 kilometers away, the Beluran east coast area continues to lag behind other districts in terms of tourism despite having all the attractions in terms of flora and fauna, as well as culture.

Datuk Tan Yong Gee, a former assistant minister for culture, youth, and sports, claimed that this was caused by a dearth of government initiatives to promote the tourism industry.

He said that Beluran had received relatively little funding and that attention had instead been focused on helping other districts grow their tourism industries.

In a statement released here on Friday, July 14, he stated, "The government needs to make sure that Beltran is given equal attention when it comes to tourism development."

Tan, a former assemblyman for Labuk, a region in Beluran that has potential as a vacation destination, asked the state tourism bureau to make more of an effort to promote the area.

He claimed Beluran has protected forest areas, a wide variety of fauna, and a distinctive cultural history.

However, visitors appear to swarm to the nearby towns of Kinabatangan and Sandakan to explore the forests and observe the local fauna.

Beltran has the same promise, but nobody travels there, he continued.

He mentioned the variety of species that could be seen near the Pimpin River, including the probosci's monkeys with their characteristic noses.

Tan added that at night, fireflies would light up the river's banks, which are a mangrove forest reserve.

The Mandagu waterfall, which is situated along the Klagan River, is yet another possible destination.

Only a boat can reach this waterfall. To access the waterfall, there isn't a proper infrastructure, though.

Also close is a natural formation that resembles the bow of a ship, but it is inaccessible and can only be photographed from a boat, the man added.

To do this, he suggested that the District Office lead the district-level development of tourism potential.

He suggested that the district officer make sure the Tourism Action Committee is engaged to find new tourist attractions or items.

"The committee should engage tourism associations because they would know more about travel-related goods and locations. Together, they should get down and come up with project or program recommendations.

"The committee will then bring those proposals to the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment

and promotion of these goods or places.

Tan also urged local communities and the corporate sector to start developing tourism-related items in Beluran.

Even though the government must assist us, he added, private businesses occasionally need to put in work to promote tourism.