MOTAC willing to assist in developing Madai Caves as a tourist attraction

KUNAK, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is prepared to work with the owners of Madai Caves here, in efforts to develop the swiftlet habitat as a tourist spot.

Its minister, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, said with home stays and chalets in the Madai Caves area, the place could be developed as a tourist attraction.

“If the owners request for chalet or home stay accommodation to be built here, the ministry is willing to assist,” he told reporters after an official visit to Madai Caves here, today.

According to Mohamaddin, the Madai bird cave is an interesting destination in Sabah and visitors should not miss the chance to explore the cave especially when the swiftlet nests are being harvested.

"In addition, to the 3456.5-hectare Madai Baturong Forest Reserve there are several limestone caves, including the Madai Tesob Cave which is filled with cave paintings," he said. 

"The Madai Caves owners have nothing to lose as they will still be able to harvest the swiftlet nests while generating income through tourism," he added.

Apart from that Mohamaddin said conservation of the Madai Cave area could create new job and economic opportunities for the people in the area.

"We can employ tourist guides from among the people here, organise jungle trekking and tour activities,  set up restaurants to promote traditional Idahan cuisine or create a cultural research centre here to attract local and foreign tourists, he said.

By protecting the forest reserve in Madai Cave, the future generations would be able to benefit from them under better conditions, he added.

--BERNAMA