BONGAWAN HAS POTENTIAL TO BECOME ECO-TOURISM SPOT

BONGAWAN (Sabah, Malaysia), July 27 (Bernama) -- Bongawan has the potential
to become an eco-tourism destination in east Malaysian state of Sabah, said
Deputy Chief Minister Yahya Hussin Wednesday.

He said the swampy area along the Bongawan River which was inhabitated by
proboscis monkeys and crocodiles, could be used to attract tourists, hence
benefiting the people.

"We can emulate other districts like Klias in Beaufort and Labuk Bay in
Sandakan to develop eco-tourism here," he said when opening the Tagal Udang
Galah at Bongawan River, Wednesday..

Yahya, who is also State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, also
released 150,000 prawn fry into the river to preserve the river.

Under the tagal system, a traditional practice, the fish and prawns can only
be harvested when mature. The river will also be kept free from development
activities and pollution.
-- BERNAMA