Kota Kinabalu: Any cable car project at Mount Kinabalu must adhere to principles of sustainable development and environmental conservation, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Jafry said it must be assessed thoroughly, with priority given to environmental sustainability and preservation of natural heritage.
“Mount Kinabalu, as a Unesco World Heritage Site, has significant biodiversity and ecological importance, requiring strict compliance with standards including comprehensive environmental impact assessments,” he said.
He spoke after receiving a courtesy call from Jesselton International Sdn Bhd, which presented the proposal and feasibility study for the project in Kundasang.
It is the second time that such a proposal had been made, the first was during the end of Berjaya rule which could not realise it as it lost the election to PBS in 1985.
A Berjaya Government plan also reportedly identified the possible site for the base station and the route the cable car would take to the top, which would be away from the climbers.
Over the years there have been calls that such a new tourism product to the highest spot in Borneo would be a tourism money spinner as not everyone has the ability to make the two-day climb to the 13,435ft landmark to experience the crisp mountain air.
“The Ministry supports development that brings economic benefits and enhances tourism experience, but it must be implemented in a controlled manner, taking into account carrying capacity and avoiding excessive pressure on sensitive ecosystems,” he said.
He said international examples demonstrate that cable car projects can be implemented under strict controls, including the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Queensland, Teleférico del Teide in Spain and facilities in Zhangjiajie, China.
He emphasised that developments such as Table Mountain in South Africa and Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil show how tourism infrastructure can operate with minimal environmental impact through controlled visitor management.
“International experience shows such facilities can reduce pressure from climbing activities while improving access in a more organised and sustainable manner, but implementation must be based on science, strict control and conservation principles,” he said.
Jafry said a “conservation first” approach must guide evaluation of the proposal to ensure no disruption to wildlife habitats or the integrity of Kinabalu Park.
He also emphasised that any decision would be made carefully based on data, science and consultations with relevant agencies, including Sabah Parks, while also taking into account the interests of local communities in Kundasang and Ranau.
