"It's important to spruce up Sipadan because it is a national treasure and a key tourism destination," said Masidi Manjun, acting tourism minister for Sabah state. Sipadan is off the coast of Sabah state on Borneo island.
Federal Tourism Minister Adnan Mansor slammed Sabah authorities earlier this week after a visit to Sipadan, saying dilapidated facilities there were an eyesore and an embarrassment to the country.
Adnan had said there were no adequate rest areas for divers and buildings were badly maintained, giving a bad image to Sipadan.
Masidi said the state government has allocated 1.5 million ringgit ($428,571) to build new facilities including a rest area, toilets and basic quarters for 33 security and park personnel.
The project has been delayed as the building plan is subjected to approval by various committees in the federal government as well the state cabinet, he said.
"It's unfair to blame the state government. What is important now is to get rid of the bureaucratic red tape and focus on getting it done," Masidi told The Associated Press.
The dive tourism industry in Sabah is estimated to be worth at least 60 million ringgit ($17 million) a year, he said.
The Sabah government booted out resort operators from Sipadan in December 2004 to preserve the island and took steps to ensure minimal commercial operations on the island, he said. Only 120 divers are allowed to visit Sipadan daily, he said.
Plans for an extensive clubhouse and restaurant on Sipadan were canceled last year and downsized to the current proposal for basic facilities amid concerns that heavy development could wreck Sipadan's coral reefs, Masidi said.
Sipadan, off the coast of Sabah, is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising from a 2,300-foot abyss in the Celebes Sea.
Source: Business Week
