Saturday, January 02, 2010

Caution over heritage status for Maliau Basin

KOTA KINABALU: Maliau Basin’s bid to be listed as a World Heritage Site has received wide support, although many have cautioned that such a declaration would not necessarily mean total protection for the site.

“The World Heritage Site status does not guarantee complete protection from further human encroachment and abuses,” said Sabah Anglers Association (SAA) president Datuk Wilfred Lingham.

“Only our own legislation, rules and regulations can give the requisite protection,” he added.

On Dec 20, state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said he had asked officers to find out if Maliau Basin, known as “The Lost World” of Sabah, had what it takes to be a World Heritage Site.

The untouched rainforest is rich in flora and fauna, with at least 1,800 species of pitcher plants and about 80 types of orchids.

Masidi’s statement came amid concerns by environmentalists that coal would be mined in Maliau Basin if a proposed coal-fired power plant is built in the east coast of Lahad Datu.

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