KOTA KINABALU: The RM288 million Telipok-Randagong road project will be a boon to tourism and agriculture in Kiulu and Ranau, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
Masidi said the road, spanning 60 km connecting Jalan Telipok with Pekan Kiulu, Pukak, Pahu, Lokos, Toboh and Randagong, will create access to hidden jewel areas that lacked infrastructural connection.
He elaborated this will give the hardworking people of Kiulu and Ranau the opportunity to wider access of agricultural produce market and spur rural tourism growth.
“They will have the option of selling at Pekan Ranau, Keningau and also Kota Kinabalu,” said Masidi, who is also Karanaan assemblyman.
“We can plant leafy vegetables for example but if it takes too much time to get to the market, all that work will be to no avail because the vegetables will become spoiled before it gets to the market.
“With my own calculations, from the borders of Ranau and Kiulu, a vegetable farmer can reach Kota Kinabalu in less than an hour and I am sure they will be able to reach the market and get a higher chance to sell it in the city,” he added.
In terms of tourism, Masidi foresees the establishment of upscale tourist accommodation in the environment that had been preserved for the last 50 years.
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