KDCA Sabah

KIMANIS: A Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon here has huge potential to be another tourist destination for leisure and fish spa activities, said Bongawan Assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang.

He said the Tagal spot has a suitable natural surrounding for visitors to enjoy fish-massage like the one at Kg Luanti, Ranau as well as for picnicking.

“I was made to understand by a senior officer of the Sabah Fisheries Department that the natural surrounding at the Tagal system of Kg Kinolosodon is more interesting and attractive compared to those in Kg Luanti.

“The river has big boulders and deep waters which make the area very suitable to be turned into a recreational spot for locals and tourists.

“In fact, the river water looks clear, serene and unpolluted, which can attract people to swim and enjoy the green scenery,” he said.

Karim said this to Daily Express when attending the first harvest of the Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon situated along the Kimanis-Keningau route, near here, Saturday.

About 12 villages situated near the Kimanis River are benefiting from the harvest. Among the fish they harvested were Pelian, Serawi and Lomi.

Also present were Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Dr Tengku Adlin Zainal, Fisheries Department Principal Assistant Director Jephrin Wong, Papar Assistant District Officer William Ahlan and Tagal Chairman for eight villages along the Kimanis River, Robert Ayim Kuntiong.

Due to the huge tourism potential at the Kinolosodon Tagal area, Karim said one villager will be sent for a seminar and workshop to learn how to manage the river so that population of the freshwater fish would not dwindle and the cleanliness level at the river is maintained.

He said they are also planning for the villager to acquire the skill of taming the fish so that fish can eat food from the visitors’ hands and give them the nibbling massage sensation like the fish in Kg Luanti.

Karim said he will also provide basic facilities like toilet and a changing room near the Tagal spot for visitors.

A main committee to be formed by the villagers can collect entrance fees from visitors, he added.

“The launching of 30 Tagal systems in Papar covering Sg. Papar, Sg. Kimanis and Sg. Bongawan was done in February last year. Of the 30, 10 spots along Sg. Kimanis have been identified and the Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon is among them for fish and environment conservation.

“So today (Saturday), is the first harvest for the Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon and I am proud that the villagers have shown interest and are working hand in hand with the Fisheries Department to revive the population of freshwater fish in the river,” he said.

Karim said the next harvest at the village would be carried out in two years’ time.

(Source: Adapted from Daily Express, December 20, 2009)