BATU PAHAT — The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) will continue to focus on strengthening the ecotourism sector to help state governments generate an alternative income from forest resources.
Its director-general, Datuk Mohd Ridza Awang said previously, that state governments relied heavily on logging activities for revenue, although timber is not the only forest product that provides revenue.
“Forests don't only produce timber, the uniqueness of the landscape and natural attractions can be developed as ecotourism products," he said when met after closing a course for mountain guides here yesterday.
He said mountain climbing, which is becoming increasingly popular, could provide revenue for the state governments and those involved in the tourism industry.
“Of late, there have been encouraging response for climbing activities that in some areas, the number of participants exceeds capacity and participants have to be limited. Through vigorous promotion, this activity will continue to grow and be able to attract foreign tourists when the country's borders are opened again,” he added.
Mohd Ridza said JPSM introduced the training programme for mountain guides, which is understood to be the first of its kind in the country.
He also added that JPSM hopes to register all the mountain guides under the department.
“There have been reports of accidents in the Forest Eco Park and State Forest Parks, such as on missing persons, injuries during climbing activities and reports of people losing their way. This course module is developed to address these cases,” he added. — Bernama, October 2, 2020
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