KOTA KINABALU – A village in the Ranau district at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu was recently found to have rich deposits of semi-precious jade stones, catching the eye of tourism investors amid environmental concerns that mining there would destroy its sensitive natural landscape.
Kinabalu Jade Eco Tourism Association chairman Jirus Muin said the green stones found around the village of Kg Nalumad is nephrite jade, a common type of soft jade stone.
He said the jade stones, found in Sg Mokoduo, have commercial value in terms of ornamental handicrafts, carvings, beads or gemstone items, or simply as tourism attractions.
Jirus said the discovery had led to the establishment of the Kinabalu Jade Eco Tourism Association dan Kraftangan Jed Kinabalu to promote handicrafts produced by villagers from the jade stones.
However, Sabah Mineral and Geoscience Department director Jontih Enggihon told The Vibes that any mineral discovered in Sabah belongs to the state as provided under the Sabah Land Ordinance.
“Section 24(1) states that all coal, minerals, precious stones, and mineral oils are, and are deemed always to have been, reserved to the state government,” he said.
"Yes, if it is found that the villagers are taking the jade without permission, legal action can be taken by the government.”
He also said that the villagers and association can apply to the state for permission to make use of the stones.
In June 2019, a group of 12 Sabah conservationists had come out strongly against the issuance of mining licences for the extraction of natural resources in the state.
It was reported that this group had urged the state government to stay off mining as its past experience with copper mining in Mamut had also left irreparable damage to the state’s biodiversity.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Joachim Gunsalam, who officiated the two organisations’ launch at Kg Nalumad in November last year, said the government was prepared to assist in developing the industry as it has commercial potential.
Gunsalam, who is also the Kundasang state assemblyman, said Jirus had informed him that jade is readily available in their area.
However, he said that operators in any industry in Sabah have to abide by state regulations as all mineral resources are controlled by the state government.
He also urged the district office to monitor the industry’s activities in the area.
Checks with the Ranau Tourism Association revealed that there have been no updates on jade tourism activities in the district in 2021. – The Vibes, March 7, 2021
