By Yussof J. Imbang
TONGOD: The industrial zone status of the clinker and cement factory in Kampung Kawayoi here will be transformed into a tourist attraction.
The chairman of Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (BCS), Datuk Masiung Banah, said once the factory starts operating by May next year, BCS will emerge as the first industrial factory in the country to offer its factory zone as an open tourism centre.
Limestone processing and modern methods of environmental protection in the industrial zone of the factory can be made into attractive products for foreign and domestic tourists.
He said visitors can see for themselves the operation of the factory from the initial stage to the final packaging process; he said this during a two-day working visit to the first phase of developing the factory yesterday.
“Most importantly, tourists will gain useful experience in how our governance takes care of the environment and creates a safety system for air pollution.
” Limestone areas that are overgrown with flora and fauna and tropical ecosystems will be maintained without being polluted by factory waste.
He said the industrial zone area of the factory will also be opened as a research centre for local universities in the country.
“I have discussed with BCS management so that the rivers, waterfalls, and exotic plants found in the industrial zone of the factory should be preserved and not explored,” he explained.
According to Masiung, visitors can also do hill climbing activities at a height of 900 meters above sea level while looking at the limestone walls and enjoying the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset.
The Kuamut state assemblyman said that the proposal to make the clinker and cement factory zone for tourism activities will be implemented once the factory is operational.
Currently, the first phase of developing the cement clinker plant is underway.
During the two-day visit program at the clinker and cement factory development zone, Masiung was also accompanied by BCS General Manager, Micheal Kinsuan; Tongod District Officer, Yuseri Ismail Yusof; and Community Development Officer, Tokyo Hasim Omar.
