Penampang poised for transformation with MANTAP initiative

13 Mac 2024

By Wartawan Nabalu News

PENAMPANG: In a move set to revolutionize Penampang's local economy and tourism landscape, the Moyog Agroindustry and Tourism Park (MANTAP) initiative is underway, promising to transform the region into a bustling agroindustry and tourism destination. The project aims to capitalise on the increasing number of tourists and visitors to Sabah by enhancing the natural and cultural offerings of the Moyog and Timpangoh-Terian - Buayan areas.

Chairman of the MANTAP working group, Datuk Stephen Sampil, emphasized the untapped potential of Upper Penampang's proximity to Kota Kinabalu city center, its breathtaking views, and its unspoiled natural environment.

"The time has now arrived for the upper reaches of Penampang to take advantage of the increasing tourist and visitors arrivals in Sabah and utilise fully the positive attributes of the upper reaches of Penampang to assist uplift the living standards of the people in the participating villages in Penampang," he stated.

Despite its proximity to urban centers and its natural beauty, Upper Penampang has seen few tourists due to a lack of facilities. MANTAP seeks to remedy this by unlocking the area's potential for the benefit of all stakeholders.

"Presently, although Upper Penampang is very near to the Kota Kinabalu city centre with its magnificent view of the Kota Kinabalu and much of the West coast, the fresh air, the pristine forests, the quiet surroundings, the fresh and clean rivers, very few tourists and visitors come to these areas due to lack of accommodation and recreational facilities," Sampil added.

The MANTAP initiative aligns with the Penampang Development Plan initiated by Datuk Ewon Benedick, the current Penampang Member of Parliament. It is envisioned as a community and private sector-led endeavor, with the government providing crucial support. Approximately 40 villages, encompassing 25,000-30,000 villagers, are expected to be directly involved.

A key component of MANTAP is the creation of about 750 rooms with recreational facilities, distributed across the villages, over the next 5 to 10 years (2025-2035). This infrastructure is anticipated to draw tourists to stay and experience the unique attributes of Upper Penampang.

“To complement the accommodations, the initiative will also develop supporting components such as government policy, agricultural and fisheries produce, infrastructure, community engagement, and marketing strategies. An action plan and roadmap are being crafted to ensure the success of these components.

"When fully implemented, this MANTAP initiative can potentially generate an annual turnover of RM 100 million for Penampang's economy, generate employment opportunities of around 2,000, and create at least 500 new entrepreneurs."

The initiative is expected to be a significant milestone in Penampang's development, contributing to the state government's goals of economic progress, entrepreneurship, and improved living standards.