Wednesday, July 26, 2017

New Marine Aquarium Centre at Manukan Island another tourist draw


KOTA KINABALU: The new Marine Aquarium Centre at Manukan Island will not only serve as a tourist attraction, but will also serve as a platform to educate the public on the importance and functions of marine life, especially sharks, said Sabah Parks director Dr Jamli Nais.

“This aquarium will be the supplier of information and, hopefully, will inspire visitors to learn more about the importance and functions of sharks in the marine ecosystem.

“This is in line with the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s declaration, which is to be a shark sanctuary along with the other marine parks in Sabah,” Jamli said at the soft launching of the aquarium yesterday.

Jamli disclosed that among the types of sharks that will be displayed is a blacktip reef shark.

He added that the park will be launched officially on September 1 and the entrance fee for the rest of the year will be free.

“This concept all started from an idea which is to have a marine exhibition centre very close to the city. With this new centre that we have just built, it will be easier for tourists to come and visit, as Manukan Island is only a 15-minute boat journey from the city centre,” Jamli added.

Yesterday’s event also marked the 43rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

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