Visitor cap being considered for Sabah islands
Another island group in Southeast Asia is mulling a limit on visitor numbers to fight overtourism.
Officials want to manage the carrying capacity of the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, situated off the East Malaysia coast near Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais said current daily visitation is about 2,000 and a visitor cap is being looked at.
"We are going to limit the numbers but that can only be done once we go online to sell entrance tickets," he said.
"We have yet to discuss the exact figure but a study has been done according to the space available, the facilities and the volume of clean water."
Officials will discuss next steps with local tourism operators as well as representatives from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA).
The park comprises the five islands of Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sulug which are noted for snorkelling and scuba diving.
However its credibility is being challenged by high park entrance fees, the poor condition of facilities and growing levels of trash, mostly washing ashore from the mainland.
"Sabah Parks have increased its manpower to do beach clean-ups every morning before tourists arrive, Nais added.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season