Emkay to build eco-tourism destination

Emkay to build eco-tourism destination
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PETALING JAYA: The Emkay group of companies will be developing a RM600mil world-class eco-tourism destination in Pulau Banding.

The group said in a statement it would develop the island as the gateway to the 130-million-year-old Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, which comprises the Royal Belum State Park, Belum Forest Reserve and Temengor Forest Reserve.

The group had on July 18 entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Kumpulan Fima Bhd to acquire another 294 acres in Pulau Banding for RM15.8mil, and now owned the entire 600-acre Pulau Banding, which lies within the Northern Corridor Economic Region.

It said the project would generate tourism income, job and business opportunities for the local community.

The project, which was scheduled for completion in 10 to 15 years, would also see extensive research being generated in the rainforest, harnessing its worth through various opportunities in biotechnology and pharmacology.

The first of the three-phase development would involve immediate refurbishment of the existing Banding Island Resort. The 27-room resort would be turned into a three-star resort with 120 rooms, complete with dining and meeting facilities.

Also to be developed are a rest and recreation centre, and a research centre donated by Yayasan Emkay for the use of non-governmental organisations or other interested parties keen to use the facilities to further their ongoing research into the Royal Belum and its surrounding rainforest.