Poring Hot Springs to be upgraded

THE State government proposes to upgrade the Poring Hot Springs site in Ranau to attract more tourists.

Deputy Chief Minister Christina Liew said the capacity of visitors’ opportunity to access the hot water at the Poring Hot Springs has reached a maximum of 131 people at any one time.

She said it was high time the tourist destination was upgraded as it is a popular attraction not only to international tourists, but locals as well.

“Due to high tourist arrivals, we are considering extending the area and adding facilities such as chalets.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment suggests to add three hot springs along with 10 to 20 chalets at the foothills of the area,” she said during a press conference after a question and answer session at the State Assembly sitting yesterday.

Christina, who is also Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said if the proposal was approved by the State cabinet, working papers will be prepared to carry out upgrading works.

She further said current fees at the site are very low and cannot cover cost of maintenance needed to upkeep the area.

“The chalets to come will incur a high entrance fee, specifically for international tourists. This will supplement any maintenance costs needed for the site,” she said.

According to Christina, 416,000 people visited the Poring Hot Springs last year with 20 per cent foreign tourists, generating a total revenue of RM3,070,324.