Organise photographic exhibition on Tawau's natural attractions — Christina
TAWAU: Member of Parliament for Tawau, Datuk Christina Liew has proposed a photographic exhibition on Tawau's natural attractions as yet another means of promoting the destination to both domestic and international tourists.
She made the proposal after meeting two Tawau-born veteran photographers Winston Tai, 67, and Stephen Chin Yun Kwong, 65, while visiting her constituents at Tea Street, here, recently.
“Photography is a vital tool for disseminating information on Tawau's rich flora and fauna, and other natural attractions such as the Tawau Hills Park, mountains, hot springs and waterfalls. A picture is worth a thousand words. We can display spectacular photos of Tawau's natural scenery and sunset when we promote the place overseas,” said Christina who is also Deputy Chief Minister-cumMinister of Tourism, Culture and Environment.
The Minister said her ministry would consider supporting the photographic exhibition while suggesting that it be held not only in Tawau but also in the State capital to boost domestic tourism as well.
Tai and Chin have a vast collection of photos of birds (including the seagull and a rare multi-coloured pigeon found in the Kalabakan area), butterflies, flowers, monkeys, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
The duo has also travelled to Kunak, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Semporna, among other districts, in search of the most scenic natural landscape of Sabah.
Tai started taking photographs at the age of 16 and has been a professional photographer for the last 40 years.
The studio owner is a life member of the Society of Photographers Malaysia, and had served as vicepresident and secretary of the Tawau Photographic Society for over 10 years.
Chin, his counterpart, said seven species of the kingfisher are found in the Tawau Hills Park - home to a wide range of birds.
“It is an ideal area for bird watching,” he said, adding he managed to capture images of at least five species of the kingfisher.