TAMBUNAN, Sabah | 13 January 2026 – YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, Member of Parliament for P.180 Keningau and State Assemblyman for N.39 Tambunan, conducted a site inspection at Kolopis River Waterfall, Kampung Sunsuron, to assess its potential as an emerging eco-tourism destination and investment opportunity in the Tambunan District.
Dr. Jeffrey said the site offers distinctive natural features and strong prospects for development as a sustainable, low-impact tourism product aligned with Sabah’s eco-tourism strategy.
“Kolopis River Waterfall is a relatively undiscovered natural asset with significant potential to be positioned as a premium eco-tourism attraction, provided development is carried out in a structured, environmentally responsible manner,” he said.
Located approximately 45 minutes to one hour from the nearest road access, the waterfall features two tiers of crystal-clear, cool cascading waters and lies along the Mount Wakid trekking corridor, a route popular among hikers, adventure travellers and nature-based tourism operators.
According to Dr. Jeffrey, the visit also evaluated the site’s suitability for a proposed empurau fish aquaculture project, a high-value initiative expected to generate strong economic returns, job creation and downstream opportunities for the local community.
“Sustainable tourism development must be integrated with environmental conservation and inclusive economic growth to ensure long-term value for investors, local communities and the region,” he said.
The site inspection was coordinated by the Tambunan District Office and led by the Assistant District Officer (Development), Mr Willibrord Idang, with the participation of 32 officers and representatives from key technical departments and agencies.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Jeffrey expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved and underscored the importance of establishing a clear development framework and public-sector facilitation to unlock Tambunan’s tourism and investment potential.
“I am confident that Tambunan’s rich geography and natural resources can act as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive and investment-ready tourism development in the interior of Sabah,” he said.
