JERTIH, Sept 7 – Set to welcome visitors soon, the Kelah Sanctuary at Lata Tembakah Eco-Forest Park in Hulu Besut, near here, is expected to offer nature lovers a new experience while further boosting the state’s eco-tourism sector.
Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said the recent release of 1,000 kelah fry marked an important first step towards developing the sanctuary while supporting efforts to conserve the species.
“The sanctuary will combine educational and eco-tourism elements, further enhancing the state’s nature-based tourism offerings.
“We will prioritise the involvement of the local community in caring for and maintaining the sanctuary to ensure that kelah conservation efforts can be carried out sustainably,” he said when contacted by Bernama here.
He said the Kelah Sanctuary at Lata Tembakah would add to Terengganu’s two existing kelah sanctuaries at Tasik Kenyir near Hulu Terengganu and Ulu Kasar near Setiu.
Razali said the new tourism product could further enhance Hulu Besut’s appeal as a recreational and eco-tourism destination while bringing economic benefits to the local community.
“The establishment of this sanctuary could help revive Lata Tembakah Waterfall as one of the state’s popular nature-based tourism destinations.
“This effort is also expected to help the state achieve its target of attracting about 15 million domestic and international tourists in conjunction with Visit Terengganu Year 2027,” he said.
In a similar development, Razali said the Terengganu State Forestry Office would announce the reopening date for Lata Tembakah Eco-Forest Park once improvement works at the site were completed.
The Eco-Forest Park has been closed for almost two years following damage to several facilities, including the suspension bridge, caused by the Northeast Monsoon in 2024.
