KOTA KINABALU: The decision to gazetted Darvel Bay as marine park would be made in 2023.

The bay in Lahad Datu, with 117,000 hectare, has twice the size of Singapore island. It also has the Blue Ring dive site.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said such a decision would be made after public consultation that would take about six months starting end of next year.

Pada masa ini kita sedang giat mengumpul maklumat utk persediaan konsultasi dan membangunkan pelan pengurusan.

“For this purpose, we will go to the ground to conduct sociological study at villages while a follow up scientific expedition would be made early next year.

“The management planning concept is also expected to produce to be discussed with stakeholders including tour operators at the area,” he said during the 16th state Assembly sitting for the question and answer session.

Jafry also added that Sabah Parks would also prepare proposal plan for the gazettement of the borders together with land application forms to be submitted to Sabah Land Surveryor.

“The gazetement process is slightly affected by Covid-19 pandemic this year.”