The geological site Tanjung Batu is estimated to be more than 15 million years, one out of six in Labuan with potential for tourism growth, according to the authorities ' findings.

This was revealed during a visit to the site by officials of the Malaysian Ministry for Minerals and Geoscience and the Ministry for Environment, Lands and Natural Resources.

Geological site Tanjung Batu is dominated by sandstone lithology that is characterized by extremely light, gray sandstone at the base, interspersed with the sandstone and claystone formation of Belait.

Sedimentary structures and features include tafoni, hummocky and trough cross-stratification, and sea caves.

Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Dr Fary Akmal Osman told Bernama today that the officials’ visit showed the government’s commitment in efforts to preserve geological sites in the country.

"We are pleased to note that Labuan has geological sites that can be used for research, education, and development of tourism," she said.

Here have been found at least seven high-patrimony geological sites that qualify Labuan as a national geopark.

Of the number, six have been through some systematic steps including identification, characterization, classification, assessment, and evaluation.

Fary said various relevant government agencies including researchers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) would assist Labuan Corporation to develop the sites.

The discovery of the seven sites was revealed by the National Geopark Steering Committee to the local authority, Labuan Corporation, last year.

The sites are in Tanjung Batu, Chimney Walking Trail Museum, Lubok Temiang Disused Coal Mining Site, Ganggarak Gas Oil Hills, Tanjung Layang-Layangan, the mud volcano in Kampung Layang-Layangan and the Tanjung Punei Crocker Formation of Sand Rock in Tanjung Kiamsam.

The seven sites were evaluated in May 2019 by the committee, led by Professor Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo.

Fary said some of the geological sites are situated on private land and negotiations are needed for further preservation.

“Labuan Corporation will conduct seminars and training for tourism industry players on the geological tourism sites,” she said.