In Labuan, at least eight geological sites with a high heritage quality are identified, potentially qualifying it as a National Geopark.

The discovery was revealed to the Labuan Corporation (LC) local authority by the National Geopark Steering Committee.

LC Chief Executive Dr. Fary Akmal Osman said the discovery of the eight geological sites would "move" the agency to establish strategic plans for the protection and restoration of the sites as recommended by the committee.

The eight sites are found in Tanjung Batu, Muzium Chimney Walking Path, Lubok Temiang Disused Coal Mining Site [ 1848-1946 ], Ganggarak Gas Oil Hills oil leakage, Tanjung Layang-Layangan, Kg Bebuloh Laut Series of Marine Sedimentary Rocks, Kampung Layang-Layangan mud volcano, and Tanjung Punei Crocker Sand Rock Formation in Tanjung Kiamsam.

The Committee, headed by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim Komoo, assessed the seven sites in May 2018 and proposed that Labuan be declared a national geopark. The committee also suggested that signages be installed for public scientific information on all seven sites.

There were three geological site groups on the island – Temburong Formation (Middle Oligocene-Early Miocene), Setap Shale Formation (Brondijk, 1963) and Belait Formation (early-late formation), according to the results of the commission.

The Temburong Formation is the oldest rock (deepwater turbidity), followed by Setap Shale (outer nerite to coastal) and Belait Formation (fluvial and shallow sea).

Students and local researchers visit the Ganggarak Gas Oil Hills, which was found to have oil leaks from the sandstone and conglomerate layers.

In several of the geological sites, as in Kg Bebuloh Darat, fossils were also found associated with a geological formation.

Located in Kg Layangan, the only volcanic mud found in Labuan could theoretically be turned into an attraction for eco and geo-tourism.

In Pulau Tiga, Semenanjung Klias, Kudat, and Tawau, the mud volcano is similar to that of.

Fary said the geological site discovery will put Labuan in the country alongside Langkawi and other national geoparks.

"Geological sites add value to the tourism sector of Labuan, as the sites can attract researchers to Labuan," she said.