KOTA KINABALU: The increment of Sabah Parks entrance fees will be low and reasonable, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Jafry Ariffin.

"(The increment) is made based on the decision by (Sabah Parks) board of trustees.

"There are 31 types of fees, but only six will be increased as it is based on accommodating expenses," he told reporters after a briefing programme with district officers and district council executive officers here.

Jafry added that the increment would come into force starting July. 

Among the places that will see an increase in entrance or permit fees are Mount Kinabalu in Ranau and Sipadan in Semporna.

"Most of the increments are still reasonable. Sabah Parks had made comparisons with other places, and found that the price increase is not drastic and it is more for the foreigners."

Recently, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the last revision for entrance fees was 20 years ago.

He had said the day-to-day maintenance costs were getting higher and revenue could no longer cover expensive conservation costs.