THE RECENT comments by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over matters linked to tourism in Sabah are not an issue, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
She said Tiong’s comments were actually constructive and aimed at improving tourism in Sabah.
“I don’t see him (Tiong) as bullying us. He is seen as caring for us and wants us to do good. There is always room for improvement and I appreciate it very much,” she told reporters in Kota Kinabalu.
Liew held a conference to announce the organising of the state Chinese New Year celebration to be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on the first day of Chinese New Year, which will be in two weeks.
Tiong in August last year issued a red notice that he may deter tourists from going to Semporna over cleanliness issues and in November called on the Sabah government to raise safety standards for tourists.
This after 13 accidents involving tourists were reported, including the capsizing of a boat and drowning incident in Kudat.
Tiong also lambasted the hidden camera incident at an AirBnB home rented by a couple from China in September last year.
Liew said she has already held talks with the Eastern Sabah Security Command over the security concerns in the East Coast of Sabah, and also the police and highlighted that tourists had recently been robbed in the state.
On another note, Liew said Sabah has set a target of 2.8 million visitors this year, and 2.5 million tourists visited the state between January to December 2023, bringing around RM4.6 billion in tourism receipts.
She said the Sabah Convention Bureau has been established under her ministry to promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Liew states MICE is an important segment in Sabah tourism, as participants of such events will stay longer and this would be good for the industry and also bring in investments.
She also said the state will commence the Sabah version of the MySecond home programme by the first quarter of the year, while announcing several appointments in her ministry.
She said the Sabah Tourism Board now has a new Chief Executive Officer, Julinus Jimit, while Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai’s position as the Sabah Tourism Board Chairman has been extended.
Liew also announced the ministry’s new permanent secretary, Josie Lai, and several appointments into the Sabah Tourism Board.
Meanwhile, Liew reiterated her dissatisfaction over the poor amenities at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, expressing hope for the government to hasten upgrades and repairs.
She also raised the need to upgrade the Tawau and Sandakan airports as the commencement of thrice-weekly Nanjing, China flights to Tawau would be soon.
On the state-level Chinese New Year celebration, Liew anticipated over 10,000 people would attend the event which will be held on the first day.
She said the event will be attended by Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and the chief minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. – The Vibes, January 16, 2023
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