Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government will do its best to ensure the safety of tourists in the wake of several incidents involving particularly Chinese nationals.
“I am happy with the presence of many Chinese tourists in Sabah, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope the number will continue to increase.
The State Government will continue to work with Federal to upgrade tourism facilities in the State.
“I want the safety of tourists coming to Sabah to be given priority. We do not want any untoward incidents,” he said, when receiving a courtesy call from People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, at the State Legislative Assembly, Thursday.
Present were Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Huang Shifang, Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr. Safar Untong and State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Josie Lai.
There have been several fatal tourist accidents in the state this year, including incidents related to scuba diving, paragliding, and a recent road accident.
Last year, Sabah reported 13 accidents involving tourists, such as a boat overturning on Pulau Timba-Timba and a drowning incident with foreign tourists.
The State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment attributed these accidents to unlicensed operators who lacked safety protocols, stating they would regulate such activities for safety.
Hajiji said Sabah is also committed to strengthening cooperation with China in various sectors to bring more investors from that country.
He said there are currently investors from China in Sabah, among them the Kibing Group which is investing in solar glass manufacturing in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
“The presence of investors in Sabah not only improves the State’s economy but at the same time provides employment opportunities for the local population.
“Therefore, I hope more from China will invest in Sabah and we very much welcome their presence. More investors coming, including from China, is a good sign for our economy,” he said
He said the State and Federal governments would continue to work together to upgrade tourism facilities in the State. The Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme was also touched upon during the visit.
He wanted the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to sort out differences related to issue.
Meanwhile, Ouyang said the number of tourists from China to Malaysia is expected to double this summer (July).
“Of course tourists who come to Malaysia will also visit Sabah,” he said.
He said the Chinese Government is encouraging investment from that country to Malaysia in high-tech fields such as the digital economy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), solar and e-commerce.
“It is certain that both countries will receive benefits from this bilateral relationship, especially in the aspect of investment in the field of high technology,” he said.
