Kuala Lumpur: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing urged local authorities to intensify efforts aimed at revitalising Sandakan town.
Tiong, who is well-versed on the challenges facing Sandakan’s tourism sector, said this during a meeting with a delegation of tourism players from Sandakan at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Wilayah Persekutuan KL, recently.
His directive underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering the region’s tourism potential, ensuring sustainable growth and improved visitor experiences.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Kinabatangan – Corridor of Life Tourism Operator Association (KiTA), Johnny Lim, who led the delegation, said among the key topics discussed during the meeting was the urgent need to increase petrol quota allocated to tourism operators in Kinabatangan.
“There is an urgent need to increase the petrol quota allocated to tourism operators in Kinabatangan, particularly crucial for river cruising activities along the Kinabatangan River.
“Most operators voiced concerns about current limitations hindering operational capabilities.
“Moreover, we also discussed on reinstating tourism tax exemptions, aimed at benefiting local inbound tour operators striving to attract foreign tourists to Malaysia,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
Apart from that, a discussion on infrastructure also took centre stage, with a call for the upgrading and maintenance of Sandakan’s airport facilities.
The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism, as stakeholders expressed confidence in the Minister’s proactive approach and pledged continued collaboration towards realising Sandakan’s tourism aspirations.
Also present during the meeting were Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong, members of KiTA, Amy Chin and Jonathan Cheng.
