National tourism body joins Sabah Ministers and Kudat Assemblyman, among others: More support for Mazu to proceed
Published on: Saturday, April 01, 2023
By: Nikko Fabian
Joachim with Chong and local Muslim leaders during a visit to the site early this week.
Kota Kinabalu: More support is pouring in for the proposed revival of the stalled Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) project – this time from the association representing tourism players who know the industry best.The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said it is what Sabah badly needs right now post-Covid with neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines in fierce competition for scarce tourist dollars.
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The association concurred with Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew and local residents of Kudat in suggesting that it may be time to revisit the project which was cancelled midway by a previous government 17 years ago.
Matta’s national President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the “Goddess of the Sea” statue would definitely benefit Sabah’s tourism industry and uplift the livelihood of many in Kudat that is now ranked as among the Sabah’s poorest districts.
“Kudat will experience a tourism boom if the project is revived and successfully completed,” Matta said.
Matta’s national President Datuk Tan Kok Liang
It said the mega project that is private-funded would rejuvenate Kudat as a must-visit destination.
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“The Kudat Riveria project and the Ro-Ro ferry service linking Kudat and Palawan did not materialise, thus failing to boost tourism activities there.
“These days promoting places like Kudat as a tourist destination is an uphill task due to poor road conditions, four hours’ drive and lacklustre tourism products there.
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“There is nothing much to make tourists visit a place like Kudat. It is considered a stale tourist destination and the Mazu statue will change all this for the better.
“Mazu may save the day for many businesses there, including even the property sector as land values will also go up when more tourists eventually start going there,” he said.
He said Sabah would then attract three categories of international and domestic tourists, namely eco-tourists (Sandakan), adventure tourists (Kinabalu and Sipadan) and religious tourists (Kudat).
“No other place in Malaysia has all these in one destination like Sabah. The seafood restaurants will cater to all these tourists. Imagine how much revenue this would mean for Sabah,” Tan said.
Tan cited the Wat Chayamangkalaram and the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang and the Lord Murugan Statue in Batu Caves which attract hordes of tourists from the UK, Europe and many key source markets into Malaysia.
“The Statue of Unity being the world’s tallest in Gujarat, India, and Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro attract millions of visitors each year.
“Obviously, the Mazu project will initially attract Chinese tourists who are always looking into new tour packages and attractions.
“With targeted marketing campaigns, the Mazu project with its ancillary facilities would be able to also lure other segments of international tourists apart from Chinese tourists.”
Last week, State Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said Sabah would experience a tourism boom if the stalled Mazu project is allowed to proceed.
Hence, she said, the Mazu project warrants another look by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led State Government. She also said it was time to put aside past political differences and do what is right for Sabah and its people.
She was referring to the decision by the then State Government to halt the project in 2007 due to apparent political differences, even though the Kudat Town Board approved the project in 2005.
Christina made a side trip to the site at the request of the local community during her two-day working visit and who were in favour.
Christina assured that she would bring the matter to the attention of the State Government and the Chief Minister for consideration.
“It will definitely be a tourism icon and boost the tourism sector in the district, just like the spectacular Tip of Borneo and other hotspots in Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who visited the Mazu site on Tuesday also expressed his support.
“Personally, I do not see any problem and support this effort because I am convinced that it provides great benefits to the people of Kudat and adds value to the state’s tourism industry.
“This statue will become another landmark as well as a tourist attraction in the area,” said Dr Joachim.
Also present during the visit were former Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat who was also an advisor to the project, local leaders consisting of District Heads, Native Heads (KAN), Deputy Heads of Natives (Wkan) and Chinese captains.
Executive Director of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated (KTC) Berhad, Datuk Dexter Lau, had earlier also proposed that the State Government continue the project.
Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Ben Chong Chen Bin said the Mazu statue would bring great benefits not only to the tourism industry but also to Sabah’s economy directly.
He was confident that the State’s tourism sector which collapsed after the Covid-19 pandemic would bounce back strong once construction of the 33-metre statue is fully completed.
“I strongly support this effort because it will be a catalyst for the advancement of the tourism industry and stimulate the economy in this State. It will also bring benefits to Kudat district and the people,” he said in a statement.
Ben said he was grateful to Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim for the support.
“Dr Joachim understands the need for action to boost the economy and the tourism industry in this state.
“I also thank State Minister Christina who voiced the initiative after it was abandoned,” he said.
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