TOURISM operators in Sabah are beginning to feel the effects of the conflict in West Asia, which has also had an impact on the increase in global oil prices.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said that the increase in oil prices has a direct impact on operating costs, especially involving the transportation sector in the tourism industry.
"We are indeed affected by the war in West Asia, where the main problem is oil, and this oil involves transportation, and Sabah is very important in terms of connectivity.
"So our operators are indeed affected, but we are still waiting for instructions or action from the Federal government.
"I understand that the Prime Minister will call all Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers to discuss the next steps.
"We do expect a significant impact when the price of oil increases because it involves transportation, boats and the tourism sector. So that is what we are facing now," he said.
He said boat, transport, sightseeing buses and other operators are having to increase their prices accordingly.
On claims that the situation could be a second wave after the Covid-19 pandemic, he hoped that this would not happen, but admitted that there would be an impact on tourism bookings.
"We pray that it does not reach that level. However, I advise entrepreneurs to remain calm and practice frugality.
"The tourism sector may be affected in terms of bookings and cancellations, but this is a reality that not only we are facing, but the whole world is also affected," he said.
On the proposed meeting with the state government regarding intervention on the issue, including tourism, he said the matter would also involve engagement with relevant parties.
"The tourism sector has indeed been affected, and the government is very concerned because it is one of the major economic contributors in Sabah. The tourism ministry will be involved in this engagement," he explained.
He added that the ministry had also prepared data and studies to be submitted for further discussion. – March 28, 2026
