KOTA KINABALU – Sabah would have reached its 2.4 million visitors target this year much earlier if not for the suspension of MYAirline, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Liew said Sabah lost around 6,000 flights following the airline’s suspension.
“If not for the suspension of MYAirline, Sabah would have achieved the target much earlier this year … we are at 2.2 million now.
“If we were able to hit the 2.4 million arrivals target, Sabah would achieve RM2.9 billion in tourism receipts,” she told a press conference, here yesterday.
On October 12, MYAirline Sdn Bhd suspended its operations until further notice due to significant financial pressures.
In a statement, the low-cost airline said it has come to this “extremely painful decision” because of financial pressures that have made it necessary to suspend operations pending the shareholder restructuring and recapitalisation of the airline.
Meanwhile, Liew said Sabah expects up to 50,000 people to turn up for the 28th edition of the Semporna Regatta Lepa this year.
This is despite concerns over the lack of accommodation, transportation services, inconsistent power and water supplies, as well as cleanliness in the tiny East Coast district.
Liew assured that efforts are underway to ensure the three-day festivities, scheduled between November 17 and 19, go on without any hitch.
“The event has been held for over two decades and till now, transportation to Semporna for the festival has been smooth. Tour buses are plentiful (from the Tawau airport). I can assure you there will be no transportation problems in Semporna.
“The same with accommodation. Not just hotels, but also motels. I am certain we can accommodate all visitors,” she said.
The Semporna Regatta Lepa is an annual cultural and maritime festival in Semporna, celebrating the traditional Bajau Lepa-Lepa boat.
On another development, Liew welcomed the authorities’ decision to exclude Tawau from the dusk-till-dawn curfew recently, saying the move will certainly help increase the number of visitors to the district.
“I believe a lot of foreign countries and tourism players are aware of this now. I think this will attract more tourists to the east coast,” she said. – The Vibes, October 24, 2023
