Sabah looking at attracting more tourists

BY OLIVIA MIWIL - 22 JUNE 2014 @ 1:33 PM

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is focusing on Indonesia, South Korea and European countries for tourism promotions.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said that the strategy would help to keep the industry on the track after several kidnapping cases involving the people from the Republic of China.

"We understand that abducting and Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 cases have badly affected the families of victims, especially those who lost their only child in those incidents.

"Thus, the strategy is to let them calm down while the government is looking into other alternatives to attract visitors," he said after officiating Astro Kasih's Beautiful Malaysia programme at Likas bay here.

Masidi also revealed while there was a reduction in numbers of tourists going to east coast of the state, there were still many individual travellers visiting the west coast areas.

The government is also working closely with China consul-general in Kuching in exchanging statistics and information to maintain diplomatic relationship between two countries.

While voicing his optimistic that government would be able to stop rampant kidnapping cases, the minister also urged the people of Sabah to lend a hand in preventing security breaching by illegal immigrants.

"As simple as locals taking up odd jobs or not renting out property to immigrants could stop them from being present to look for livelihood at the state," he added.