Sabah government focuses on safety of tourists

By OLIVIA MIWIL - November 13, 2017 @ 5:47pm

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will focus more on the tourism sector, especially the safety of tourists.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said the booming tourism sector required operators, hoteliers and other industry players to put in place safety protocols to better protect tourists.

“We take visitors to the mountains and islands, (because) those are our attractions, but they should not be compromised in terms of safety protocols.

“Tourism is not only about where we take tourists to, but it also involves food and lodging,” he said, adding that transportation was a huge safety concern in the industry.

Tan, who is also the state industrial development minister, said this after the launch of the two-day Fifth Borneo Occupational Safety and Health Conference and Exhibition (BOSH 2017) here today.

He said all tour operators must put in place safety measures apart from making sure their businesses were doing well.

“We will work with the small- and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, with the collaboration of the National Occupational Safety and Health, to conduct training and provide certification in safety protocols to enhance the quality of services.”

Present were NIOSH chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, executive director Ayop Salleh and state manager Mohd Hussin Abd Salam.

Hussin said NIOSH was working closely with the Tourism and Culture Ministry and the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Department to tackle safety measures issues.

“Some tourists are not particular about their safety, that is why NIOSH wants to engage industry players to cope with the influx of tourists into the state. Safety is important, especially in water activities such as diving and snorkelling, and transport such as water taxis.

“More workshops will be held next year to assist hoteliers, operators and taxi operators to come up with procedures to suit their nature of business.”

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Raymond Tan Shu Kiah (center) with NIOSH Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (right) and Executive Director of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Ayop Salleh (left) officiating the ‘5th Borneo Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health 'at Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu. (pix by IZHARI ARIFFIN)