Bilingual road signs in Sabah makes it convenient for tourists

By Olivia Miwil - November 21, 2018 @ 5:32pm

Sabah government has no issue about putting up bilingual road signs as it is beneficial for tourism, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew. Pic by NSTP/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government has no issue about putting up bilingual road signs as it is beneficial for tourism, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew.

“The dual language road signs (which are in Malay and Chinese) make it more convenient for travellers.

“There are many independent tourists who rely on their maps, and these road signs help them to get around,” she said, adding that the state government was looking into putting up more such signs in future.

She was responding to recent moves by Selangor government in dismantling dual language road signs at several areas following a decree from the Sultan.

Liew, who is also state Deputy Chief Minister, was speaking at a press conference on the month-long of First Sabah International Lantern and Folk Art Festival next year.

“Tentatively, the festival will begin on Feb 1 and the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is expected to launch it.

“As it is held in conjunction with Chinese New Year, the festival will also give more activities for people during holidays to see lanterns and also cultural exchanges between China and Sabah,” she said, adding the venue will span from Prince Philip Park to First Beach of Tanjung Aru.

There will be a display of about 3,000 lanterns and the highlights will include Sabah wildlife such as the Orang Utan and the Chinese iconic dragon.

A minimum entrance fee for the large-scale lantern festival will be announced later.

When asked on the ministry’s efforts to revive Tanjung Aru beach through organising activities, Liew agreed the place was a favourite and nostalgic venue for many people in Sabah.

Liew’s ministry will also organise Tanjung Aru beach festival this weekend.

As for the Tanjung Aru Eco Development project, Liew said the state government was still reviewing proposals on the said project by previous government.