Sabahans should take opportunity to enjoy less crowded tourist destinations

By Olivia Miwil - May 16, 2020 @ 3:10pm

KOTA KINABALU: This is the time for people of Sabah to enjoy the great tourism products in the state, said Richard Swann.

The Briton, who has been staying here for 20 years, said that the conditional movement control order (CMCO) made all the great destinations less crowded as compared to before.

"I love this place. I am really excited to visit Sipadan island (in Semporna) without the crowd and climbing Mount Kinabalu with less people.

"It is indeed local tourism that people can benefit from for now," he said when met at a dive centre off Taman Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) here.

Sabah government has allowed the reopening of the tourism sectors since May 10, however, Sabah Parks only opens its 24 public sites including TARP today.

Swann, who is a dive operator, took five tourists for diving activities around the park today.

He said people have been locked for so long during MCO and they should go out and enjoy the nature.

"From our side, we give clear guidelines to our divers, ensure social distancing, wear personal protective equipment, disinfect surfaces on the boat and our facilities, as well as diving equipment.

"The most important thing is people's awareness on how the virus is spread and they have to follow rules and respect each other.

"Other than that, divers just have fun in the water as it is the safest place (from the virus)."