International airport for Sandakan, Tawau

BY ALIZA ALAWI

KINABATANGAN: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mohamaddin Ketapi will propose to the Government to upgrade the airports in Sandakan and Tawau to international air hub.

According to him, the proposal is due to the diversity of tourism products available in Malaysia especially in Sabah which should be promoted extensively to foreign countries.

“Obviously, it will help to increase the country’s revenue if the number of international tourist arrivals to Sabah also increases from time to time,” Mohamaddin said.

Through the proposal, he said arts and crafts activities could help to spur Sabah’s economy, especially through eco-tourism in rural areas, he said when launching the 4th Pesta Damas at the Dataran Tamu Pekan Sukau here on Sunday.

Hence, Mohamaddin calls on rural folks to play an increasing role in diversifying art and handicraft activities to attract foreign tourists.

“We will further boost the activities of tourists, crafts and arts in rural areas to broaden the market of the products apart from wooing tourists to generate the people’s income,” he said.

Also present were Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah (SABAS) president, Dato ‘Juhari Hj Janan, Assistant Sabah Minister of Tourism and Culture and Environment Assafal Panglima Alian and Assistant Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports, Arunarnsin Taib.

Mohamaddin said Malaysia received 25.9 million tourist arrivals, which generated revenue of RM184 billion from January to September this year.

Earlier at the event, Mohammadin was awarded the “Tagajoh” title by Juhari in recognition of his leadership, struggle and devoted services especially to the Sungai community in Sabah.

Source: New Sabah Times