Tag - Tourism

KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of the special security area covering Sabah's eastern coastline will further boost the confidence of tourists as well as tourism players including island tour operators. Source: New Straits Times

KOTA KINABALU- State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun has urged the people here not to allow themselves to become tools of rumour-mongering. In a statement here, he said the people of Sabah can assist in watering down negative perception following the Lahad Datu intrusion by resisting the urge to post baseless rumours to Facebook and Twitter accounts. "Foreign tourists confidence in Sabah depends a lot in the way Sabah people conduct themselves. "What Sabahans post in social forums reflect themselves and Sabah. "If we truly love our state, every one of us should consider ourselves as ambassadors to promote Sabah positively to the world," he said. Masidi admitted that what happened in Lahad Datu has had some impact on the tourism industry in Sabah. The people especially those in tourism industry, have a lot to do to woo back tourists. The Federal and the State authorities in the meantime, are doing their best to bring confidence in the industry in Sabah, added Masidi. Source:  New Straits Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is a safe place to visit and the tourism business is operating as usual, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. He said tourism operators in the state are working together to inform their partners overseas that Sabah is open to travellers, including the attractions on the east coast. The east coast of Sabah is the getaway to Borneo’s premier eco and wildlife attractions, including Danum Valley and Sipadan. “We are working closely with our airline partners, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to disseminate this information as well. Tourists who have visited and stayed in Lahad Datu and islands of Semporna have come back full of enthusiasm and happy to continue with their tours. They felt safe and secure. “They informed us that things are normal and communities on the east coast are going about their daily activities. Shops and business are open. The IGP (Inspector General of Police) of the Royal Malaysia Police himself had reassured that Sabah is safe for visitors. “Our security forces have cordoned the affected areas which are no way near our tourism attractions,” Masidi said yesterday. He also said media and the general public could inform their followers on social media that Sabah is safe, including Lahad Datu and Semporna islands. On the setting up of the Special Security Area, he said it was to ensure safety and security in the area. “This is a welcome move by the authorities as a long-term solution to deter illegal entry and smuggling from neighbouring countries,” he added. Source : Borneo Post

LAHAD DATU: “Sabah is safe. There is no doubt about it,” says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, when giving the assurance yesterday in the hope that the tourism trend in Sabah will not be affected by the armed intrusion incident. He said measures have been taken by the security forces to ensure the conflicts at the Felda Sahabat red zone area will end soon. “We are hoping that peace will be restored as soon as the operations are completed. However, I can assure that Sabah is safe. Those who have made earlier plans to come to Sabah to enjoy its beaches and jungle need not cancel,” said Muhyiddin. He said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, have also given assurance that the tourists’ safety would be protected. Source : Borneo Post

Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (Fapa) will hold its 25th congress at Sutera Harbour Resort here from Oct 8 to 12 next year. Fapa, which operates from its headquarters in Manila, Philippines, comprises pharmacists from 18 member countries. The last venue for this biennial congress was Bali, Indonesia, in September last year. Announcing this in a press conference held at Pacific Sutera here Saturday, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) President Datuk Nancy Ho, who is the organising chairperson, said about 1,200 delegates are expected at next year's congress. She said many notable speakers from all over the world will also be here to share their knowledge on selected topics covering different sections of the Science of Pharmacy. The theme for the 2014 congress would be "Expanding the Pharmacists' Role in Wellness and Sustainable Health", she said, adding that a poster exhibition would be held in addition to a plenary and scientific programme. She said a comprehensive programme has been compiled to cater for the interest of delegates who shall represent different arenas including Hospital Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Government and Administration, Industrial Pharmacy, academia, research and development, manufacturing and pharmacy specialities, among others. "2014 will be a significant year because Fapa will celebrate its 50th Golden Anniversary and the Fapa Congress will hold its 25th Silver Jubilee," she said, adding there would also be field trips, golf tournament and pre- and post-congress tours, which include climbing Mount Kinabalu. She said Sabah is considered ideal for the congress because of its strategic position, air accessibility, location in the mega biodiversity basin, research and development in science, tourism-friendly environment and people-friendly stable government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. The organising committee for next year's congress consists of pharmacists from the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, Health Ministry and Sabah Pharmaceutical Society, and it is supported by the State Government, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Health Ministry, MyCeb, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Angkatan Hebat Sdn Bhd and Sri Pelancongan Sdn Bhd. Source : Daily Express