Shanghai Airlines’ arrival a boost for Sabah air links

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's efforts to bolster its air connectivity and tourism industry achieved another milestone with the arrival of a Shanghai Airlines flight here on Sunday (July 2). Shanghai Airlines is now the second China-based airline to resume direct flights into the city, following the return of China Southern Airlines in April. State Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, welcomed the 159 passengers of the inaugural Shanghai Airlines flight. (more…)
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Iconic three-decade Mt Kinabalu climbathon comes to an end

KOTA KINABALU: The iconic Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, dubbed as Malaysia's toughest mountain race, will finally bring its curtains down after a 30-year run. Event race director, Zachary Mobijohn said the move to discontinue the prestigious race was decided as the objective of promoting Mount Kinabalu had been achieved. “Initially, the original purpose of organising the race was as a marketing tool to promote Mount Kinabalu. “We had achieved the objective and the mountain is being over promoted now,” he said, adding any event would definitely have a start and an end. Zachary added that the discontinuation of the Climbathon, is also aimed at preserving Mount Kinabalu’s status as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage. “Mount Kinabalu has its own carrying capacity or the maximum number of persons that can be at the mountain at one time. “There are also minimal development that can be done at the site,” he said, adding such controls would help to maintain the natural state of Sabah’s iconic landmark in long terms. On reactions over the cessation of the Climbathon, he said many of the race’s affiliations such as the Sabah Parks, International Skyrunning Federation and World Mountain Running Association among others have been informed about the decision. “Some of them were sad due to the discontinuation, but they do understand,” he said, adding the organiser would focus on other promotional events. The 30th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon,which was held on Oct 15, 2017, saw Sabahan Safrey Sumping emerged champion when he clocked in at 2.18.28 for a shortened race route from Kinabalu Park to Panalaban, which stands 3,272 metres above sea level. The Climbathon saw 116 runners from 18 countries and locally vying for honours in Kundasang with temperature of 7 degrees Celsius at Panalaban. Source: New Straight Times
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Majlis Berbuka Puasa YB Puan Christina Liew

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, YB Puan Christina Liew officially meets with staff from all agencies and departments under her Ministry during Majlis Berbuka Puasa held at Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu on 23 May 2018.   From left: Puan Hajah Mariam Omar Matusin, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,  from Sabah Tourism Board, Puan Noredah Othman (Deputy General Manager), Pn. Suzaini Datuk Sabdin Ghani (General Manager),  YB Puan Christina Liew, and Mr. Kevin Chin, Deputy General Manager of Sabah Tourism Board.
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