SANDAKAN: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has engaged with elected representatives and tourism stakeholders in Sandakan to get feedbacks on tourism-related issues and proposed solutions.
Chaired by STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the engagement was in response to concerns affecting efforts to revive Sandakan tourism and to encourage discussion and ideas from all quarters.
“In tourism, every idea counts, no matter where it comes from. We must work together, across political lines, to ensure Sandakan and Sabah are well-positioned on the tourism map.
“Tourism is for all of Sabah, and every good idea can make a difference,” said Joniston, who is also Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister.
Among those present were Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong, Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Sandakan Municipal Council President Henry Idol, and representatives of various local stakeholders.
During the engagement on Wednesday, Julinus presented a briefing on the current state of tourism in Sabah and Sandakan.
He highlighted Sandakan’s many attractions, with Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Agnes Keith House being the top three most visited products.
Attendees were also given an overview of air accessibility to Sandakan, with the district having direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (27 weekly flights), Kota Kinabalu (36 weekly flights), Tawau (7 weekly flights), and Lahad Datu (7 weekly flights).
Airlines flying into Sandakan are AirAsia, MASWings, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly.
Julinus also reiterated STB’s commitment to continuing the promotion of Sandakan to new markets and pursuing potential direct flights with airlines.
This effort, he said, includes promoting Sandakan’s gastronomy and the coastal town’s identity as ‘Little Hong Kong’.
Meanwhile, Calvin emphasised the need to identify Sandakan’s unique selling points and address the issues of abandoned and dilapidated buildings in the old coastal town.
He also suggested that STB develop an impactful slogan to attract visitors to stay in Sandakan.
Vivian pointed out that travel advisories are a factor that may deter potential tourists.
She was also keen on the idea of reviving Sandakan’s ‘Little Hong Kong’ identity, while suggesting the need to focus on promoting Chinese activities.
Both representatives also stressed the importance of bringing in direct flights to Sandakan, whether domestic or international.
“Any new flight to Sandakan, we would welcome,” Vivian added.
During the session, Sandakan’s key tourism players also shared feedback received from tourists and tour operators.
They emphasized that these insights should be taken seriously to improve the visitor experience.
Among the concerns raised were the insufficient parking space for tourist buses, including at Sandakan International Airport, issues with town cleanliness, lack of lighting, crime-related security concerns, and the need for proper walkways due to damage caused by tree roots.
In response, Joniston said all the issues, challenges and proposed solutions gathered from the engagement would be compiled as a reference to deal with the various issues and concerns raised.
“Perhaps we should also consider coming up with an action plan to revive Sandakan tourism with STB as the secretariat,” he said.
Industry players here have been grappling to revive tourism in Sandakan for quite some time brought about by security concerns.
