Fish-bombing deaths have not affected tourist arrivals, says Sabah minister

KOTA KINABALU: The Semporna fish-bombing incident, which saw two Chinese tourists and a local dive instructor killed, appears to have had minimal impact on the tourism outlook there.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said as tragic as the incident was, no tours have been cancelled.

She said the state government had assisted the families of those involved, specifically the two Chinese nationals, in all ways possible throughout their stay here.

“We paid all their expenses and also made sure that each family received a RM50, 000 compassionate and goodwill grant to ease their burden, ” she said.

The families are also waiting for the police investigation into the culprits behind the incident.

“Once we have information and have completed the probe on this case, the families will then decide on whether to take legal action, ” Liew told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly building here Monday (Aug 5).

On Sabah's continuous efforts to bring in visitors to the state, she said various programmes were being held, including conducting familiarisation trips for the Hong Kong and Macau market to Sandakan, making use of social media, and so on.

She said they were also getting cooperation from tourism players in Sabah to make this work.

“We are aiming for four million arrivals this year, ” Liew said, adding that the state government was holding discussions with Turkish tourism players to attract at least a million visitors to Sabah.

“A major tour company's owner is coming to Sabah soon to explore what we have to offer, and if we manage to get their attention, we might be able to sign a 12-month memorandum of understanding to bring in Turkish visitors, ” she said.

Earlier Monday, during the state assembly question-and-answer session, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai asked whether Sabah was ready to accommodate the one million expected tourists.

Liew said yes, adding that while the number might seem big, thanks to the role of all tourism players, it would not be a problem.