KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Assistant Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has proposed the introduction of a cruise ferry service linking Peninsular Malaysia with Borneo to advance Sabah's rural tourism.
The suggestion came as a response to the positive reception at the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Bangkuai said that improved access is essential for promoting tourism and fostering national unity.
"A cruise ferry service could offer a strategic and affordable travel option, which is even more attractive given the rising costs of flights," he said at the SCBTF launch at IOI City Mall Putrajaya on Saturday (Oct 19).
He added that the Federal Government should consider reintroducing a service akin to the 1980s' Feri Muhibbah, which served as a vital link for national integration between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The SCBTF, now in its sixth edition and for the first time outside Sabah, features 27 tourism associations from 22 districts and five artisan entrepreneurs.
The fair, running from Oct 16-20, is an initiative by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to showcase rural communities' unique offerings.
Bangkuai, also serving as STB chairman, said that rural destinations like Kadamaian and Kiulu attracted 139,449 visitors last year, accumulating revenue of RM3.505mil, a figure that could increase with better data gathering.
STB's CEO, Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, highlighted their commitment to training and capacity-building for rural tourism operators to ensure they meet industry benchmarks.
"Our team is determined to support rural communities in promoting their destinations both locally and globally. By working closely with local operators, we aim to boost their presence in the tourism sector," he added.
