KOTA KINABALU: The rejuvenation of Kudat’s tourism sector requires a comprehensive collaboration among stakeholders to create and implement an effective solution, said Barisan Nasional candidate for Tanjong Kapor Kelvin Lee Sip Kim.
Lee said that based on feedback from various tour operators, his team has determined five challenges faced by tourists in Kudat - connectivity, frequent electricity and water cuts, poor Internet connectivity, limited accommodation options and lack of island hopping tours.
According to Lee, Kudat remains a distance away from the nearest airport.
“Coupled with the prospects of travelling on poor road conditions, it causes many tourists to choose nearby attractions which are easier to reach,” said Lee in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 26).
Lee also said there is limited Internet connectivity in certain areas and many existing resorts there are small and basic.
“There are no options for high-end tourists who seek luxury accommodation.
“There are also no regular island hopping services, except for chartered tours and these are usually more expensive,” he added.
At the same time, Lee said there is a need to ensure that any development in Kudat’s tourism industry must ensure the protection of its natural resources.
“As such, any such development must also be done in collaboration with the government, and not solely be held by businesses alone,” he added.
Lee said that Kudat, famed for Simpang Mengayau, or the Tip of Borneo, is also celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
“Kudat is also a renowned diving spot among divers, with many resorts offering scuba diving certification and tours.
“Unfortunately, due to the lack of a comprehensive framework, each tour operator is mostly operating independently without a proper plan for progress,” said Lee.
Lee said if he was given the mandate to be the Tanjong Kapor state assemblyman, he plans to bring together relevant government agencies, as well as tour operators and related tourism industries.
Lee is facing an 11-cornered fight in Tanjong Kapor against Parti Warisan, Sabah STAR, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and among others.
Sabah will go to the polls on Nov 29.
