KOTA KINABALU: Warisan–Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Justin Wong said the allocation for the State Tourism Ministry should be higher, given that it has to be shared between tourism activities as well as environmental and biodiversity conservation.
By comparison, Wong said Sarawak has allocated RM323 million for the coming year, almost double Sabah’s allocation of RM174 million this year. Of the RM323 million, RM129 million has been specifically earmarked for development projects.
“The key lesson we can draw from Sarawak’s budget compared with Sabah’s is that the Sarawak Government has taken the initiative to build or upgrade its own tourism infrastructure,” said Wong when debating the 2026 Sabah Budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He said the Sabah Government should allocate at least 40 to 50 per cent of the existing allocation towards improving tourism facilities.
For example, existing tourism jetties need to be upgraded to accommodate the needs of international tourists, he said.
Wong said the tourist experience is the most important factor in determining whether Sabah will remain a preferred destination in the future.
“We may have the most attractive marketing slogans and promotional strategies, but if basic facilities such as toilets are in poor condition, this will create a negative image of Sabah,” he added.
He also asked the newly-appointed Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin about the status of the proposed Tawau Tourism Jetty, which was put forward by the previous minister.
A newspaper reported on June 6 that the ministry would build a tourism jetty in Tawau to enable ferry services to carry tourists between Tawau and Semporna on a fixed schedule, he said.
He expressed hope that the proposal would be realised, as it would offer tourists an alternative option to stop over and stay in Tawau for at least a few nights, thereby helping to stimulate the local economy.
Wong also proposed the establishment of a Tourism Events and Festivals Fund.
“The Sarawak Government allocates RM45 million annually to support tourism event and festival organisers to strengthen the state’s tourism industry through the organisation of diverse and attractive events,” he said.
He said local industry players remain concerned about the presence of illegal tourism operators in Sabah, particularly in the Kota Kinabalu and Semporna areas.
He asked the relevant minister and other related ministries how long enforcement action would continue to be delayed against these illegal operators. – Wu Vuide
Wong said the Sabah Government should allocate at least 40 to 50 per cent of the existing allocation towards improving tourism facilities.
